online phd marketing communications

Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

We rank the best online PhD degree programs in communications.

Key Takeaways

• A number of graduate schools offer an online PhD in communications.
• A communications PhD program is a good fit for students with an interest in linguistics, media studies, organizational communication, post-secondary education, and more.
• The best online communication doctorates are regionally and programmatically accredited and prepare students for success in the job market.

Featured Programs

Online doctoral degree programs are growing in availability and credibility. However, only a select number of universities offer a full selection of PhD in communication programs online.

In most fields, an online PhD is considered a terminal degree, which means it is the highest degree that you can earn in your field. This means that online doctoral programs for PhD students in communication can lead to opportunities for leadership, public consultation, research, and post-secondary education in your field.

Online PhD in communication candidates are typically already working at a high level in their field. This means that students seeking their doctorate must balance existing work and personal responsibilities with a challenging course of education. For many graduate students, online courses and fully online programs provide a way to achieve this balance.

For a look at how these online doctoral programs stack up against traditional on campus programs, check out our look at the The Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees .

Or see the complete University Rankings Guide .

Otherwise, read on and learn more about how you can earn an online PhD in communication through a top-ranked online doctorate program.

About Accredited Online PhD in Communication Degree Programs

Online doctoral students have plenty of options, but quality and credibility are important when it comes to finding an online PhD. The best online doctorate programs will have proper accreditation:

• Institutional Accreditation : Accreditation is vital for online doctoral programs. It signifies that the online PhD programs offered by the graduate school are in compliance with the standards of a Department of Education-approved accrediting body.

A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its online doctorate candidates. When looking for an online doctoral program, seek out options with accreditation from a colleges and schools commission in your region. This stamp of approval is critical for ensuring the quality and credibility of your online program.

• Programmatic Accreditation : In addition to institutional accreditation, look for online doctorate degree programs with programmatic accreditation. Specialized programmatic accreditation can be an indication that certain online PhD programs are respected in your field. The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) is the key specialized accrediting agency in communications.
• Carnegie Classification : The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, or as it is more commonly known, the Carnegie Classification, is a framework for categorizing all accredited, degree-granting institutions in the United States. Originally formulated in 1970 by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and administered through the University of Indiana’s Center for Postsecondary Research since 2014, the Carnegie Classification is “the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.”

Under this classification, top research universities for doctoral degrees and PhD candidates are identified as either R2: Doctoral Universities for “high research activity” or R1: Doctoral Universities for “very high research activity.” Look for these classifications when considering options for your online Phd programs.

Key Point: The best online doctoral programs will have both institutional and programmatic accreditation.

Admission Requirements

Schools that offer online doctorate programs have different admission requirements. However, most online doctoral in communication programs will carry the same basic threshold for admission:

• A completed online application
• Official undergraduate college transcripts
• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• GRE scores, MAT scores, or GMAT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal interviews
• Personal statement or essay
• Plan of study

Key Point: In some cases, you’ll be eligible to enter a doctoral degree online after earning a bachelor’s degree. However, manyu specialized online PhD programs may require you to have earned a master’s degree as well.

Curriculum and Courses

As with other advanced degree and graduate programs, research is the central component of your online communications doctoral program. This is true for fully online doctorate degrees as well as hybrid degrees combining online education with traditional on-campus courses.

Regardless of whether you complete a traditional, hybrid or online doctoral program, the typical time to completion is three to five years.

The typical components of your online PhD program may include:

Foundational Courses

Your online PhD program will typically begin with a number of core courses in areas like technical communication, mass communication, strategic communication, and more. You will likely also take foundational courses in your area of concentration.

PhD program concentrations may include media and communication studies, health communication, political communication, and more. Foundational courses will also provide critical research skills including how to apply both quantitative research methods and qualitative research methods. You may be able to complete many of your communications program requirements through online classes.

Examinations for PhD Candidacy

Many online doctoral students are required to complete certain examinations to enter into online PhD candidacy. This will typically occur after you’ve completed one to two years of foundational courses.

Dissertation

The central component of most online PhD in communications programs will be the completion of a dissertation. After gaining status as an online PhD candidate, you will typically work closely with a professorial advisor or mentor to develop an original research question.

This research question will form the basis of your dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this research question through applied research. While you will work closely with your advisor or mentor, much of your dissertation will be rooted in independent research. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.

Oral Defense

Upon completion of the written portion of your dissertation—which will typically present the findings from your original research project—you will be expected to defend your findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in your field. PhD candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.

Teaching Requirements

Some online PhD programs will also include a teaching component, which will require you to work as an adjunct professor or teacher’s assistant in an undergraduate or graduate school. It may be possible for students in the online doctoral degree program to also serve teaching requirements by instructing online students.

Key Point: The online communications PhD is a research-focused degree. Your dissertation will be a central part of your online doctoral degree program.

Careers for Students Who Complete Online Communications Doctoral Degree Programs

Accredited online doctoral programs are generally terminal degree programs. This means that students who complete credible online doctoral programs in their field are generally eligible for top positions and opportunities in their field. This may indicate high paying opportunities for public policy research, post-secondary education, and editorship.

For instance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the top 10% of earners in the field of Editing earned nearly $130,000 in 2021.

These higher earnings are reflective of the rarified professional opportunities that await those with a PhD in communications. Working professionals who earn an accredited online doctorate may be eligible to work in the following areas.

• Marketing and Consumer Research
• Publishing and Editing
• Public Relations
• Post-Secondary Education
• Public Policy Consultation
• Political Campaign Management

Key Points: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students with a doctorate n communications will earn more than graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

What’s the difference between online doctoral programs and online PhD programs?

Technically, a PhD is a type of doctorate degree. This means that all online PhD candidates are doctoral students. By contrast, not all doctoral students are PhD candidates.

The primary distinction is that doctoral students are primarily focused on putting existing theories into practice. Depending on your chosen field, your online doctoral degree may require participation in an educational leadership program, engagement in clinical practice, work as a resident in a nursing program, and much more.

By contrast, online PhD students are focused on creating new knowledge in their area of study. This usually means that online PhD candidates are focused on introducing new theories, creating research projects around these theories, and presenting new findings that demonstrate a mastery of existing knowledge and the insight to introduce new ideas into the field.

Today, more working professionals than ever before are pursuing both online doctoral degrees and online Phd programs.

The Best Online Communications Doctorates (PhDs)

The online PhDs and doctorates in communication identified here are ranked based on influence, with weighting for graduation rate and full-time online enrollment.

University of Alabama

• #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #10 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #25 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Health Science
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #6 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #6 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #6 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #6 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #6 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
• #8 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #11 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #14 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #15 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #17 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #21 Best Online Master's in Management
• #21 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #11 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Alabama

University of Alabama’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Social Work
• Mathematics
• Anthropology
• Political Science
• Engineering

Most Influential Alumni

• Edward O. Wilson
• Timothy Leary
• George Armitage Miller
• Bernie Madoff
• Nathan Jacobson
• John Ridley Stroop
• George W. Snedecor
• Mohammad Ataul Karim

What do we love about University of Alabama?

University of Alabama was founded in the city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1820. Emerging in the immediate aftermath of Alabama’s statehood, Bama is the oldest institution of higher learning in Alabama.

And today, a student body of more than 38,000 undergraduates and postgraduates makes this public research university the largest school in the state of Alabama.

University of Alabama’s Communication and Information Sciences doctoral degree program is noted for its multidisciplinary approach to the study of communication and information sciences.

Enjoy a strong athletics program. The University of Alabama Crimson Tide enjoy a heated cross-state rivalry with the Tigers of Auburn University.

Prefer a more intimate learning environment. University of Alabama is noted for the size of its student body, the scope of its academic offerings, and the expansiveness of its campus facilities.

American University

• #3 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024
• #4 Best Grad Schools in DC 2024
• #4 Best Colleges in DC 2024
• #9 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
• #4 Best Online MBA Programs in DC
• #7 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #12 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #15 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #4 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree

Career Outlook for Communications degree at American University

What do we love about american university.

American University is a private research university located in Washington D.C. American University was actually formed by an act of Congress in 1893.

Today, American University is home to more than 8000 undergraduates and more than 6000 graduate students.

Its doctoral-level communications program demonstrates the close connection between American University and the city it calls home. The AU School of Communication’s Doctor of Philosophy in Communication gives PhD candidates a chance to conduct independent research at the intersection of media, technology, and democracy. /p>

Have an interest in public service, political affairs, and government work. Its location in the nation’s capital makes American University a feeder school for many government opportunities.

Are seeking a more affordable degree program. American University provides generous student amenities but these expenses are reflected in the cost of attendance.

University of Colorado Boulder

• #1 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2024
• #2 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Earth Sciences
• Computer Science
• George Gaylord Simpson
• Sidney Altman
• Scott Carpenter
• Jeffrey Beall
• Jack Williamson
• Steven M. Wise
• Marc Bekoff
• Kenneth R. Miller
• Terrence Deacon
• Theodore Maiman
• Eugene Myers

What do we love about the University of Colorado Boulder?

The University of Colorado Boulder was founded in 1876 and was, in fact, established five months before Colorado achieved statehood. This makes it the flagship university in the state’s public university system.

The University of Colorado Boulder, located in the mid-sized city of Boulder, is home to a decidedly large student population. Roughly 38,000 students are currently in pursuit of their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Boulder.

Among its noteworthy graduate degree programs, the University of Colorado Boulder offers a PhD in Communication to students who have earned a master’s degree in a related subject.

Are pursuing advanced degrees. Boulder ranks among R1: Doctoral Universities, so noted for their very high level of research activity.

Are looking for an intimate college experience. Though the Boulder campus is routinely ranked among the most beautiful colleges in the nation, it is also the largest school in the state of Colorado.

Clemson University

• #2 Best Research Universities in South Carolina 2024
• #2 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in South Carolina 2024
• #2 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2024
• #2 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #4 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #4 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
• #9 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
• #9 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #11 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #18 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
• #18 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #20 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #20 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #24 Best Online Master’s in Engineering

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Clemson University

Clemson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• James Dickey
• Strom Thurmond
• John Edwards
• Jo Jorgensen
• Anthony Bradley
• James F. Byrnes
• Warren E. Dixon
• Dolph Lundgren
• Thomas Naylor
• Horace Grant
• Dwight Clark
• Deshaun Watson

What do we love about Clemson University?

Clemson University was founded in 1889 and began life as the Clemson Agricultural College. Today, the public land-grant university occupies 1400 acres alongside Lake Hartwell in Clemson, South Carolina.

With more than 25,000 students pursuing degrees at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Clemson University ranks as the second largest university in the state of South Carolina.

Clemson is included in the list of R1: Doctoral Universities, those noted for their high level of research activity. Clemson offers an array of unique advanced degree programs, such as its doctoral program in Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design , which emphasizes “an overall balance of ecologies in rhetorics and communication with emphasis on rhetorics and digital information design.”

Enjoy college athletics. Clemson’s Tigers enjoy an enormous cultural presence both on campus and in the surrounding region.

Are looking for a college in a lively area. Clemson is located in the foothills of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, but this also means that the university is a two hour drive from the nearest city.

Texas Tech University

• #7 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's in English
• #2 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
• #2 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #4 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs
• #4 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
• #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #8 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #8 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
• #8 The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #9 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #10 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #11 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #12 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
• #14 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #14 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #14 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #15 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #15 Best Online Master’s in Education
• #16 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #20 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #20 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
• #23 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
• #23 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Texas Tech University

What do we love about texas tech university.

Texas Tech University began life as the Texas Technical College with its founding 1923. Based in Lubbock, Texas Tech is considered the primary institution among the five schools making up the Texas Tech University System.

Taking its present name in 1969, Texas Tech University would become the sixth-largest institution in the state of Texas. Today, there are more than 40,000 students earning degrees at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the public research university.

