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Students interested in enrolling in a master’s in communication program in New York have a wide variety of programs and specializations to choose from. Currently, 18 schools in New York offer a total of 26 master’s in communication programs. Of these 26 programs, 18 are campus-based programs, and eight are online master’s in communication programs. Specialization options for master’s in communication programs in New York include: communication studies, corporate communication, public relations, public communication, organizational communication, strategic communication and strategic marketing communication, media communication, science communication, and more.
All the schools listed on this page are non-profit institutions of higher education that have received regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Campus-Based Master’s in Communication Programs in New York
Schools throughout the state of New York, from New York City to Rochester to Buffalo to Olean, offer master’s in communication programs. While most of these programs are offered through departments or schools of communication, several are offered through graduate schools of business, schools of professional studies, and departments of arts, math, and/or science and technology.
Master’s in Communication Programs in New York City (NYC)
The highest concentration of master’s in communication programs is in New York City, where Baruch College, Columbia University, New York University, St John’s University, and The City College of New York all offer a variety of master’s in communication programs. Baruch College’s (CUNY) Mildred and George Weissman School of Arts and Sciences offers a Master of Arts in Corporate Communication that trains students to engage in strategic business communications through classes in corporate communications, ethical and legal issues in corporate communication, research methods in corporate communication, media analysis, and international business communication.
Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies offers an Executive Master of Science in Strategic Communication that is designed for corporate leaders and experienced communication professionals who want to gain more skills in digital media, strategic communication, and organizational leadership. The School of Professional Studies also offers a Master of Science in Strategic Communication designed for communication professionals who want to hone their skills in strategic communication and learn how to apply new media technologies to communication projects. The Teachers College at Columbia University’s Department of Mathematics, Science & Technology offers a Master of Arts in Communications and Education, which is geared towards individuals who wish to become teachers in a field of communication and explores how education impacts social systems and culture.
| Online Master's in Communication Programs that Accept Students from NY | ||
|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | Online Master of Arts in Communication with Concentrations in Public and Media Relations, Political Communication, Health Communication, Digital Communication, and Corporate and Non-Profit Communication | Program Website |
| Pace University | Online Master of Arts in Communications and Digital Media with Optional Concentrations in Digital Filmmaking and Media Production, and Social Media and Public Relations | Program Website |
| Syracuse University | Online Master of Science in Communications with Specializations in Strategic Communications, Journalism Innovation, and Media Management | Program Website |
| Georgetown University | Online Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations & Corporate Communications | Program Website |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Online Master of Arts in Communication with Optional Concentrations in New Media & Marketing, and Public Relations | Program Website |
| Georgetown University | Online Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Marketing Communications | Program Website |
Fordham University’s Department of Communication and Media Studies offers a Master of Arts in Public Media program with two different tracks: Multiplatform Journalism and Strategic Communication. Both tracks aim to help students develop compelling storytelling skills and multimedia production expertise across a range of existing and emerging platforms. The Multiplatform Journalism track focuses primarily on developing and distributing stories and news reports through audio, video, and web content, while the Strategic Communication track is more geared towards public relations and marketing for nonprofits and the public sectors. Courses in the program are taught by media professionals from outlets such as CBS, WFUV, The New York Times, WNYC, and WNET.
New York University’s (NYU) Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development’s Department of Media, Culture, and Communication offers a Master’s in Media, Culture, and Communication that is geared towards academics and communication professionals who want to better understand how different forms of media and their effects intersect with political, cultural, and social contexts. NYU’s School of Professional Studies offers a Master of Science in Public Relations and Corporate Communication with specializations in Corporate and Organizational Communication, and Public Relations Management that trains students in communications ethics and law, public relations writing, social media objectives and strategies, research methodologies, the history, theory, and practice of public relations, media relations management, and strategic communications.
St. John’s University’s College of Professional Studies’ Department of Mass Communication, in Queens, offers a Master of Science in International Communication. This program teaches students important skills in global media management, strategic communications, campaign planning and implementation, employee training and human resources, public relations, and policy development.
The City College of New York’s (CUNY) Department of Media and Communication Arts offers a Master of Professional Studies in Branding + Integrated Communications, with tracks in Creative, Management/Planning, and Public Relations. The Creative track trains students in integrated, multi-platform communication strategies and 360 campaign development. The Management/Planning track focuses on data measurement and analytics, strategy through insights, communication campaign planning, and agency management. The Public Relations track features in-depth coursework on organizational branding, reputation management, influencer marketing, and integrated content development. This program teaches students how to help organizations create compelling, meaningful, and durable brand identities through a combination of strategic marketing, effective corporate communication, advanced public relations strategies, and collaborative creativity and curiosity.
