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Texas has 24 schools that offer a total of 37 master’s in communication programs. The majority of these programs are offered in a traditional campus-based format, although eight of these are online master’s in communication programs. Universities throughout Texas from Canyon to Edinburg, El Paso, and Nacogdoches offer programs. Students interested in enrolling in a master’s in communication program in Texas have a wide range of specializations to choose from, including communication studies, strategic communication, health communication, interpersonal communication, technical communication, and public relations communication.
All of the programs listed on this page are non-profit educational institutions that have received regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Campus-Based Master’s in Communication Programs in Texas
There are 22 schools offering campus-based master’s in communication programs throughout the state. Unlike several other states that may have universities with graduate programs in communication concentrated primarily or exclusively in metropolitan areas, the universities in Texas that offer master’s in communication programs are more dispersed across both large cities and more rural areas.
Master’s in Communication Programs in North Texas
Dallas Baptist University’s Graduate School offers a Master of Arts in Communication with concentrations in Communication Leadership, Communication for Ministry, Communication Studies, Marketing Communication, Organizational Communication Management, Sports Communication, and Worship Studies. This program has a service, leadership, and religious focus, and includes core classes in advanced communication theory, group communication leadership, digital media communication, presentations, social media communication, and foundations of graduate communication studies. After the core curriculum, students progress to their concentration-specific courses, which can include classes such as communication in business, rhetoric and argumentation, intercultural communication, communication campaigns, marketing analysis, global communication, biblical servant leadership, sports marketing, and contemporary Christian ministry.
Tarleton State University in Fort Worth offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies through its Department of Communication Studies. The program uses a variety of formats, including online, hybrid, and traditional campus-based instruction, to give students flexibility in how they pursue their studies. The core curriculum consists of courses in Organizational Communication Theory, New Communication Technology, Applied Social Media, Social Media Strategy, Communication Ethics, Survey of Communication Research, and Communication Theory. In order to earn their degree, all students must successfully pass a comprehensive exam during the semester they intend to graduate. Tarleton State also offers two certificate programs, in Computer Mediated Communication and Organizational Communication, which can be incorporated into the master’s program.
Also located in Fort Worth, Texas Christian University’s (TCU) Bob Schieffer College of Communication offers a Master of Science in Communication Studies. Students take required classes in communication research methods and theory before progressing to classes in areas such as communication and social cognition, social networking in relationship formation, and communication and social influence. Students can elect to complete a master’s thesis or a comprehensive exam as their final graduation requirement. TCU also offers a Master of Science in Strategic Communication that features core classes in communication management and leadership, communication theory and ethics, and global strategic communication. Students can then take classes such as advertising and consumer behavior, and public relations management. Students must complete a thesis or a capstone project to graduate.
Master’s in Communication Programs in Central Texas
In Waco, Baylor University’s Department of Communication offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies with programs of study in Human Communication and Film and Digital Media. This program teaches students advanced topics in human communication and its role in organizational, sociocultural, and political contexts. Students can choose from courses in organizational communication, leadership in communication, public discourse and foreign policy, corporate communication, speech writing and delivery, and advanced rhetorical theory. Students have three options for their final graduation requirement: a master’s thesis, a professional project and accompanying paper, or a professional internship.
Texas State University in San Marcos offers three different master’s in communication programs through three separate departments. The Department of Communication Studies offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies with specializations in Rhetorical Studies, Communication Training and Development, Health Communication, Interpersonal Communication, and Instructional Communication. The Department of English offers a Master of Arts in Technical Communication that focuses on preparing students to work in technical and scientific settings. (While the majority of this program is online, students may be able to take some classes on campus, allowing them to pursue the degree in a hybrid format.) Finally, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication offers a Master of Arts in Mass Communication that features a flexible curriculum that trains students in mass communication theory and research, media law and ethics, media writing, and digital storytelling; this program also allows students to choose between a Thesis Track and a Professional Project Track.
The University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of Communication Studies offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies with areas of study in Interpersonal Communication, Organizational Communication and Technology, and Rhetoric and Language Studies (with a focus in Political Communication). Courses in this program include classes in health information, conflict and communication, discourse analysis, communication and cognition, quantitative and qualitative research methods, advocacy, and non-verbal communication. For their final graduation requirement, students can choose between a master’s thesis, an extended literature review, or a capstone project.
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Master’s in Communication Programs South Texas
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Department of Communication & Media offers a Master of Arts in Communication with tracks in Organizational Leadership, Strategic Communication, and Interpersonal Communication. This program features core classes that cover the fundamentals of communication scholarship, as well as advanced communication theory, research methodology, and cultural studies. Students then take decide on electives that fit their concentration and academic interests. All students must complete a comprehensive examination as their exit requirement, and may apply to complete a master’s thesis for course credit as part of their curriculum.