Texas Tech is particularly noteworthy as a destination for prospective PhDs. Texas Tech is classified among R1: Doctoral Universities, so noted for their very high research activity. This includes opportunities for doctoral level students interested in Texas Tech’s PhD in Media and Communication .

Like a college with strong school spirit. Students repeatedly note that the school spirit is a major feature of campus life, which can make Texas Tech feel like one big community.

Are looking for a small campus. Like a lot of other things in Texas, Texas Tech is a sprawling campus. Students note that the sheer distance of walking between classes can sometimes be exhausting.

Colorado State University

• #3 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
• #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2024
• #4 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024
• #4 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #5 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
• #9 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
• #24 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Colorado State University

Colorado State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Jean Bethke Elshtain
• Steve Hanke
• Yusef Komunyakaa
• Elaine Ingham
• Mark Mattson
• Rebecca Skloot
• Ibrahim Abdulaziz Al-Assaf
• William Tietz
• James van Hoften
• Jenna Ellis
• Martin J. Fettman
• Anwar al-Awlaki

What do we love about Colorado State University?

Colorado State University was formed in 1870 as the flagship institution in what would become the Colorado state school system. The Fort Collins-based public research university is noted today for including the biomedical sciences, engineering, environmental science, and more.

Colorado State University was formed as a small agricultural school in the years leading up to Colorado’s 1876 statehood. Today, Colorado State serves more than 34,000 students.

Colorado State University is noted for its top-ranked graduate courses and degree programs, such as its PhD in Communication .

Are pursuing careers in healthcare. Colorado State ranks high for spending on its various medical sciences programs.

Are seeking a small campus experience.

University of North Dakota

• #1 Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in North Dakota
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs in North Dakota
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Online Colleges in North Dakota 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Montana
• #6 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #3 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Communications
• Phil Jackson
• Maxwell Anderson
• Vilhjalmur Stefansson
• Chuck Klosterman
• Thomas McGrath
• George A. Lundberg
• Jonathan Toews
• Michael Rustad

What do we love about the University of North Dakota?

The University of North Dakota’s history actually predates North Dakota statehood by a full six years. Formed in 1883 by the Dakota Territorial Assembly, this Grand Forks-based university began as a liberal arts institution before expanding to include scientific research.

Today, the University of North Dakota is classified among R2: Doctoral Universities, noted for their high level of research activity. UND is currently home to more than 13,000 students pursuing degrees at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The University of North Dakota is noted for its excellent array of doctoral level research programs such as its Communication PhD .

Are seeking options for getting involved. Current students praise the wide range of clubs and activities offered to UND students.

Don’t have a high tolerance for cold weather. Temperatures on campus dip well below freezing throughout the winter months.

Liberty University

• #1 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #3 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #7 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2024
• #8 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2024
• #9 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #19 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #1 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate in Economics
• #1 Best Online Associate in Philosophy
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Degree Programs
• #1 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024
• #1 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate in Education
• #1 Best Online Associate in Mathematics
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs
• #2 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
• #2 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs
• #2 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
• #2 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
• #2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
• #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
• #3 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
• #3 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Theology
• #3 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
• #3 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
• #3 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #4 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
• #4 Best Online Associate in Accounting
• #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
• #4 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois
• #4 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #4 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #4 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #4 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Best Online Associate in Psychology
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #5 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
• #7 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #7 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
• #7 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #7 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #8 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
• #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
• #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Associate's in Physics
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #9 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #11 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #11 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
• #11 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
• #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #12 Best Online Master's in Project Management
• #12 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
• #12 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #16 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
• #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #17 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #18 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
• #18 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #18 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
• #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #23 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #25 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
• #25 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Associate's of Counseling Degree Programs
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
• #5 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
• #5 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
• #6 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #6 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs
• #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
• #14 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Liberty University

What do we love about liberty university.

Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world as well as one of the largest private non-profit universities in the U.S. Much of this size is based on its online enrollment.

Liberty University enrolls roughly 15,000 residential students across its 17 colleges, and an additional 80,000 through its extensive online course and degree offerings.

Liberty University is noted for the sheer volume of advanced degrees and online degrees earned by its student body. With more than 47,000 students pursuing advanced degrees, Liberty offers an extremely wide range of online doctoral programs, including its PhD in Communication Online program.

Wish to attend the world’s largest seminary—Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity.

Students who do not identify with Evangelical Christianity.

Regent University

• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
• #2 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
• #2 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
• #3 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
• #3 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #4 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #5 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
• #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Associate in Psychology
• #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
• #7 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology
• #7 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's in Theology
• #7 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
• #8 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #8 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
• #8 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024
• #9 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #9 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
• #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's of Theology Degree Programs in 2024
• #10 Best Online Associate in General Studies
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
• #10 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
• #15 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
• #16 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #17 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #19 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
• #21 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #23 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #24 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #24 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #8 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
• #10 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #13 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Regent University

What do we love about regent university.

Regent University is a private Christian University that provides an array of both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Founded in 1977 by Southern Baptist Minister Pat Robertson, Regent University offers a wide range of both online and on-campus degree programs.

Regent University serves more than 10,000 students today, with many pursuing online degrees at the master’s and doctoral degree levels.

Regent University is also noteworthy for its extremely diverse range of online doctoral degree programs, including an Online PhD in Communication .

Are pursuing advanced degrees online. More than 60% of Regent’s students are in post-graduate programs.

Prefer a secular educational experience.

Walden University

• #2 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #3 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #4 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #5 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #5 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #6 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #7 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #7 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #8 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #10 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
• #10 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #12 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #2 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #6 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
• #8 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #11 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
• #18 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Walden University

What do we love about walden university.

Walden University is a private online school with headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Walden operates on a for-profit business model.

Walden University was established in 1970 with the goal of helping working adults–specifically those in education–earn their doctoral degree. Today, Walden serves nearly 50,000 students in countless areas of study.

Walden University offers several online doctoral programs through its Departement of Business Administration and Communication including its PhD in Management, which is available as both a full program and a completion program.

Are studying nursing, public health, and healthcare administration. Walden is one of the nation’s top degree providers in these fields.

Plan to earn PhDs in psychology. Walden’s PhDs do not have accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA).

Other Options for Aspiring Communication PhDs

Students considering an online doctoral in communications should also check out the best on-campus options to compare features like cost, curriculum, acceptance rate, and more.

New York University

• #13 Best Universities in the World 2024
• #23 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in New York 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities in New York 2024
• #2 Best Grad Schools in New York 2024
• #2 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
• #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #1 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #1 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Best Online Master's in Management
• #2 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #3 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
• #5 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #10 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at New York University

New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Erich Fromm
• Robert Mueller
• Martha Nussbaum
• John Archibald Wheeler
• Glenn Greenwald
• Howard Zinn
• Eric Kandel
• Lewis Mumford
• Alvin Toffler
• Louis Nirenberg

University of Michigan

• #4 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
• #9 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #9 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #11 Best Universities in the World 2024
• #22 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Health Science
• #1 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #1 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #1 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #2 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #3 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #4 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #6 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
• #7 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Michigan

University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Claude Shannon
• Arthur Miller
• Alvin Plantinga
• George Dantzig
• Edgar F. Codd
• Hans-Hermann Hoppe
• Stephen Smale
• Urie Bronfenbrenner
• John Henry Holland
• Amos Tversky
• Marshall Sahlins

Boston University

• #3 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #25 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #1 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
• #1 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
• #2 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's in Project Management
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #3 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #3 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #3 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #4 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
• #5 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #7 Best Online Master's in Management
• #7 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #13 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #1 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #15 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #22 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Boston University

Boston University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Religious Studies
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Sheldon Glashow
• Neal Stephenson
• Norman Vincent Peale
• Tipper Gore
• Albert-László Barabási
• Kim Stanley Robinson
• Bernard Berenson
• Daniel C. Tsui
• Bill Simmons

University of Texas at Austin

• #22 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #23 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools In Texas 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #19 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #22 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #25 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #2 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #2 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #5 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #6 Best Online Master's in Management
• #11 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #18 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Walter Cronkite
• Bill Moyers
• Edsger W. Dijkstra
• Robert Rauschenberg
• Bruce Sterling
• C. Wright Mills
• Neil deGrasse Tyson
• Steven Best
• J. M. Coetzee
• Robert Taylor
• Abhay Ashtekar

University of Southern California

• #19 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #2 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities in California 2024
• #4 Best Grad Schools California 2024
• #5 Best Colleges in California 2024
• #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #5 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #19 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #19 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #22 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #1 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
• #1 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #1 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #1 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #1 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
• #1 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs
• #1 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #1 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #1 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #1 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
• #1 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
• #1 Best Online Master's in Project Management
• #1 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in California
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #2 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
• #2 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #2 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #3 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #4 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #5 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online Master's in Management
• #5 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
• #17 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Southern California

University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Criminal Justice
• Frank Gehry
• Neil Armstrong
• Jack L. Warner
• John Mearsheimer
• Boris Podolsky
• Michael D. Griffin
• Maulana Karenga
• O. J. Simpson
• Robert Ballard

Learn more with a look at our List of Online Programs .

• Harvard Business School →
• Doctoral Programs →
• PhD Programs
• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)
• Organizational Behavior
• Technology & Operations Management
• Program Requirements

Curriculum & Coursework

Our programs are full-time degree programs which officially begin in August. Students are expected to complete their program in five years. Typically, the first two years are spent on coursework, at the end of which students take a field exam, and then another three years on dissertation research and writing.

The Marketing program draws on computer science, economics, behavioral science, and psychological methods to focus on marketing problems faced by the firm and its management. Through a combination of discipline- and field-based methods, the curriculum enables students to master concepts and research skills directly relevant to business problems. Candidates must come to understand the point of view of practicing managers and be able to bring theory and careful research to bear in illuminating important business problems.

The program requires a minimum of 13 semester-long doctoral courses. Students in the Marketing program are required to complete a year-long discipline sequence typically in microeconomics or psychology. They also complete courses in the areas of machine learning, computer science, statistics, research methods, academic field seminars, and two MBA elective curriculum courses. In addition to HBS courses, students often take courses at other Harvard Schools and MIT.

Research & Dissertation

Students in Marketing begin research in their first year typically by working with a faculty member. By their third and fourth years, most students are launched on a solid research and publication stream. The dissertation may take the form of three publishable papers or one longer dissertation.

Recent examples of doctoral thesis research include: The effects of brand extensions on the value of parent brands; Multi-method examination of the consumption of “knockoffs” of high status brands, and the counter-intuitive positive outcomes for consumer-brand relationships; Competitive analysis of pricing and quality decisions in industries with strictly complimentary products; The psychological effects of pricing, and how these affect consumers and firms; and "Choice amnesia," the motivated forgetting of difficult decisions.

Mengjie "Magie" Cheng

Ta-Wei "David" Huang

“ Finding an advisor who you really click with and who is willing to support your research interests is absolutely key. ”

Current HBS Faculty

• Tomomichi Amano
• Eva Ascarza
• Max H. Bazerman
• David E. Bell
• Alison Wood Brooks
• Julian De Freitas
• Rohit Deshpande
• Anita Elberse
• Sunil Gupta
• Ayelet Israeli
• Leslie K. John
• Hyunjin Kim
• Edward McFowland III
• Das Narayandas
• Michael I. Norton
• V. Kasturi Rangan
• Isamar Troncoso
• Jeremy Yang
• Shunyuan Zhang

Current Marketing Students

• Stuti Agarwal
• Mengjie (Magie) Cheng
• Jingpeng Hong
• Ta-Wei (David) Huang
• Sihan Zhai

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Recent placement, jimin nam, 2024, byungyeon kim, 2022, emily prinsloo, 2023, ximena garcia-rada, 2021, serena hagerty, 2022, dafna goor, 2020.

2024 Best Online PhD in Digital Marketing [Doctorate Guide]

A PhD in Digital Marketing online program can give you the opportunity to specialize in business research. A PhD is also one of the highest educational qualifications that you can get in the field.