Master’s in Communication Programs in Capital District
The University at Albany, a part of the SUNY system, offers a hybrid Master of Arts in Communication program through its Department of Communication. The program features four distinct areas of study: Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication, Organizational Communication, Political Communication, and Health Communication. After completing core courses in Communication Research Methods and Communication Theory and Practice, students select one of these four concentrations to focus on, building a curriculum in their particular area of interest. Courses are offered on campus, online, or as a combination of both, giving students flexibility in how they pursue their studies. For their graduation requirement, students can choose between completing an internship practicum or an original research project.
Master’s in Communication Programs in Westchester County
Iona College’s Department of Media & Strategic Communication, in New Rochelle, offers a Master of Arts in Sports Communication and Media that prepares students to engage with a wide variety of sports media and journalism, including game reporting and broadcasting, multimedia production and editing.
Manhattanville College’s School of Business, in Purchase, offers a Master of Science in Marketing Communication Management that prepares communication professionals for advanced roles in marketing, public relations, and media management for organizations. Students of this program take required courses in business strategy, public relations theory and practice, social media in business, marketing strategies for creating customer value, communications ethics and law, and effective communications strategy.
Master’s in Communication Programs in Central New York State
In central New York State, State University of New York at Oswego, commonly known as SUNY Oswego, offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication through its Department of Communication Studies. The degree can be pursued through a hybrid of campus and online study, or through entirely online coursework (see section below). Students who choose the hybrid option have three degree tracks available to them: Integrated and Social Networks, Health Communication, and Organizational Communication. A core curriculum consisting of Introduction to Strategic Communication, Applied Communication Theory, Applied Research Methods, and Global Media Literacy is required for all students. After completing the core courses, students take more focused coursework in their area of specialization. The Health Communication track, for example, features courses such as Interpersonal Communication in Health Care, Crisis Communication, Health Campaigns, and Healthcare Systems in the U.S.
Syracuse University’s Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies offers a Master of Arts in Communication and Rhetorical Studies that offers students advanced training in and in-depth knowledge of human language and interaction, contemporary rhetoric, and intercultural communication. This program features Areas of Specialty in Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies; Language and Social Interaction; and Rhetorical Theory and Criticism. Students in this program take two required courses that cover topics in language’s role in interaction and culture, as well as contemporary theories of rhetoric. From there, students take courses tailored to their area of specialty, which can include classes in intercultural discourse, health communication, digital media, power and equality, social advocacy, community activism, queer and feminist rhetoric, visual culture, and communication and climate change. For their final graduation requirement, students must complete an original research project.
Syracuse University also offers a Master’s in Public Diplomacy and Global Communications through its S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in partnership with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. This program prepares students to impact global policy and international relations through advanced training in public diplomacy communication, international affairs, public relations and public affairs. Courses in this program cover topics such as international actors and the issues they face, public relations research and writing, advanced public diplomacy, challenges to public security within the national and international arenas, and campaign planning and execution.
Master’s in Communication Programs in Western New York State
The University at Buffalo’s Department of Communication offers a Master of Arts in Communication that is geared towards students planning on pursuing doctoral-level communication studies post-graduation, or applying research-informed principles to campaigns at companies and organizations. This program gives students the option of exploring research areas such as Collective Cognitive Processes, International/Intercultural Communication Issues, Mathematical Modeling of Cognitive and Sociocultural Processes, Communication Technologies, Communication and Conflict Resolution, and Health Campaign Communication.
Rochester Institute of Technology’s School of Communication offers a Master of Science in Communication. This program combines humanities, communication, and social science research with advanced training in marketing, organizational communication, digital media strategy, and information technology. Students in this program take core courses in communication research methods, communication theories, and strategic communication before progressing to electives and a professional communication core. Electives in this program include courses in digital storytelling, communication design principles, artificial intelligence and communication, social media analytics and research, and communication and identity. Students can choose to complete a thesis, a research project, or a comprehensive examination and additional coursework as their culminating experience.
Online Master’s in Communication Programs in New York
In addition to the on-campus programs, several schools in the State of New York offer online master’s in communication programs. These programs may be ideal for students who are unable to commute to campus to attend in person lectures and discussions for personal or professional reasons.
Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business offers an Online Master of Science in Strategic Marketing Communications that provides students with knowledge of and skills in the latest communication technologies and strategies. Students take courses from the Gabelli School’s graduate offerings in marketing, media management, and corporate leadership, and attend one on-campus residency in New York City during their enrollment.
Marist College’s School of Communication and the Arts offers an Online Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication that trains students to employ different media forms and strategies into integrated marketing plans for organizations. Students take classes in the principles of integrated marketing communication, public relations management, the foundations of marketing, mobile marketing, advertising management, and public relations.
Pace University’s Dyson College of Arts and Sciences offers an online Master of Arts in Communications and Digital Media. This program trains students in professional writing for organizations, communications research, effective public speaking, new communication technologies, reputation management, creative media, media law, documentary production, and web architecture and design. Courses in this program cover topics such as media relations management, creative writing for media professionals, global communication, corporate and organizational communication, media law, and digital video production. Students also have the option to pursue a concentration in Digital Filmmaking and Media Production, or Social Media and Public Relations. Students who do not select a concentration are able to pick and choose electives from both concentrations to best meet their academic and career goals.