In Edinburg, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Department of Communication offers a Master of Arts in Communication, which is a flexible generalist program with electives that gives students options to prepare for careers in organizational, intercultural, interpersonal, public relations and marketing, mass media, and research-based communication careers. Students in this program take core classes in communication research and its applications, communication theory, and culture and communication, followed by electives in areas in different areas of communication. For their final graduation requirement, students must pass an oral and a written comprehensive exam.
The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Department of Communication offers a Master of Arts in Communication that prepares students for work in integrated communication in the private and public sectors. This program features areas of focus in Health Communication, Organizational Communication, New Media, International/Intercultural Communication, and Interpersonal Communication. Students must either complete a thesis or a capstone project in order to graduate.
The University of the Incarnate Word’s School of Media and Design, in San Antonio, offers a Master of Arts in Communication Arts with fields of study in Production, Print Media, and Convergent Media Delivery. All students, regardless of their chosen specialization, take classes in research and writing techniques, communication research methods, communication theory, and graduate studies in communication. Students either take a communication capstone course or complete a master’s thesis to graduate.
Master’s in Communication Programs in West Texas and the Panhandle
Abilene Christian University’s (ACU) Department of Communication and Sociology offers a Master of Arts in Communication that features core courses in communication theory, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and rhetorical analysis. The program boasts a wide range of electives, in areas such as interpersonal and intercultural communication, organizational communication, professional communication, crisis communication, advertising and public relations, and digital and multimedia storytelling. For their final graduation requirement, ACU offers students the choice between a thesis or a non-thesis option.
In San Angelo, Angelo State University’s Department of Communication and Mass Media offers a Master of Arts in Communication with optional certificates in Leadership and Organizational Communication; and Media and Professional Communication. Students take classes in quantitative and qualitative research methods, communication theory, and rhetorical analysis, and can then take electives in areas such as teaching in higher education, legal and ethical issues in communication, crisis communication, professional communication, advocacy, health communication, advertising and public relations development, diversity in communication, and corporate training and leadership. After the core courses, students can choose electives according to their interests. Students who wish to earn the Certificate in Leadership and Organizational Communication must take courses in organizational problem solving, managing diverse populations, and corporate training and leadership. Students who want to complete the Certificate in Media and Professional Communication take courses in crisis communication, communication technology, and new media. Students in this program either take a comprehensive examination or complete a master’s thesis as their final requirement.
In Lubbock, Texas Tech University’s (TTU) College of Media & Communication offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies and a Master of Arts in Mass Communications. The MA in Communication Studies features classes in organizational communication, theories of persuasion, critical research methods, and communication issues in healthcare. The MA in Mass Communications offers a Thesis Track for students who wish to pursue further graduate studies in academia, and a Professional Track for individuals seeking advanced industry roles in communication upon graduation; the Professional Track also has an optional concentration in Sports Media. TTU’s Department of English also offers a Master of Arts in Technical Communication that offers both online and campus-based courses and has areas of emphasis in Rhetoric, Composition, and Technology; Technical Communication; Rhetorics of Science and Healthcare; Technology, Culture, and Rhetoric; and Visual Rhetoric, New Media, and User-Centered Design.
In addition, TTU offers a Master of Science in Agricultural Communications through its College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. This program is designed to prepare students for advanced careers in both internal and external facing agricultural communications, including positions in public relations, marketing, government, agribusiness, and education. This program, which has both a thesis and a non-thesis option, includes courses in knowledge management, online media, advanced image design, communication research methods, education program development and evaluation, and risk and crisis communication specifically for organizations in the agriculture and natural resource industries.
The University of Texas at El Paso’s Department of Communication offers a Master of Arts in Communication that has courses such as introduction to graduate studies in communication, quantitative and qualitative research methods in communication, media and society, new communication technologies, organizational communication, and intercultural and international communication. Students must either complete a master’s thesis or a project that is approved by graduate faculty, and all students must pass an oral examination.
In Canyon, West Texas A&M University’s Department of Communication offers a Master of Arts in Communication with specializations in Communication Studies and Media Management. Students take core classes in rhetorical criticism, research methods, theories of communication, and the foundations of graduate communication studies. Students then choose electives such as corporate communication, the art of storytelling, organizational communication, contemporary issues in communication, media innovations, and gender communication. For their final graduation requirement, students can elect to complete a master’s thesis or an applied communication research project. This program also has an online version that is equivalent in curriculum content and structure; students of the campus program are also able to take some of their classes online to create a tailored hybrid program.