Digital marketing is an innovative and future-ready field, and it’s already essential for many businesses. In a digital marketing PhD program, you can work toward becoming a domain expert and get firsthand experience with research.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

With the growing number of distance learning options, it’s now more convenient than ever to earn this lucrative doctorate.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate in Digital Marketing Degree Program

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

California Baptist University

California Baptist University offers a Doctor of Business Administration online program. This is a 56-unit program created for working adults. It can potentially be completed in as little as 3 years, including the dissertation. Classes are 8 weeks long and are taught by credentialed faculty with real-world business experience.

California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Concordia University – Chicago

Concordia University—Chicago offers a Doctorate in Business Administration that can be earned entirely online. It requires the completion of 60 credit hours and can potentially be completed in just 3 years.

Two specializations are available within the program: Innovation in Health Care Management and Strategic Leadership and Innovation.

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

George Fox University

George Fox University offers a Doctor of Business Administration. Concentrations are available in Accounting, Management, and Business Analytics. This is an online program that follows a cohort model. There are two required in-person sessions in Newberg, Oregon.

Students typically spend 3 years on coursework and 1 year completing a dissertation.

George Fox University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers a Doctor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing (Quantitative Research). The program focuses on the collection and interpretation of numeric data to aid in making business decisions.

Courses include Digital Technology and Consumer Behavior, Economics for Business Decisions, Complexity of Marketing, and The History and Philosophy of Marketing.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University offers a PhD in Business Administration. The program is mostly online, but there is an in-person residency once a month. It is often useful for business professionals wishing to pursue academic positions.

Concentrations are available in Accounting, Information Systems, Management, and Marketing.

Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Marketing. Courses are 8 weeks long and 100% online. Courses include Strategic Marketing Management, Marketing Promotions, Supply Chain Management, and Marketing Research.

The program requires the completion of 60 credit hours, and students usually finish in 3 years. It is designed to teach practical, real-world skills.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University

National University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration with a specialization in Strategic Marketing. The program is designed to help prepare students for leadership roles in a variety of business settings. It requires the completion of 60 credit hours and can usually be completed in 3 to 4 years.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Trident University International

Trident University International offers a Doctor of Business Administration that can be earned 100% online. The program covers how to make evidence-based decisions and strategically improve business processes and outcomes. It is designed to provide flexibility for adult students.

Students in the program are required to complete an applied doctoral study project rather than a dissertation.

Trident University International is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands offers an online program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Business. Students can choose a specialty in Accounting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Healthcare Administration, Project Management, or Strategic Management.

Core courses include Advanced Managerial Accounting, Strategic Marketing: Research and Practice, and Corporate Finance: Fiscal Management in a Global Climate.

The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden University

Walden University offers a Doctor of Business Administration in Marketing. The program covers key marketing concepts, including competitive intelligence, marketing channels, product development and commercialization, and consumer behavior. It also includes a capstone project.

Students have up to 8 years to finish the program.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

PhD in Digital Marketing Online Programs

PhD in Digital Marketing programs are focused on creating scholars and knowledgeable experts who can help the industry move forward with original research. You can be trained to use your data analysis skills to solve marketing challenges.

Digital marketing is a quickly evolving field that relies on the latest technology.

It spans many of the modern tools and strategies currently used by companies to reach their target audiences, including social media, email, search engines, websites, and analytics.

As a digital marketing PhD student, you’ll likely choose a specific research question and build your expertise around that area. Doctorate programs in digital marketing typically emphasize econometrics, statistical analysis, and experimental research. You’ll likely take classes on marketing theories and applications as well.

During the second half of your PhD program, you’ll probably spend most of your time working on a dissertation that can be published in an academic journal.

Most programs will provide opportunities to learn how to critically analyze current papers on digital marketing and will have experienced faculty members with similar research expertise that can help guide you.

Different programs offer different concentrations, but here are some of the most common research areas:

• Consumer culture
• International marketing
• Product development
• Marketing innovation
• Social media sentiment
• Online advertising

To create an original research paper, you can study advanced models in marketing along with special topics. You can also practice using mathematical and economics tools to get insights from data.

Because of the focus on independent research, digital marketing PhD programs often include seminars and customizable classes along with plenty of time to work on your own.

Most graduates with a PhD in Digital Marketing become professors who conduct university research. Since data analysis expertise is highly sought after, others become market research consultants. Some take on strategic, executive-level roles instead, where they can apply what they’ve learned in a business setting. 

Digital Marketing Careers & Salaries

With the specialized skills that you can develop through a digital marketing PhD program, you can pursue careers in both the public and private sectors.

The most common career track for PhD graduates is academia, where they often teach marketing or business classes in colleges and universities. Because a PhD in Marketing is research-intensive, graduates are often well-equipped to conduct research alongside teaching.

For those who prefer to work for private companies, management roles in marketing and sales are often possible.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are the yearly median salaries of some of the advanced careers related to digital marketing. 

T hese are only the median salaries for each job. Actual salaries can vary based on location, your field of expertise, and many other factors. Still, the main career tracks—management, academia, and data analysis—may lead to high-paying roles down the road.

Outside of academia, professionals with a PhD in Marketing may become market research analysts or data analysts. Marketing is one of the fastest-growing fields today, with roles in diverse industries, such as management consulting, technology, and healthcare.

Digital Marketing PhD Curriculum & Courses

Online doctorate in digital marketing programs usually involve a lot of independent study, and classes vary based on the school, but you’ll likely take classes similar to the following:

• Microeconomic Theory : This course explores how individuals and organizations interact in different market structures, utilizing game theory to make predictions for decision-making.
• Econometrics : Going beyond economic theory, this course discusses how to make forecasts and draw cause-and-effect relationships through data analysis tools.
• Statistical Analysis : This course lays the groundwork for more advanced research classes by covering statistical methods for gathering and analyzing data.
• Qualitative Research : This class can give you the opportunity to have hands-on practice with qualitative research methods—such as one-on-one interviews, focus groups, and observation—and learn how to write reports about your findings.
• Industrial Organization : This course gives an overview of how organizations function realistically and how they influence each other when it comes to advertising, product placement, and other marketing dynamics.
• Marketing Management : This class delves into how to launch and implement marketing strategies across an entire organization, including tracking analytics, developing a brand, and maintaining customer relationships.
• Advanced Marketing Theory : This course delves into traditional and modern marketing models that are backed by research. You’ll likely need to read a wide range of academic papers and give your own critical analysis.
• Quantitative Research : This course aims to teach how to apply the statistical and econometric tools learned in other courses in order to design your own experiments.
• Consumer Behavior : The core of marketing lies in getting to know your consumers’ motivations, goals, and pain points and then adapting to these for effective brand positioning.
• Social Psychology : This class examines how people behave in a social environment and what factors influence their behavior.

Aside from these courses, a PhD in Digital Marketing will usually allow you to choose from several electives based on your research interests as well.

Admissions Requirements

Most digital marketing PhD programs have the following admission requirements:

• School transcripts . You’ll probably be asked to submit transcripts of all your previous undergraduate and graduate work.
• GMAT or GRE scores . Some doctorate programs still ask for standardized test scores, but a growing number of schools no longer require them.
• Recommendation letters . PhD programs generally favor academic references from former professors.
• Personal statement . You’ll typically be asked to describe your career goals and research plans.
• Resume . Admission officers may want to see if you’ve done any related work in your career.

Admissions for a PhD program tend to be stricter since it takes a lot of time and dedication to finish.

Accreditation

Since a PhD is the highest educational qualification that you can get, it’s essential to choose an accredited school with a high-quality program.

Regionally accredited schools meet up-to-date educational standards for their programs. Attending an accredited school is an eligibility factor for government financial aid as well. Employers may also favor degrees from accredited schools, especially if you’re planning to work at a university.

The US Department of Education maintains a list of accredited schools across the US, so you can confirm a school’s accreditation status on their website.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

As an incoming PhD student, you have a number of financial aid options you can explore. You may want to start your financial aid search by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . This will determine your eligibility for government financial aid in the form of loans, grants, and work-study programs.

There are also opportunities for fellowships, which, if awarded, will allow you to focus on a specific field of research while getting your tuition fully paid. These are awarded on a merit basis, and a regular stipend may be included.

Another option would be to pursue graduate assistantships, where you can teach or help with a school’s research projects while you continue your studies. Assistantships can be beneficial since you can work for the school while increasing your research and teaching experience.

There are also private and public scholarships available for qualifying PhD students. These are usually merit-based as well.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD in Digital Marketing?

It depends on the university, but many PhD programs accept students who only have an undergraduate degree.

The most standard track, though, is to earn your master’s and then apply for a PhD program. Still, it’s possible to skip your master’s and go straight to doctoral studies after earning your bachelor’s degree. This could potentially fast-track you by 1 to 2 years, but you’d also have less experience with research.

Depending on the program, if you’re applying with a bachelor’s, you may need a stronger application to help you stand out amongst applicants with master’s degrees.

If you do decide to earn a master’s, it may be worth noting that a number of universities offer an online masters in digital marketing , which may allow you to better balance your life responsibilities. Some also offerb accelerated marketing degree options at the master’s level.

What Can You Do with a Doctoral Degree in Digital Marketing?

A PhD in Digital Marketing can help you build a career in research, teaching, data analysis, and management. The academic field is the most popular destination for PhD graduates of digital marketing. They often work as professors who are active in research.

Some graduates opt to work in management, with roles such as chief executive and marketing manager.

Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many management jobs offer higher than average salaries. Graduates may also use their knowledge of statistics and data analysis to work for technology and research companies.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate in Digital Marketing Online?

Most digital marketing PhD programs take 3 to 5 years to complete if you’re studying full-time. On a part-time schedule, it will often take longer. Time to completion varies a lot from program to program. One factor that can change how long it takes is how many credits you’re required to complete.

A dissertation requirement is another factor that can impact your timeline to graduation. Typically, the second half of a PhD program involves writing a dissertation, which is often the most time-consuming part. Without a dissertation requirement, you might be able to finish in 3 years with full-time study.

What’s the Difference between a DBA vs. PhD in Digital Marketing?

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Digital Marketing has a different focus compared to a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).

A PhD in Digital Marketing is ultimately focused on how to publish research.

What’s the Difference between Digital Marketing vs. Social Media Marketing?

The terms “digital marketing” and “social media marketing” are often interchanged, but they’re not the same.

Social media marketing is only one component of digital marketing, which is much broader.

What’s the Difference between Internet Marketing vs. Digital Marketing Doctoral Programs?

Internet marketing and digital marketing doctoral programs have different areas of study. 

There are slight differences, but digital marketing can cover both internet marketing and offline marketing.

Is a PhD in Digital Marketing Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Digital Marketing is worth it for many students. If you’re aiming for a career in academia, a PhD in Digital Marketing can help you qualify. It can also help prepare you for research-intensive industries, especially since you’ll be graduating with your own original research.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary teachers are in demand and expected to see 12% job growth over the next ten years. The market research job sector is also growing much faster than average.

Outside of research and academia, your PhD degree can also be a sign to employers that you have a good work ethic and specialized knowledge. 

Getting Your PhD in Digital Marketing Online

A PhD is the highest education credential that you can get in the field of digital marketing. It can be a stepping stone for working in research and academia.

Earning your PhD in digital marketing can help you become an expert in the subject matter. PhD programs in this field typically provide extensive training in delving into research and analyzing digital marketing trends. 

Since completing a doctorate can take several years, one option is to get your PhD in Digital Marketing online. Online marketing degree programs often allow for more flexible and convenient scheduling, better enabling you to balance your studies with work and life responsibilities.

If you’re ready to set out on your doctoral journey, there are many accredited schools with diverse research interests that you can explore.