St. Bonaventure University’s Jandoli School of Communication offers an online Master of Arts in Communication with specializations in Content Marketing, Integrated Marketing Communications, and Public Relations. The specialization in Content Marketing teaches students how to plan strategic marketing content through audience research, design compelling visual and verbal campaigns, and utilize emerging communication technologies. The Integrated Marketing Communications specialization provides students with an understanding of how to combine marketing, creative messaging, public relations, and campaign management to create an integrated communications strategy for organizations. Finally, the Public Relations specialization prepares students to engage in public relations practices for a global audience, design crisis communication plans, manage events and media for partners and stakeholders, and oversee media relations for organizations.
Stony Brook University offers an online Master of Science in Science Communication that students can complete in as few as one and a half years of full-time study, and through completely online study. This program is offered through a partnership with the Alda Center for Communicating Science, which is a nationwide leader in advancing science communication and creating professional development programming for science communication professionals. Students of Stony Brook University’s MS program take required courses that cover the foundations of science communication, topics in communication research methods, communication strategies, inclusive engagement, and communication law and ethics. From there, students can choose from a wide variety of electives in areas such as communicating health risks to the public, using digital media to communicate science topics, conveying scientific issues to policy makers, environmental communication, and advanced communication research methods. For their final graduation requirement, students complete a capstone project in science communication under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
SUNY Oswego’s Department of Communication Studies offers their Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program online. While students who attend the campus program can choose from three specializations, only the Organizational Communication specialization is offered fully online. The curriculum and requirements are the same for both online and campus-based students in this concentration. Students complete the same set of core courses, before moving into specialized coursework in areas such as Interpersonal Communication in Organizations, Ethics and Conflict in Organizations, Intercultural Communication, and Organizational Leadership and Team Building. The online option uses asynchronous instruction, with no required campus visits.
Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications offers two online master’s in communication programs: an online Master of Science in Communications and an online Master of Science in Communications Management. The M.S. in Communications program offers specializations in Strategic Communications, Journalism Innovation, and Media Management. This program gives students advanced training in digital communication, multimedia storytelling, media strategizing and analysis, and communication management. The curriculum combines six core courses with three specialization-specific courses. Core courses cover topics such as digital and multimedia storytelling, media law, social media for professional communicators, advertising and public relations research design, content management and innovation, and leading diversity, equity, and inclusion within the communications space. Depending on their chosen specialization, students take courses in web and mobile story production, data-driven journalism, digital communications systems, marketing management, emerging media platforms, digital branding and strategy, public relations campaign planning and execution, and media industry leadership. The Master of Science in Communications program requires students to attend two immersion sessions and complete a capstone project. Students of the Media Management specialization are able to take courses in marketing management, business analytics, and strategic management through Syracuse’s Whitman School of Management.
The Master of Science in Communications Management is designed for working public relations professionals and is offered jointly by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and the Whitman School of Management. The M.S. in Communications Management features core courses offered by both the S.I. Newhouse School and the Whitman School; these courses give students skills in and knowledge of communication management in digital and new media contexts, advanced research for content development and analysis, and financial accounting and management. After completing the core courses, students take classes in marketing management, diversity and inclusion, industry leadership methods and strategies, social media management, and multimedia storytelling. Students are required to attend two in-person Media Industry Leadership and Change Immersions (one on the Syracuse University campus and the other at a different location depending on the immersion’s topic and guest speakers).
For more information about online master’s in communication programs and important considerations for students interested in completing their graduate degree online, please reference our Online Master’s in Communication Programs resource page.
Directory of Master’s in Communication Programs in New York
Search Online Master's in Communication Programs
All Master’s in Communication Programs in New York
Campus programs, 
Campus/Hybrid programs, 
Online programs (fully online to 2 campus visits per year), Hybrid-Online programs (3 to ~5 campus visits per year)
Baruch College (CUNY)
(New York)
Columbia University
(New York)
Fordham University
(New York)Iona College
(New Rochelle)Manhattanville College
(Purchase)Marist College
(Poughkeepsie)New York University
(New York)School of Professional Studies
Pace University
(Pleasantville)-
Learn more about the online Master of Arts in Communications and Digital Media - visit online.pace.edu
Rochester Institute of Technology
(Rochester)St. Bonaventure University
(Olean)St. John's University
(Queens)State University of New York at Oswego
(Oswego)Stony Brook University
(Stony Brook)Syracuse University
(Syracuse)-
Online M.S. in Communications Management
Learn more about the online M.S. in Communications Management program - visit onlinegrad.syracuse.edu
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Learn more about the online Master of Science in Communications program - visit onlinegrad.syracuse.edu