In addition to the generalist Master of Arts in Communication program, West Texas A&M University also offers a Master of Arts in Communication with a specialization in Media Management (MAMM). The MAMM program enables students to take 12 credit hours of electives from the University’s College of Business, for an interdisciplinary course of study that focuses on the intersection of business management and communication strategy. The culminating experience for the MAMM program is an applied research project. Prospective students should note that the MAMM program has a separate application process from the generalist MA in Communication program at West Texas A&M University.
Master’s in Communication Programs in East Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast
Located in Houston, Texas Southern University’s School of Communication offers a Master of Arts in Communication program with concentrations in Professional Communication and Digital Media; Health Communication; Media Studies; and Organizational Communication. Coursework and credit hours vary by concentration, but in general all students regardless of concentration are required to take courses that cover the foundations of communication processes, communication research, before embarking on courses that are tailored to their desired profession. Each program concentration requires a total of eight to nine foundational and concentration courses, as well as three electives. The program is designed for students interested in either theory or practice, with a broad range of courses that examine both research in the field of human communication, modern media forms and their applications, and the media management process in journalism, global communication contexts, health care settings, and more.
The University of Texas at Arlington offers a Master of Arts in Communication with areas of study in Mass Communication and Communication Studies. Classes offered in this program include advanced theories and research methods in communication, theories in persuasion, corporate communication strategies, internet-based marketing communication, advanced professional communication, media management, communication campaigns, and global communication. Students can complete a thesis for credit or take additional approved coursework as their final graduation requirement.
The University of Texas at Tyler’s Department of Communication offers a campus-based Master of Arts in Communication with areas of focus in Journalism and Speech Communication. This program has courses in the literature of journalism, human communication theory, quantitative and qualitative research methods in communication, mass media and culture, leadership and group dynamics, non-verbal communication, and intercultural communication. Students have the option of completing a master’s thesis or a comprehensive examination as their final graduation requirement.
The University of Houston’s Jack J. Valenti School of Communication offers a Master of Arts in Communication with concentrations in Mass Communication Studies, Public Relations Studies, and Health Communication Studies. Students take core classes in quantitative and qualitative research methods, followed by electives that they choose in collaboration with an advisor, and which may cover concepts in mass communication, organizational communication, leadership in communication, health literacy, e-health and telemedicine, propaganda, and multicultural health communication. Students have both thesis and non-thesis options for their final graduation requirement; students of the non-thesis track must take a comprehensive examination.
The Department of English at the University of Houston – Downtown (UHD) offers a Master of Science in Technical Communication (MSTC) program. Students can tailor their degree based on their desired career path, choosing to focus their studies on intercultural communication, science and medical communication, usability research, public relations, instructional design, or communications management. There are two required core courses: Foundations of Professional and Technical Communication and Rhetorical Theory and Criticism. Students must also take a total of three courses (one course each) in the areas of theory, application, and research. They can then choose from a wide range of electives to round out their studies, such as Advanced Medial Writing, Visual Design Theory, Project Management, Public Relations and Media, Intercultural and World Communication, and Grant Writing for Nonprofit Management. UHD offers the choice of completing a thesis, capstone project, comprehensive exam, or seminar paper as a “Final Experience.” All students must also compile and submit a graduate portfolio in their last semester, showcasing work completed during the program.
In Denton, the University of North Texas’ (UNT) Department of Communication Studies offers a Master’s in Communication Studies with concentrations in Interpersonal/Organizational Communication, Performance Studies, and Rhetorical Studies. Students take classes such as pedagogy and communication, performative writing, communication and aging, and rhetorical methods and theories. Students must complete either a master’s thesis or a written and oral examination along with either an internship or a research paper. UNT’s Department of Technical Communication offers a Master of Arts in Professional and Technical Communication that features courses in visual technical communication, writing for the sciences, digital literacies, technical editing, and grant and proposal writing.
Online Master’s in Communication Programs in Texas
In addition to the many campus-based options for residents of Texas seeking their master’s in communication degree, there are six schools in Texas that offer online master’s in communication programs. Online programs may be a good option for students who do not want to commute to campus or who cannot commute to campus due to personal or work-related responsibilities. While online programs are typically more flexible than campus-based programs, they require more self-discipline and self-motivation from students to keep up with course materials and submit assignments by set due dates. Online degree programs are not for everyone, as some students may be better suited for the structure of traditional campus-based programs.
Sam Houston State University in Huntsville offers an online Master of Arts in Communication Studies with focus areas in Gendered Communication, Health Communication, and Interpersonal and Family Communication. The program features required courses in Communication Studies Methods and Research, Statistical Methods for Communication, Advanced Family Communication, and Advanced Interpersonal Communication, followed by electives in areas such as computer mediated communication, intercultural communication, health communication, risk communication, persuasion and social influence, and relationship communication.