PhD in Strategic Media Online Lead with Insight

Credit Hours

View Courses

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Become an Expert in Strategic Communications with a PhD in Strategic Media

Today’s world is buzzing with digital conversation. From politics to healthcare and human services, every industry is impacted by the media. By pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Strategic Media, you can grow your organization and your career by understanding the theory behind effective communication and the application of practical techniques to 21st-century problems.

Imagine utilizing the latest trends in video, graphic, and online visual persuasion to take your organization to new levels. Paired with the management and leadership skills you can cultivate in our PhD in media studies, your new expertise can help you shape the future direction of policies, goals, and objectives within the communication sector.

Liberty’s PhD in media studies blends theory with praxis. Through this online program, you can develop a strong background in communication theory, strategic media communication, and applications for nonprofit, for-profit, and higher education sectors. So whether you work in an academic, corporate, or faith-based setting, this degree can equip you with the social media and strategic communications tools you need to bring fresh insight to your company. And with a degree taught from biblical principles, you can become a trusted, ethical voice in media and communication.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Strategic Media PhD Degree?

Choosing Liberty for your PhD in Strategic Media means beginning the path to equipping yourself to become an expert in various digital and strategic media channels. Expand your mind and your skill set under professors who hold advanced degrees and have years of related professional experience. This online doctoral degree can introduce you to new ideas as well as scholarship, research, and professional practices from around the world.

With the mentorship of your professors and the biblical integration you’ll get in every program at Liberty, you can graduate with a doctorate that prepares you for a fulfilling career both personally and professionally. You can become more equipped to pursue positions including public relations specialist, social media executive, university administrator, professor, or researcher. This degree can help you get where you want to go.

But a doctorate from Liberty does more than set you up for professional success. Your advanced studies can also open you up to new peers, perspectives, and research opportunities that can shape you and empower you to make a difference in the world around you.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Strategic Media Degree?

A PhD in media studies degree can help provide the foundation in data-gathering and insight tools you need to effectively impact your field. With courses in interactive media design and strategic communications media analytics, you can become an expert in the field of strategic communications.

Within our PhD in Strategic Media, you will take courses in 4 major areas: advanced core, research, application, and dissertation courses. The advanced core courses are designed to help you master communication theory so you can apply that knowledge to your other courses and career. On the other hand, our professional application courses can help you gain tactical principles and practices in integrated communications.

Finally, the research and dissertation component of your degree brings the theories and applications together. This can help you fine-tune your communication capabilities and set you up for publication and future career success.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Advertising/public relations executive
• Chief customer experience officer
• Communications executive
• Director of online sales and services
• Research manager
• Social media executive
• University administrator
• University professor
• Vice president of customer satisfaction

Featured Courses

• DIGI 700 – Digital and Strategic Communication Orientation I
• DIGI 710 – Communication Research Methods
• DIGI 720 – Qualitative Data Analysis
• DIGI 825 – Seminar: From Digital Analytics to Communication Action 

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Communication and the Arts .
• View the  Graduate School of Communication and the Arts Course Guides   (login required) .

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our PhD in Strategic Media Degree

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Inner Navigation

• Why Choose Liberty?
• What Will You Study?
• Admission Information

Have questions?

Are you ready to change your future?

Apply FREE This Week*

Request Information

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.

Request Information About a Program

Request info about liberty university online, what program are you interested in, choose a program level.

Choose a program level

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Certificate

Select a Field of Study

Select a field of study

Select a Program

Select a program

Next: Contact Info

Legal first name.

Enter legal first name

Legal Last Name

Enter legal last name

Enter an email address

Enter a phone number

Full Address

Enter an address

Apt., P.O. Box, or can’t find your address? Enter it manually instead .

Select a Country

Street Address

Enter Street Address

Enter State

ZIP/Postal Code

Enter Zip Code

Back to automated address search

Start my application now for FREE

Skip to Content

• PhD: Strategic Communication

You are here

• Share via Twitter
• Share via Facebook
• Share via LinkedIn
• Share via E-mail

Fall Application Deadlines

US applicants:  Nov. 15 International applicants:  Nov. 15

In the online application, select Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design (APRD)  as the department, Media Research & Practice  as the degree, and Strategic Communication  as the subplan/track.

How to Apply

The PhD in Strategic Communication offered by the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design is one of three separate and distinct tracks of the Media Research and Practice doctoral program within the College of Media, Communication and Information.

A PhD in Strategic Communication is a distinct track that is designed to provide students with rigorous training in theory and research. Students gain an understanding through coursework that explores theories and methods that shape strategic communication research. This program emphasizes how theory informs practice, critically analyzing how advertising and public relations operate in ways that can—or could—constructively contribute to the successful, ethical and resilient functioning of society.

The strategic communication and journalism studies tracks for the PhD are administered together by the departments of Advertising, Public Relations and Design and Journalism. Students in both tracks are taught by and have access to the faculties of both departments. The curriculum includes an overview of mass/public communication literature with specific modules and courses dedicated to advertising, journalism and public relations. Classes also focus on areas that straddle each industry such as social media, political communication, ethics, media organizations, health communication and video games. We welcome and appreciate both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. Graduates pursue teaching and research positions at universities as well as work in the private sector. 

APRD is proud to share its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mission statement: APRD strives to be a community whose excellence depends on diversity, equity, and inclusion. We aim to understand and challenge systems of privilege and disadvantage in higher education, such as those based on class, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and dis/ability. We seek to reach across social and political divides and to make space for voices historically underrepresented in higher education and marginalized in society. In other words, diversity is not just a future reality for which we try to prepare students. It is a priority we want to put into practice here, now, and together, in order to foster places of learning where all members can thrive.

Why enroll?

• One of the few doctoral programs offered in an advertising and public relations department
• Study with award-winning researchers and teachers who are committed to assisting students achieve mastery of their work and chart a successful post-doctoral career
• Faculty who have conducted research in an array of specialties (see list below)
• Design a personally-designed plan of study to suit your interests
• Collaborate with faculty and fellow graduate students on research projects
• Study within a supportive environment, with the opportunity to teach courses relevant to your area of interest

Research interests of faculty teaching in the program

• Advertising and Public Relations Pedagogy: Erin Schauster
• Activism and Organizations: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh , Jordan Morehouse , Kay Weaver
• Corporate Branding and Image Management: Burton St. John III , Seow Ting Lee , Erin Willis
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh , Burton St. John III , Seow Ting Lee
• Crisis Communication and Risk Management: Burton St. John III , Seow Ting Lee ,  Krishnamurthy Sriramesh ,  Jordan Morehouse
• Critial Theory:  Kay Weaver
• Digital Advertising: Chris J. Vargo , Harsha Ganga , Toby Hopp , Bridget Barrett
• Digital Games and Society: Harsha Ganga , Toby Hopp , Jolene Fisher , Mia Wang
• Global Public Relations: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh ,  Kay Weaver
• Health Communication: Seow Ting Lee , Erin Willis ,  Mia Wang
• Media Effects: Harsha Ganga ,  Mia Wang ,  Kay Weaver
• Media Ethics: Erin Schauster , Seow Ting Lee
• Moral Psychology: Erin Schauster
• Organizational Culture: Erin Schauster ,  Krishnamurthy Sriramesh
• Persuasion and Digital Media: Harsha Ganga , Erin Willis , Seow Ting Lee ,  Jordan Morehouse ,  Mia Wang
• Propaganda: Burton St. John III ,  Kay Weaver
• Public Diplomacy: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh , Seow Ting Lee
• Social and Economic Effects of Advertising: Harsha Ganga
• Social and Media Analytics: Chris J. Vargo , Toby Hopp ,  Bridget Barrett
• Strategic Public Relations Management: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh , Seow Ting Lee ,  Jordan Morehouse ,  Kay Weaver
• Strategic Communication for Social Change: Burton St. John III , Jolene Fisher ,  Mia Wang ,  Kay Weaver
• Sustainable Development and Communication: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh , Burton St. John III
• Technology and Advertising: Harsha Ganga ,  Mia Wang ,  Bridget Barrett
• Quantitative Methodology: Seow Ting Lee , Chris J. Vargo , Toby Hopp , Harsha Ganga , Kelty Logan ,  Mia Wang
• Qualitative Methodology: Erin Schauster , Erin Willis , Jolene Fisher ,  Jordan Morehouse ,  Bridget Barrett ,  Kay Weaver

It is expected that a student will devote her or his full time to the doctoral program and assistantship duties during the fall and spring semesters while in the program, unless other arrangements have been made with the department.

The following is a summary of minimum requirements to earn a Ph.D. in Strategic Communication or in Journalism Studies. Students will take two semesters of Proseminar, two semesters of methods, four semesters of Doctoral Professionalization Seminar and 30 credits of electives, which must include 9 credits of advanced methods electives. Students are expected to take courses numbered at the 6000 or above levels. There are some exceptions to this in which doctoral students can receive permission to take 5000-level courses.

• Proseminar in Mass Communication (6 Credits): All doctoral students are required to enroll in JRNL/APRD 7001 in their first semester of study, and in JRNL/APRD 7003 in their second semester. These courses are designed to introduce students to the major paradigms within the field of mass communication.
• Doctoral Professionalization Seminar (4 Credits): All first- and second-year doctoral students will be required to enroll in JRNL/APRD 7004. The course, which is 1 credit each semester, prepares students for life in a doctoral program and for life after one, all while providing a sense of community amongst multiple doctoral cohorts and both departments’ faculty. 
• Methods (15 Credits): All first-year doctoral students enroll in Quantitative Research Methods in the fall, and in Qualitative Research Methods in the spring. These general courses deal with a variety of research methods used within the field. PhD students are also required to take three additional graduate level courses in the areas of research methods (9 hours). These may be taken inside or outside the departments.
• Area of Concentration (18 hours): Doctoral students are required to take a minimum of 18 hours of course work selected on the basis of the student’s area(s) of research interest. These courses should come from a combination of both inside and outside electives. For example, for a student interested in media effects, a combination of classes from both APRD/JRNL and psychology would make sense.
• Independent study: Ph.D. students may take a  maximum  of two independent study courses in their course of study, either inside APRD and JRNL or outside of those home departments. Generally, these will be taken no earlier than the third semester of the program.
• Comprehensive examinations: Each doctoral student will be required to pass comprehensive examinations, consisting of four questions, which are generally administered after the last semester in which the student takes course work. The examinations are individually tailored for each student and comprise both written and oral examinations.
• Dissertation: A minimum of thirty hours of dissertation credit, APRD 8991, must be taken. Various restrictions apply to these hours.
• No more than 10 dissertation credit hours may be taken in any one semester
• No more than 10 dissertation credit hours may be taken prior to the semester in which comprehensive examinations are taken.
• No more than 10 dissertation credit hours may be taken in the semester in which comprehensive examinations are taken.
• After passing comprehensive examinations, student must enroll for at least 5 dissertation credit hours (full time) or 3 dissertation credit hours (part time) each semester until graduation.

Typically students enroll for 10 dissertation hours in the semester they are taking comprehensive examinations and 10 dissertation hours each in the following fall and spring terms. Students must be aware of Graduate School rules regarding registration for dissertation hours.

Applicants to the Strategic Communication track of the PhD program in Media Research and Practice are expected to hold the master’s degree or equivalent graduate work. In exceptional cases, applicants without a master’s degree may be considered for admission.

Completed domestic applications must be received by the program no later than Jan. 15 prior to the fall semester for which entrance is sought. International applications should be submitted by Dec. 1. Late applications may be considered under special circumstances.

Successful applications typically have an undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.2 and a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 in previous graduate work.

Applicants are required to:

• Provide three letters of recommendation.
• Provide a 700-word Statement of Purpose.
• Provide a resume or CV that includes academic and employment experience.
• Provide a writing sample that exhibits the ability to undertake the conceptual and empirical studies required of doctoral students (e.g., a chapter from a master’s thesis or graduate-level term paper).

Meeting these criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Because we accept relatively few new doctoral students each fall, we may have more qualified applicants than available openings.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are not requiring GRE scores at this time.

In the online application, select  Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design  as the department,  Media Research & Practice  as the degree, and  Strategic Communication  as the subplan/track.

For review and decision purposes you are required to upload an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) in the online application. We require one copy of the scanned transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution that you attended. This includes community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs. While credits from one institution may appear on the transcript of a second institution, unofficial transcripts must be submitted from each institution, regardless of the length of attendance, and whether or not courses were completed.    Failure to list and submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended is considered to be a violation of academic ethics and may result in the cancellation of your admission or dismissal from the university.

ONLY after you are recommended for admission will you need to provide official transcripts. 

Instructions for Uploading Unofficial Transcripts to Your Application  (scroll to 'Uploading Unofficial Transcripts in the Application')

FAQ  |  Online Application  |  International Students Online Application

Research or teaching assistantships, including a tuition waiver and stipend, as well as fellowships, are available. PhD students may receive assistantships for a maximum of four years.

Erin Schauster

Associate Chair for Graduate Studies

In this section: APRD

• Department Home
• APRD Faculty and Staff
• Undergraduate Program: Strategic Communication
• MA: Corporate Communication
• MA: Strategic Communication Design
• Our Graduate Students
• Recent Publications

Apply   Visit   Donate

Thanks for your interest in CU Boulder’s College of Media, Communication and Information.  We welcome your questions or comments and will respond as quickly as possible.

Top 25 PhD in Marketing Online Programs 2024

Find your perfect school.

In this ranking, we profile the top 25 PhD in marketing programs delivered via distance education.

While online PhD programs are limited, few accredited PhD marketing degrees are offered online from ranked colleges and universities. One alternative to the PhD in marketing online program is the DBA in marketing. We researched a number of schools and programs to find the 25 best PhD in marketing or DBA in marketing online degrees. Below is our ranking methodology.

Top 25 Doctorate Marketing Online Ranking Methodology

Featured Programs

We looked at 48 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered PhD in marketing and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) marketing online degree programs. We narrowed our original pool of schools to the 25 top PhD marketing programs by applying the following criteria: accreditation by a reputable governing body, the online pathway for DBA marketing programs or PhD in marketing programs, and institution rankings with at least one major publication like U.S. News. We then listed the top 25 PhD in marketing programs online according to raw affordability.

Below are the results of our top 25 PhD in marketing and DBA marketing degree programs available online.

#25 – Drexel University

Online executive dba, philadelphia, pennsylvania.

The Executive Doctor of Business Administration degree program at Drexel University is an intensive exploration of all aspects of business and designed for those interested in a PhD marketing or closely related discipline. Offered through Drexel’s LeBow College of Business and taught by business professors, the practical program is one of only 20 percent accredited by AACSB International. Business administration courses are online and include topics like analyzing quantitative data, applied organizational theory, challenges of a data driven economy, corporate growth and risk strategies, and foundations of research in behavioral science. The typical DBA student at Drexel finishes the online doctorate in approximately 2.5 to 3 years, and a comprehensive exam may be required. Drexel ranks with U.S. News & World Report as the 97th best national university and all online graduate business programs rank within the top 50 programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $36,234

#24 – University of Dallas

Online doctor of business administration (dba), irving, texas.

The University of Dallas offers an alternative pathway to a PhD program in marketing for online students. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program is rigorous research-based program designed for working business professionals. The online DBA at University of Dallas consistently ranks with major publications and offers the highly coveted AACSB International accreditation. Comprised of a three-year, 61-credit course of study, students receive blended classroom learning with online instruction. Courses at UD cover topics like applied marketing research, applied statistics analysis, becoming an applied researcher, designing applied research, qualitative methods for diagnosis and assessment, and strategic perspectives. The institution ranks with U.S. News as the 7th best regional university in the West and 5th best value school.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $33,750

#23 – California Southern University

Online dba in international business, irvine, california.

California Southern University offers a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) marketing degree program designed for those interested in a PhD program in marketing. Through the international business concentration, several marketing courses offer exposure to global marketing practices. Also, while online students may elect to earn a concentration in international business, they may create their own degree by taking various courses that appeal to interest and meet career goals. This customized design in known at the Cal Southern designer degree. Business administration courses appealing to marketing professionals include brand management; consumer behavior, theory, and analysis; and project management strategic design. A comprehensive exam may be required. The program requires the completion of 60 credits and takes four years (full-time status) to complete.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $32,700

#22 – Keiser University

Doctorate marketing online, fort lauderdale, florida.

Whether you are seeking a PhD marketing online program or online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Keiser University has options for business professionals serious about the next step in their career. The online DBA at Keiser is offered through the online graduate campus. Designed for career professionals, classes are offered entirely online and in a flexible and convenient format. Three areas of specialization allow PhD students pursuing marketing degrees to develop knowledge in disciplines like global business, management, and marketing. The online DBA with a marketing emphasis covers a number of topics that appeal to marketing professionals, including digital marketing, market research, brand management, and consumer research. Courses combine hands-on problem-solving with applied and theoretical research, offering practical study that can be used in various areas of business and marketing. Keiser ranks with U.S. News & World Report as the 272nd best national university.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $29,632

#21 – Alliant International University

San diego, california.

Alliant International University offers a DBA in marketing for those interested in PhD marketing online programs. By choosing the marketing doctorate online concentration, students earn a DBA with specialized study in marketing. Online students pursuing PhD programs in marketing take classes that cover topics such as consumer research, human behavior, managing growing organizations, organizational learning and adaptation, political strategy, and social influencing. The program has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). In addition to accreditation, Alliant is recognized by U.S. News as a top national university. Alliant earns a top spot on our list of online PhD in marketing programs for its affordability and marketing specialization options.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $19,484

#20 – Northcentral University

At Northcentral University, there are options for earning an online doctoral degree in marketing. This degree is similar to the PhD program in marketing in that it prepares business leaders and marketing experts through market research, application, and theoretical practices. A total of 48 credit hours and 16 courses are necessary to satisfy the degree requirements. PhD students finish their degree, on average, in 39 months. Upon graduation, NCU marketing doctorate online candidates secure positions in academia, advertising, consulting, leadership, and management. Aside from being accredited, Northcentral University ranks with top publications like U.S. News. In fact, the online MBA and other graduate online business programs rank among the top 200 and top 300 programs in the nation.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $16,881

#19 – Temple University

In terms of doctoral programs, Temple University offers an online DBA marketing degree program designed for executive-level professionals through the Fox School of Business. The business administration program uses applied theory and data-driven market research to educate graduate students on the pathway to a doctoral degree in business. For those online students interested in marketing, classes cover a number of related topics. In fact, courses include innovation and entrepreneurship in the new economy, integrative perspectives on business knowledge, navigating the global marketplace, digital marketing, and problem solving using qualitative research methods. While business courses are online, six on-site weekend residences per year occur during the first two years. In addition to quality education, Temple offers prestigious rankings from U.S. News. Rankings include #104 in best national universities and #99 in best value schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $17,388

#18 – George Fox University

Doctorate degree in marketing online, newberg, oregon.

George Fox University offers doctorate in marketing degree programs designed to prepare students for marketing PhD jobs following graduation. Through an online, hybrid format, students earn their doctoral in business degree in four years by taking three years of coursework and one year to work on their dissertation. The ACBSP-accredited program is one of the few programs available to offer a concentration in marketing. Concentration courses cover topics such as advanced topics in digital marketing, consumer behavior, leadership skills, and research design in marketing. To be admitted to the DBA in marketing program at George Fox, applicants must hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Also, only full-time faculty appointed students or those with five years of professional experience may qualify for admission. Due to its high-quality degree programs, George Fox ranks #246 in best national universities by U.S. News.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $14,158

#17 – California Baptist University

Riverside, california.

Individuals seeking online DBA degree programs in marketing will find options available at California Baptist University. The 50-credit hour business administration degree offers eight-week online courses, a cohort model, and dissertation process. Most students enrolled in PhD programs like this one complete their doctoral degree in just three years, though additional time is allowed. For those interested in marketing, DBA coursework covers a number of related topics. Some of the courses offered include applying economic theory to business, international business in global markets, management of organizations, market research, content marketing, and strategic marketing. According to U.S. News, California Baptist University ranks #43 in best regional universities in the West.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $13,590

#16 – Johnson & Wales University

Providence, rhode island.

When seeking future marketing PhD jobs, an online DBA from Johnson & Wales University will help, especially if you want a shorter pathway to a doctoral degree. This three-year DBA program offers flexible and convenient online courses, no residency requirements, and a quick completion time. Each course runs eight weeks in length, giving students an ability to move through classes quickly. Also, students focus on one course at a time, which adds to the convenient format. Courses cover topics like business analytics and intelligence, contemporary issues in finance and accounting, innovation and change, organizational behavior, organizational strategy and design, and problems and methods in marketing management. Johnson & Wales University ranks with U.S. News as the 80th best regional university in the North and earns a spot on our list of affordable online DBA marketing programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $14,706

#15 – Baker College

Flint, michigan.

One of the best online schools, Baker College offers options for individuals seeking PhD marketing online programs. The online DBA provides online classes led by Baker instructors with years of experience in the business world. Doctoral students gain valuable experience of their own through a combination of classes, professional residencies, research papers, and seminars. A total of 60 credits is required to earn the DBA degree. Courses cover topics from business management to marketing. For example, course topics include corporate and personal ethics, doctoral writing and literature review, introduction to research methods and designs, knowledge management and information systems, and quality improvement and organizational change. Baker College, recognized by U.S. News, ranks among the top regional universities in the Midwest.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $12,510

#14 – Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, new jersey.

In terms of doctoral training programs, Thomas Edison State University offers an online DBA in marketing degree program designed for individuals interested in personalized instructional delivery. The adult-centric cohort design offers fully online instruction and one-on-one mentorship from leaders at the university. While there is no specific marketing emphasis, marketing students interested in this discipline may elect the organizational leadership or general management concentrations, which feature marketing coursework. Examples of courses often taken in the online DBA program at Thomas Edison State include critical thought and informed action – models of decision making and organization achievement, seminar in marketing and entrepreneurship, seminar in strategic planning and organizational effectiveness, and the global business context – trends, issues, and markets. One of the leading online colleges, Thomas Edison ranks with major publications like U.S. News among the top regional universities in the North.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $12,024

#13 – University of Missouri

Saint louis, missouri.

An online DBA can offer students similar skills and experience that a PhD marketing online program offers. In fact, the online DBA at University of Missouri, allows students to earn a doctoral degree with a research concentration in all areas of business administration, such as marketing. This three-year, cohort-based program offers flexible distance education courses, with limited monthly visits to campus. Courses for marketing students cover topics like contemporary marketing intelligence and decision making, strategic business analysis, sustaining and disruptive information technologies, the role of accounting information in firms and markets, and internet marketing. University of Missouri holds regional accreditation. Rankings from U.S. News include #281 in best national universities and #140 in top public schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $12,528

#12 – Florida International University

Miami, florida.

Florida International University’s online DBA is offered as a track under the online PhD marketing degree. Designed for senior-level professionals, the online DBA consists of 72 credits, face-to-face and online classes, and a three-year curriculum format. Courses cover a number of business and marketing concepts, such as analysis of corporate policy, marketing and behavioral theory, qualitative and quantitative research methods, brand management and philosophy and process of applied business research. In addition to online coursework and a research project, three-day and two-day residencies take place periodically. FIU holds regional accreditation and ranks with major publications like U.S. News. In fact, these rankings include #218 in best national universities and #63 in most innovative schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $8,912

#11 – Bellevue University

Bellevue, nebraska.