The Department of Mass Communication at Stephen F. Austin State University offers an online Master of Arts in Mass Communication that requires students to take classes in media research methods, media and society, media theory, and media law and ethics. Students then have the flexibility to take classes in areas such as media history, international media, advertising and public relations, journalism, broadcasting, and independent study. Students must complete either a master’s thesis or a media project for their final graduation requirement.
As mentioned above, Texas State University offers an online Master of Arts in Technical Communication program through its Department of English. Students can pursue the degree entirely online, or choose to take some courses on campus, if they wish. The curriculum is comprised of required courses in Foundations in Technical Communication and Rhetorical Theory, “technologically-focused” courses, electives, and either an internship or thesis. For the technologically-focused portion of their studies, students can choose from courses such as Digital and Print Document Design, Digital Media and the Web, Technical Editing, International Technical Communication, Software Documentation, or Computers and Writing. Examples of recommended electives include Language Problems in a Multicultural Environment, Studies in Language and Linguistics, and Editing the Professional Publication.
Texas Tech University’s College of Media and Communication offers an online Master’s in Strategic Communication and Innovation program with classes in mass communication theory, media management and entrepreneurship, strategic communication planning, organizational communication, and strategic global communication. Students complete a final applied research project that allows them to investigate a topic of interest within their field. TTU’s Department of English also offers an online version of its Master of Arts in Technical Communication that is equivalent in curriculum structure, course offerings, and specialization options to its campus-based program. Finally, TTU’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources offers an online version of its Master of Science in Agricultural Communications, which offers the same courses, thesis and non-thesis options, and faculty mentorship opportunities as the campus-based version.
The University of North Texas offers an online Master of Science in Digital Communication Analytics that prepares marketing, advertising, public relations, and other industry media professionals to use data analytics and visualization to gain insights for optimizing media strategies and campaigns. Students take eight required courses in digital communication analytics, social media analytics, qualitative and quantitative research methods, data visualization, and computer graphics for mediated communication. They can then progress to elective courses that they select in consultation with their advisor. Students’ culminating experience in the program is a Capstone Seminar during which they complete an intensive research project on digital communication analytics, receiving feedback and support from the seminar instructor and their class peers.
West Texas A&M University offers an online version of its Master of Arts in Communication program, which is equivalent in curriculum content and structure to the campus-based MA in Communication program. Students can take courses in areas such as corporate communication, public relations, rhetorical criticism, mass communication, cultural studies, and the arts. As with the campus-based program, students of the online Master of Arts in Communication program can choose to complete a master’s thesis or an applied communication research project as their culminating experience. Students of the online MA in Communication program can elect to take some of their courses on-campus, creating a hybrid program, according to their availability.
Directory of Master’s in Communication Programs in Texas
| Online Master's in Communication Programs that Accept Students from Texas | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Arizona State University | Online Master of Arts in Communication (Organizational/Workplace Communication) | Program Website |
| West Virginia University | Online Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications with Specializations in Creative Strategy, Data Marketing Communications, Digital and Social Media, Healthcare Communication, Higher Education Marketing, Management, and Public Relations Leadership | Program Website |
| Georgetown University | Online Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations & Corporate Communications | Program Website |
| Georgetown University | Online Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Marketing Communications | Program Website |
All Master’s in Communication Programs in Texas
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)
Abilene Christian University
(Abilene)Angelo State University
(San Angelo)Baylor University
(Waco)Dallas Baptist University
(Dallas)Sam Houston State University
(Huntsville)Stephen F. Austin State University
(Nacogdoches)Tarleton State University
(Fort Worth)
Texas A&M International University
(Laredo)Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
(Corpus Christi)Texas Christian University
(Fort Worth)Texas Southern University
(Houston)Texas State University
(San Marcos)School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Texas Tech University
(Lubbock)-
Master of Arts in Communication Studies (Generalist Program with Electives)
Interview with Brian L. Ott, Ph.D. - Texas Tech University
- Interview with Coy Callison, Ph.D. - Texas Tech University
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Online Master's in Strategic Communication & Innovation
Interview with Kristi S. Gilmore, Ph.D., APR - Texas Tech University
The University of Texas at Arlington
(Arlington)The University of Texas at Austin
(Austin)The University of Texas at El Paso
(El Paso)The University of Texas at San Antonio
(San Antonio)The University of Texas at Tyler
(Tyler)The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
(Edinburg)University of Houston
(Houston)University of Houston - Downtown
(Houston)University of North Texas
(Denton)Department of Technical Communication
Mayborn School of Journalism