Bellevue University’s online DBA is an alternative pathway to PhD marketing online degrees. With no dissertation requirement and online courses, the online DBA is a convenience doctoral degree for working professionals. Students may earn their doctoral degree in just three years and entirely online. Courses cover finance, business, management, and marketing topics. In fact, some of the courses include business and society, finance for business leaders, managing the challenges of organization development and change, strategic marketing decisions, content marketing, and sustainable business development. Bellevue is a regionally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News ranks Bellevue as a top regional university in the Midwest.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $10,980

#10 – Grand Canyon University

Doctorate degree marketing online, phoenix, arizona.

In terms of doctoral programs, Grand Canyon University offers an alternative path to the PhD marketing degree. The online DBA in marketing allows doctoral students to specialize their studies in consumer behavior, segments, and trends through distance education courses and two or three five-day residency experiences. Program courses cover topics such as analysis of existing research, digital technology and consumer behavior, emerging issues in financial management, the history and philosophy of marketing, and the sustainable future. A total of sixty credits are required, along with a dissertation, to satisfy degree stipulations. GCU ranks with major publications like U.S. News. In fact, the most recent rankings for GCU include #293-#381 in best national universities and #42 in top performers on social mobility.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $10,621

#9 – Concordia University

River forest, illinois.

The Concordia University online DBA marketing degree is a flexible, online program that can be specialized by taking marketing and human behavior courses. Sixty credits and three years of study earn the online DBA at Concordia. Courses cover a number of advanced business and marketing topics. These topics include business analytics and financial decision making, foundations of the doctoral experience, global business operations, global concepts in strategic marketing, strategy formation and innovation, and the global leader – social responsibility and ethical decision making. Individuals interested in marketing may earn a marketing innovations specialization by taking the following courses: advanced research, consumer global and multicultural marketing, and integrating distribution channels and customers. Concordia University ranks #72 in best regional universities in the Midwest and #35 in best value schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $9,090

#8 – Wilmington University

New castle, delaware.

As one of the top online schools in the nation, Wilmington University offers an online DBA for individuals hoping to land marketing PhD jobs in the future. The program is designed to enhance the skills, knowledge, and competencies of doctoral candidates, making them equipped to make significant contributions to any organization. Like many of the doctoral programs in this ranking, the online DBA at Wilmington is IACBE-accredited, 100% online, and flexibly designed to fit busy work schedules. Courses cover topics in business, marketing, and management. Some course topics marketing students will likely see within the program include advanced marketing management, ethics in business and management, executive decision-making, global management models, managing innovation and change, and statistics for research. U.S. News ranks Wilmington as a top national university.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $9,000

#7 – University of Maryland

Adelphi, maryland.

If you are seeking marketing PhD jobs, doctoral training programs such as the one offered at University of Maryland, stands out. This 48-credit online DBA program covers an array of topics applicable to marketing, management, and business careers. For example, course requirements include data analytics in practice, designing evidence-based management solutions, evidence-based research methods, interpreting and translating management theory in practice, and research as a tool for management decision making. According to the program website, all courses for marketing students are online and are taught by University of Maryland’s experienced faculty. In addition to accreditation to award online doctoral programs, the university is ranked by major publications like U.S. News & World Report. In fact, University of Maryland ranks among the top regional universities in the North and #20 in most innovative schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $9,072

#6 – Saint Leo University

Online doctor of business administration, saint leo, florida.

To secure marketing PhD jobs, one must earn either a PhD in marketing or DBA. Saint Leo University offers one of the best online DBA programs with courses in marketing and consumer behavior. The program is ideal for individuals pursuing careers as college professors, consultants, executive managers, or marketing managers. According to the program website, courses may be completed online and are taught by Saint Leo’s esteemed marketing professors. Course topics include analytics for decision making, global leadership and ethics, global perspectives in human resource, management learning seminar, and strategic management in global organizations. To be admitted to the program, applicants must hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.25 GPA. Also, Saint Leo ranks with U.S. News as the 25th best regional university in the South and 5th best value school.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $15,218

#5 – Liberty University

Online marketing doctorate, lynchburg, virginia.

Liberty University offers a 60-credit alternative option to the PhD marketing degree. Eight-week courses and 100 percent online instruction make the online DBA in marketing one of the most convenient doctoral programs for working students. Since Liberty is a Christian college, all courses within the degree are taught from a biblical worldview. Some of the required courses for PhD students cover key concepts in marketing promotions, marketing research, strategic marketing management, and supply chain management. The average completion time for the online DBA with a marketing specialization is three years. U.S. News ranks Liberty among the top national universities. In fact, Liberty ranks #293-#381 in best national universities. Also, the online graduate business programs, including the DBA in marketing, ranks #98 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $7,847

#4 – Kennesaw State University

Online phd in business administration, kennesaw, georgia.

Kennesaw State University’s PhD in business administration is a non-traditional doctoral degree accredited by the AACSB. PhD students interested in pursuing an academic concentration have four choices: accounting, information systems, management, and marketing. During the first two years of the program, students complete cohort-based and discipline-specific coursework consisting of 36 credits. While some business administration courses are online, the degree is considered a hybrid program, with some course requirements met on campus. Kennesaw State ranks with major publications like U.S. News. In fact, the most recent publication of Best Colleges ranks the school #293-#381 in best national universities and #72 in most innovative schools.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $5,238

#3 – Westcliff University

Westcliff University offers one of the most affordable alternatives on our list to the PhD marketing online degree program. Like other online DBA programs, the Westcliff online DBA covers coursework found in most PhD in business programs and offers specialty classes in areas like management and marketing. Some of the program’s courses cover topics like corporate social responsibility, creative solutions leadership, finance for managers, global business initiatives, marketing strategy and consumer behavior, and strategic planning and implementation. Near the end of the program, students complete a final project and dissertation. Westcliff earns a spot on our list due to its affordable graduate tuition. Also, the school is accredited by WASC and DEAC, and currently a candidate for global accreditation by ACBSP.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $13,050

#2 – California Miramar University

California Miramar University’s online DBA offers four areas of specialization, including marketing. The marketing concentration is designed to focus on marketing management and research that moves beyond the fundamentals and core courses typically found in MBA programs. In fact, the marketing specialization covers advanced topics designed to prepare students for careers as marketing leaders. These courses include advanced international marketing, advanced marketing research, business administration career practical training, marketing communications, pricing theory and practice, and strategic marketing. Courses are delivered online and taught by California Miramar’s experienced faculty. This school lands a top spot on our list due to its marketing specialization and highly affordable graduate tuition.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $7,020

#1 – Trident University International

Cypress, california.

Trident University International offers an online DBA for those seeking an alternative to the PhD marketing online degree. The online DBA is offered 100% online and represents the highest level of achievement for business professionals. Admission to the online DBA at Trident requires an earned MBA or master’s degree in business administration and a completed online application. Once accepted, students begin taking online courses. You will take 36-48 semester credits of core courses. If you have transfer credit, Trident accepts up to 12 semester credits. Some of the required courses cover topics like applied statistics for research in business and management, and technology and business process improvement. Trident ranks with major publications like U.S. News as a top national university and is the #1 most affordable online DBA in marketing program on our list.

Graduate Tuition/Fees : $6,120

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i do with a phd in marketing degree.

Jut like a traditional marketing PhD, by earning a PhD marketing online degree, you will improve your chances of finding suitable employment that pays well and affords you the kind of lifestyle you seek. What can you do with an online PhD in marketing degree? We’ve listed a few options for marketing careers to help you determine jobs that align with your education.

Marketing manager : The role of the marketing manager is to develop, manage, and oversee marketing and/or public relations campaigns for organizations. They often oversee teams responsible for such campaigns. Also, marketing managers develop teams based on consumer research to target key demographics. Nearly all marketing manager positions require postgraduate study. In fact, many large organizations require a minimum master’s degree in marketing, but prefer individuals with a marketing PhD such as the online doctorate in marketing.

Marketing vice president or president : Working at an even higher level than the marketing manager, the marketing president or vice president oversees teams of marketing managers. Also known as chief marketing officers, marketing presidents are executives within organizations. They make informed decisions based on the information and research received from their marketing management team, including marketing cost and benefits. To secure one of these executive-level positions, you will need considerable education, such as a PhD in marketing. Also, valuable work experience will set you apart from your competitors.

Postsecondary professor or instructor : With a PhD in marketing or closely related doctoral degree, you may be qualified to work as a postsecondary educator, such as an instructor or professor. With a PhD or DBA, you are acknowledged as an expert in the marketing field.

How long does it take to earn a PhD in marketing or online doctorate in marketing online degree?

Whether you’re earning a marketing PhD or DBA online degree, credit requirements are similar. In fact, most online PhD or DBA programs in marketing require 60 total credits. Some DBA online programs require less, but the average total number of credits required for a doctorate is sixty credits.

Several factors impact completion time. The first factor explored is enrollment status. What is enrollment status? Full-time or part-time status. When enrolled full-time, you will generally have a heavier course load than your part-time colleagues. Full-time students take two and three classes each term, and by doing so, graduate sooner than individuals enrolled part-time. Full-time status allows you to complete your degree at a quicker pace by taking more classes. But with full-time enrollment comes a heavier schedule. Flexible part-time programs are ideal for individuals working full-time and balancing outside responsibilities, such as family. However, full-time students take three years to complete their doctorate degree, while part-time students may take up to five years for the same degree.

The next factor impacting completion time is the dissertation requirement. If your program requires a dissertation or other type of research project, then plan on taking additional time to earn your online PhD in marketing degree. The average completion time for a PhD in marketing online degree with a dissertation requirement is four to six years.

What types of courses are required in marketing PhD programs?

Online coursework for a marketing PhD or for DBA online programs varies. Some programs may require heavy academic research-oriented classes, while others offer specializations that allow students to tailor their degree to fit with personal interests or align with career goals. However, many of the programs on our list require courses that cover key concepts and similar topics.

Example courses seen in PhD and DBA in marketing programs include business courses such as advanced business research methods, consumer behavior theory and practice, and marketing strategies and innovation in globally diverse markets. Programs that offer specializations in different types of marketing, such as international marketing or market research, may require additional courses relating to the area of focus. Also, if the program requires a dissertation or other academic research project, courses in research methods and statistical analysis will be required.

Seminars are a component of most PhD in marketing and online DBA in marketing programs. Seminars cover special topics in marketing. Sample courses include marketing research and strategy and innovation seminars.

Most of the programs on our list require the completion of 60 credit hours. Classes are delivered online, though some of the programs on our list offer a mix of online and on-campus courses. Overall, you will find similar courses offered from the programs on our list.

What is the job outlook for individuals with a PhD in marketing or doctorate in marketing online degree?

The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a favorable job outlook for advertising, marketing, and promotions managers. In fact, a ten-percent projected growth rate is expected through 2030, which is faster than the average for all other occupations.

A favorable job outlook for individuals with a PhD in marketing degree is anticipated across the industry. As organizations seek to expand their share of the market, marketing managers are needed to lead promotional campaigns and coordinate advertising efforts. Most organizations are expected to grow their marketing efforts, especially online businesses. However, a decline in the newspaper publishing industry could impact growth. The newspaper industry employs many managers who specialize in marketing. These managers could face a decline rather than growth over the next decade.

Internet advertising campaigns will likely increase, and as a result, prompt organizations to hire managers. Organizations want to reach a wider audience and doing so means employing advertising and promotion experts. Individuals with advanced degrees, such as an PhD in marketing or DBA in marketing online will become valuable assets to organizations looking to improve their presence. By earning a PhD in marketing, you will set yourself apart from competitors. Also, by specializing your degree in areas of marketing, such as advertising or internet-based marketing, you should have even better job prospects.

How much money can I earn with a PhD in marketing?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for marketing managers, as of May 2021, was $133,380. BLS also reports the lowest ten percent of earners were paid $61,250, while the highest earning ten-percent of marketing managers made $208,000. Pay varies by industry. A careful look at industries reveals the following:

The top-paying industries for these types of managers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, were professional, scientific, and technical services; management of companies and enterprises; finance and insurance; manufacturing; and wholesale trade. Marketing managers working in professional or technical services earned on average $155,470 per year. Those in the management of companies and enterprises earned $155,030. Those working in finance and insurance earned an average of $151,870. Marketing-specific managers in manufacturing earned an average annual wage of $136,150. Those in wholesale trade earned $132,450.

Most of these managers work full-time and many exceed the forty-hour work week. Overtime is especially common when organizational campaigns are in full force. The time leading up to the launch of a promotions or advertising campaign can require long hours that exceed standard work hours. But despite the long work hours, benefits and high wages keep employees happy. Earning a PhD in marketing will qualify you for high-paying manager jobs.

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
• National Center for Education Statistics: College Navigator
• U.S. News & World Report: Best Colleges

Related Resources

• Doctorate Degree Online
• PhD in Accounting Online
• Highest Paying PhD
• Cheapest Online Colleges
• Cheapest Online PhD in Finance
• Online PhD Programs in Management Information Systems

This concludes our list of the 25 PhD in marketing programs online.

About / Departments

Marketing Department | Ph.D. Program in Marketing

Ph.d. program in marketing.

The Marketing Department at New York University's Stern School of Business offers a doctoral program that is widely recognized for the great success of its graduates. It has a large and distinguished faculty working in a diverse set of research areas from both behavioral and quantitative perspectives. Stern's Marketing Ph.D. program is extremely selective and, once accepted, students benefit from the faculty's dedication to ensuring a positive and productive doctoral experience. The department fosters a nurturing environment with close collaboration between doctoral students and faculty members. By the time students graduate, most have published in leading journals such as the Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Marketing Research or Marketing Science. For example, 25% of our faculty publications in the last three years have been with doctoral students, past and present. Although the primary focus of the program is the development of top researchers, Stern doctoral students also receive extensive training for teaching and begin their first academic appointments well prepared for the classroom. The fact that we have one of the top-rated Ph.D. programs in the country is also evidenced by our placements of our doctoral students as faculty at top business schools (e.g., Harvard, Berkeley, Chicago, Columbia, Cornell, Florida, Michigan). The tenure, publication, and teaching records of our doctoral students are outstanding. All of these activities give Stern Marketing an important role in mentoring the future leaders of our field.

Faculty Contact for Marketing PhD Program

Recent Dissertations

Explore stern phd.

• Meet with Us

• Join the AMA
• Find learning by topic
• Free learning resources for members
• Credentialed Learning
• Training for teams
• Why learn with the AMA?
• Marketing News
• Academic Journals
• Guides & eBooks
• Marketing Job Board
• Academic Job Board
• AMA Foundation
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Collegiate Resources
• Awards and Scholarships
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Strategic Partnerships

We noticed that you are using Internet Explorer 11 or older that is not support any longer. Please consider using an alternative such as Microsoft Edge, Chrome, or Firefox.

PhD Programs in Marketing

The AMA helps potential doctoral students find the right program for them by maintaining a global list of PhD and DBA-granting institutions that offer the opportunity to specialize in marketing. If you would like your institution added to the list below, please email [email protected].

Current doctoral students may find helpful resources via the AMA DocSIG and PhD students who are going on the market should check out the AMA Transitions Guide or learn about Academic Placement at the Summer Academic Conference .

• ​Chinese University of Hong Kong  
• City University of Hong Kong 
• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 
• Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
• JK Business School
• Lingnan University​​
• Management Development Institute  
• Nanyang Technological University ​
• National University of Singapore  
• Aston Business School
• Athens University of Economics & Business  
• Bilkent University 
• Bocconi University  
• Boğaziçi University
• Cardiff University  
• City, University London  
• Copenhagen Business School
• Cranfield University  
• Erasmus Research Institute of Management  
• ESSEC Business School
• Frankfurt School of Finance & Management  
• Goethe-Universitaet Frankfurt  
• Grenoble Ecole de Management  
• HEC Paris  
• Hanken School of Economics  
• INSEAD 
• ICTE Business School  
• Kingston University  
• Koc University  
• Lancaster University  
• Loughborough University 
• Lausanne University  
• London Busines s School  
• Maastricht University  
• Manchester Business School  
• Nottingham University  
• Tilburg University  
• Umea University  
• University of Bradford
• University College Dublin 
• University of Cologne​
• University of Exeter  
• University of Glasgow  
• University of Grenoble  
• University of Groningen
• University of Guelph  
• University of Liverpool  
• University of Mannheim
• University of Muenster
• University of Navarra, IESE  
• University of St. Gallen 
• University of Southern Denmark  
• University of Stirling​
• University of Strathclyde 
• University of Valencia  
• VU University Amsterdam 
• Wilfrid Laurier University 
• Warwick Business School 
• Yeditepe University
• Carleton University  
• Concordia University 
• HEC Montréal  
• Laval University  
• McGill University
• McMaster University  
• Queen’s University
• Simon Fraser University 
• University of Alberta 
• University of British Columbia 
• University of Calgary
• University of Manitoba​
• University of Toronto  
• Western University  
• York University ​

Australia and New Zealand

• Bond University 
• Deakin University
• Griffith University​ 
• La Trobe University  
• Macquarie Graduate School of Management 
• Melbourne Business School  
• Monash University 
• Queensland University of Technology 
• Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology 
• University of Adelaide 
• University of Ballarat 
• University of Canterbury​
• University of Melbourne 
• University of Newcastle 
• University of New South Wales  
• University of Otago 
• University of South Australia  
• University of Sydney 
• University of Technology, Sydney  
• University of Western Australia 
• University of Wollongong

United States of America

• Arizona State University  
• Bentley University  
• Boston University 
• Carnegie Mellon University 
• City University of New York (Baruch College) 
• Cleveland State University 
• Cornell University 
• Columbia University  
• Drexel University  
• Duke University  
• Emory University  
• Florida Atlantic University  
• Florida International University 
• Florida State University
• Fordham University  
• George Washington University 
• Georgia Institute of Technology  
• Georgia State University 
• Grand Canyon University  
• Harvard University  
• Indiana University  
• Iowa State University  
• Kennesaw University 
• Kent State University  
• Louisiana State University
• Louisiana Tech University  
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology  
• Michigan State University  
• Mississippi State University 
• Morgan State University 
• New Mexico State University 
• New York University  
• Northwestern University  
• The Ohio State University 
• Oklahoma State University  
• Old Dominion University
• Pace University  
• Pennsylvania State University  
• Purdue University  
• Rutgers University  
• Saint Louis University 
• Southern Illinois University  
• Stanford University  
• State University of New York, ​Binghamton  
• Syracuse University 
• Temple University  
• Texas A & M University  
• Texas Tech University 
• University of Alabama 
• University of Arizona  
• University of Arkansas 
• University at Buffalo  
• University of California, Berkeley  
• University of California, Irvine  
• University of California, Los Angeles
• University of California, Riverside
• University of California, San Diego  
• University of Central Florida 
• University of Chicago 
• University of Cincinnati 
• University of Colorado at Boulder  
• University of Connecticut  
• University of Florida  
• University of Georgia 
• University of Hawaii at Manoa  
• University of Houston  
• University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign 
• University of Illinois at Chicago 
• University of Iowa  
• University of Kansas 
• University of Kentucky 
• University of Maryland  
• University of Massachusetts – Amherst
• University of Massachusetts – Lowell  
• University of Memphis  
• University of Miami 
• University of Michigan  
• University of Minnesota  
• University of Mississippi  
• University of Missouri 
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln  
• University of North Carolina 
• University of North Texas 
• University of Oklahoma 
• University of Oregon  
• University of Pennsylvania  
• University of Pittsburgh 
• University of Rhode Island 
• University of Rochester  
• University of South Carolina  
• University of Southern California  
• University of South Florida  
• University of Tennessee 
• University of Texas – Arlington 
• University of Texas at Austin – Marketing 
• University of Texas – Dallas 
• University of Texas – El Paso​
• University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley  
• University of Texas – San Antonio 
• University of Utah  
• University of Virginia 
• University of Washington  
• University of Wisconsin-Madison 
• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 
• University of Wyoming  
• Vanderbilt University 
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University  
• Washington State University  
• Washington University in St. Louis  
• West Virginia University 
• Yale University  
• Wayne State University  ​​​

By continuing to use this site, you accept the use of cookies, pixels and other technology that allows us to understand our users better and offer you tailored content. You can learn more about our privacy policy here

to post a comment. --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> -->
	University of Southern California
	Aug 15, 2024   USC Catalogue 2023-2024     USC Catalogue 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOGUE] | Students in the doctoral program learn theories that guide research into communication processes and effects and into institutions and technologies that lend pattern to communication. Applicants for the PhD are expected to acquire and demonstrate humanistic and behavioral knowledge of communication while acquiring skills requisite to scholarly research in the discipline. Screening Procedures Student progress is carefully monitored by the School of Communication faculty. Students are normally screened at the end of their first year of graduate study. At that time they must have completed no fewer than 16 and no more than 24 units, including COMM 525   , COMM 526   , COMM 550    and COMM 552   . Students are evaluated on subject matter competence, teaching potential and their ability to conduct independent research. Upon successful passage of the screening procedure, the student has 30 days in which to form a qualifying exam committee. Course Requirements The student is required to take a minimum of 72 units and write an approved dissertation. Four core courses COMM 525x Humanistic and Social Scientific Approaches to Human Communication I Units: 4 COMM 526x Humanistic and Social Scientific Approaches to Human Communication II Units: 4 COMM 550 Quantitative Research Methods in Communication Units: 4 COMM 552 Qualitative Research Methods in Communication Units: 4 And Doctoral Dissertation COMM 794a Doctoral Dissertation Units: 2 are required for all students COMM 794b Doctoral Dissertation Units: 2 are required for all students Students specialize in one of seven tracks by completing a minimum of three courses (12 units) in one of the following: (1) rhetoric, politics and publics:. COMM 509x Classical Rhetorical Theory Units: 4 COMM 511x Contemporary Rhetorical Theory Units: 4 COMM 512x Rhetorical Criticism Units: 4 COMM 513x Neoclassical Rhetorical Theory Units: 4 COMM 514x Social Movements as Rhetorical Form Units: 4 COMM 515x Postmodern Rhetorical Theory Units: 4 COMM 517x Rhetorical Theory and Culture Units: 4 COMM 518x American Public Address Units: 4 COMM 520 The Rhetoric of the Presidential Campaign Trail Units: 4 COMM 521x Argumentation Units: 4 COMM 522x Kenneth Burke’s Dramatistic Theory Units: 4 COMM 573 Networked Publics: Theories and Encounters Units: 4 COMM 576 Civic Media and Participatory Politics Units: 4 COMM 580 Media and Politics Units: 4 (2) Media, Culture and Community: CMGT 587 Audience Analysis Units: 4 COMM 516x Feminist Theory and Communication Units: 4 COMM 519x Cultural Studies in Communication Units: 4 COMM 564 Communication, Culture and Capitalism Units: 4 COMM 575 Advocacy and Social Change in Entertainment and the Media Units: 4 COMM 605 Advanced Macro Theories of Communication Units: 4 COMM 618 Mass Media Effects Units: 4 COMM 629 Global Culture Units: 4 COMM 653 Research, Practice and Social Change Units: 4 COMM 654 Art, Artists and Society Units: 4 COMM 655 Studies in Sound, Music and Communication Units: 4 COMM 656 Theorizing Race, Culture, Cross-Cultural Exchange Units: 4 COMM 662 Video Games Research Units: 4 COMM 672 Experiments in Critical Writing Units: 4 (3) Health Communication and Social Dynamics: CMGT 581 Media in Social Services: Design and Evaluation of Campaigns Units: 4 CMGT 583 Social Marketing and Entertainment Education Units: 4 CMGT 588 Global Storytelling: The Power of Narrative Units: 4 COMM 554 Regression and Multivariate Communication Research Units: 4 COMM 602 Seminar in Persuasion Units: 4 COMM 611 Communication Technology and Healthcare Units: 4 COMM 612 Designing Health Communication Interventions Units: 4 COMM 613 Grant Writing in Communication Units: 4 COMM 614 Computational Approaches in Health Communication Units: 4 COMM 615 Health Communication Units: 4 COMM 616 Meta-Analysis in Health Communication Units: 4 COMM 650 Survey Construction and Validation Units: 4 COMM 651 Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs Units: 4 (4) Groups, Organizations and Networks: COMM 508x Power, Politics and Conflict in Communication Units: 4 COMM 524x Small Group Process Units: 4 COMM 585x Organizational Communication Units: 4 COMM 635 Economics of Information Units: 4 COMM 636 Interpretive and Cultural Approaches in Organizational Communication Units: 4 COMM 637 Current Readings in Organizational Communication Units: 4 COMM 638 Global, International and Intercultural Communication in Organizations Units: 4 COMM 640 Communication and Organizational Change Units: 4 COMM 641 Organizations and Communication Technologies Units: 4 COMM 645 Communication Networks Units: 4 COMM 648 Online Communities and Networks Units: 4 COMM 652 Ethnographic Field Research in Communication Units: 4 (5) Political Economy of Global Communication: COMM 546 The Political Economy of Innovation Units: 4 COMM 553 Global Internet Governance Units: 4 COMM 559 Globalization, Communication and Society Units: 4 COMM 560 Global Media and Communication in China and Asia Units: 4 COMM 561 Leading and Communicating Change in Global Organizations Units: 4 COMM 567 The Political Economy of Privacy and Cybersecurity Units: 4 COMM 570 Economics of the Communication Industries Units: 4 COMM 582 Information and Communication Technology for Development Units: 4 COMM 630 Communication Technology and Social Change Units: 4 COMM 647x Network Society Units: 4 PUBD 504 Global Issues and Public Diplomacy Units: 4 PUBD 510 Technologies and Public Diplomacy Units: 4 PUBD 515 Transnational Diplomacy and Global Security Units: 4 PUBD 516 International Broadcasting Units: 4 PUBD 522 Hard Power, Soft Power and Smart Power Units: 4 (6) Information, Political Economy and Entertainment: CMGT 582 International Communication: National Development Units: 4 COMM 563 Black Popular Culture: Theory and Central Debates Units: 4 COMM 566 Using Theory to Craft Policies to Affect Change Units: 4 COMM 660 Entertainment and Games Units: 4 COMM 670 Economic Cultures Units: 4 (7) New Media and Technology: CMGT 530 Social Dynamics of Communication Technologies Units: 4 CMGT 531 Communication and the International Economy Units: 4 CMGT 537 The Industry, Science and Culture of Video Games Units: 4 COMM 572 Theories of Computer-Mediated Communication Units: 4 COMM 577 Fandom, Participatory Culture and Web 2.0 Units: 4 COMM 578 New Media Literacies Units: 4 Additional Requirements In addition, students must take at least two courses in one other track outside their specialization (8 units total). Students also pursue an approved cognate program of study in which at least 8 units (normally two courses) are taken in a related field outside Communication. Students entering the School of Communication with a master’s degree may, with approval, apply part of their previous graduate course work toward the PhD degree. Students will develop methodological abilities through coursework, collaboration with faculty advisers and mentors, work with Annenberg research groups and centers, and individual and group research projects. Qualifying Exam Committee This committee is composed of five faculty members, at least three of whom have appointments in the School of Communication. Students are expected to work closely with the members of their qualifying exam committee in selecting advanced course work and shaping areas of interest and research. In addition to helping the student plan a program, the committee administers the qualifying examination. Qualifying Examination Qualifying examinations for the PhD usually are taken near the end of the third year of study following completion of all required courses. The examination includes both written and oral portions. The student’s qualifying exam committee composes the questions for the written portion of the exam and administers the oral defense. Students must pass both portions to advance to candidacy. Doctoral Dissertation The dissertation is an original research project contributing to knowledge about human communication and should demonstrate a high level of competence in methodologies of scholarly inquiry. Doctoral Dissertation Committee This committee is composed of at least three and no more than five faculty members. A majority of the committee must have an appointment in the School of Communication. Defense of Dissertation Dissertations are defended in a formal meeting with the dissertation committee prior to submission of the final manuscript to the Graduate School. You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website. Best Online Communications Master's Degrees Best Online Communications Master’s Degrees Of 2024 Updated: Aug 11, 2023, 10:42am Thoughtful and effective communication keeps coworkers talking and collaborating and businesses running smoothly. Although some methods of communication come naturally, others can be enhanced through the right training and education. That’s where a master’s degree in communication comes in. This degree teaches communication skills business leaders need to keep their teams working together, planning solutions and solving problems. Some schools offer a master’s in communication online degree designed for working professionals needing flexible schedules. Online versions deliver the same curriculum as in-person formats, with courses covering strategic communications, public relations management and ethical leadership. The following ranking includes 10 of the best online communication master’s degrees, chosen for their affordability, student experiences and other positive factors to guide professionals toward the next step in their learning journey. Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded Our Methodology We scored 54 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online master’s in communication degree programs in the U.S. using 16 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process. We pulled the data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. We scored schools based on the following categories: Student Outcomes: Overall graduation rate Median earnings 10 years after graduation Affordability: In-state graduate student tuition In-state graduate student fees Alternative tuition plans offered Median federal student loan debt Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment Student Experience: Student-to-faculty ratio Socioeconomic diversity Availability of online coursework Total number of graduate assistants More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education Credibility: Fully accredited Programmatic accreditation status Nonprofit status Application Process: Acceptance rate We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 92.9% or higher. Find our full list of methodologies here . Best Online Accounting Degrees Best MBA In Finance Online Best Online Finance Degrees Best Online Master’s In Accounting Degrees Best Online Master’s In Finance Best Online Master’s in Communications Degree Options Featured Partners Should You Enroll in an Online Communications Master's Program? Accreditation for online college, how to find the right online communications master's program for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online communications master's degrees, notre dame of maryland university, university of southern california, johns hopkins university, concordia university-saint paul, webster university, marist college, northwestern university, drexel university, university of illinois urbana-champaign, ashland university, featured online schools. Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site' Graduate Tuition $580/credit Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education Overall Graduation Rate The master of arts in contemporary communication from Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU), located in Baltimore, Maryland, features 36 credits spanning communication arts, philosophy, computer studies and English. In addition to exploring business and social media communication, students complete a writing workshop to practice writing for contemporary media channels. Learners can also choose between completing a master’s thesis or a creative communications project to complete their degree. NDMU charges a technology fee of $195 per term to its master’s in communication online students. Our Flexibility Rating: N/A School Type: Private Application Fee: N/A Degree Credit Requirements: 36 Program Enrollment Options: Full time Notable Major-Specific Courses: Technology in contemporary communication, public relations management Concentrations Available: N/A In-Person Requirements: No $2,244/credit The master of communication management at the Los Angeles-based University of Southern California (USC) is designed to adapt to the modern communication needs of tech-driven and global businesses. Learners can focus their program on general communication management studies or choose from one of three concentrations, including strategic or marketing communication. Offered by the USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism, this online communications degree requires 10 courses, with students taking two at a time. A practicum at the end of the program gives learners room to design, research and present a communications project based on what they’ve learned. Application Fee: $90 Degree Credit Requirements: 32 Program Enrollment Options: Full time and part time Notable Major-Specific Courses: Communication and work settings, integrated marketing communication strategies Concentrations Available: Marketing communication, strategic and organizational communication, market research and analytics $4,870/course Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins University ’s master of arts in communication includes 10 courses that learners can complete in 12 to 24 months. The program offers six concentrations in specific communication areas, like media relations and health communication. Although Johns Hopkins offers the general degree entirely online, students choosing a concentration may have to attend some courses on the Washington, D.C. campus. The customizable program allows learners to choose core courses and electives that fit their goals and interests. An optional practicum completed during the last semester requires students to strategize communication solutions for a business. Johns Hopkins charges online learners a $200 technology fee per course. Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on Your Schedule Application Fee: $75 Degree Credit Requirements: 30 Notable Major-Specific Courses: Changing behavior through communication, theory of mass communication practices Concentrations Available: Applied research for communication, corporate and nonprofit communication, digital communication, health communication, political communication, public and media relations In-Person Requirements: Yes, concentrations may require on-campus classes $475/credit Located in St. Paul, Minnesota, Concordia University-Saint Paul offers its master’s in strategic communication management via its CSP Global online campus. The program explores multiple forms of business-focused communication, including crisis, media and digital communication. A reflection and capstone course wraps up the program’s concepts with a strategic planning project. CSP Global’s online communication master’s students access several forms of financial aid, including academic scholarships, corporate partnership discounts and transfer scholarships. The school also accepts up to 18 transfer credits to reduce the program’s total cost. Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a Set Schedule Application Fee: Free Notable Major-Specific Courses: Project management and analytics, corporate social responsibility and ethical leadership $730/credit Students interested in learning theory-based communication principles can apply for the advertising and marketing communications master’s degree from Webster University , located in St. Louis, Missouri. The online degree includes 12 courses, one of which may be waived for students with at least three years of professional experience in advertising. Four courses are electives learners can choose to personalize their curriculum. Online master’s in communication students also learn media research techniques, helping them complete a research-based capstone project on an approved topic. Application Fee: $50 Notable Major-Specific Courses: Strategic principles of advertising and marketing communication, media organization and regulations $920/credit A private liberal arts school located in Poughkeepsie, New York, Marist College provides an online master of arts in integrated marketing communication. Students can complete the 30-credit, 10-course program in as little as three semesters on an accelerated schedule. Marist’s online communication master’s curriculum is designed to give learners real-world experience with communications research and strategic planning projects they can add to their portfolio. A capstone course combines learned concepts with critical thinking as learners develop a workable integrated marketing communication plan. Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time, accelerated Notable Major-Specific Courses: Brand management, global consumer insights $6,753/credit Located in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern University ‘s School of Communication provides its master of science in communication at the Evanston campus or entirely online. All students complete nine classes for one credit each, with online students taking one five-week class at a time. The online program features three live practicums during which students attend seminars in organizational change management, conflict negotiation and cultural humility. A three-part capstone project is also required, incorporating personal branding, research and presentation skills. Degree Credit Requirements: 9 Program Enrollment Options: Part time Notable Major-Specific Courses: Leading and leveraging networks, dialogic decision-making $773/credit Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University ‘s online master’s degree in strategic and digital communication intertwines traditional communication skills with today’s modern forms of communication, like social media. Students complete seven core communications courses and choose 24 additional communications electives to round out their degrees. Although designed to complete in two years, learners can take multiple courses during each 10-week semester to finish the program faster. Students with previous or current work experience in the communications field may waive an internship component. Drexel charges an annual graduate online program fee of $125. Degree Credit Requirements: 45 Notable Major-Specific Courses: Ethics for professional communication, media and communication policy in a digitized world In-Person Requirements: Yes $940/credit Located in Champaign, Illinois, the online master of science in strategic brand communication from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign teaches students to communicate brand messaging effectively. Graduates of this program might seek roles as brand advisors, social media managers or marketing managers. Requiring 32 credits, students explore business and marketing topics, like project management and promotional strategy. A capstone course requires learners to plan and design a brand communication by applying research, marketing and execution strategies learned throughout the program. School Type: Public Application Fee: $70 Notable Major-Specific Courses: Messaging strategy, consumer insights $660/credit Located in Ashland, Ohio, Ashland University offers an online master of arts in strategic communication and leadership. The 10-course program explores communications within public, private and nonprofit organizations. Students can complete a communications internship at a company they choose or opt for a research project to keep their program entirely online. Ashland charges a technology fee of $44 per credit for its graduate programs. An online cost of attendance calculator helps learners estimate their total costs. Notable Major-Specific Courses: Communication and leadership, risk and crisis communication Online learning has become more commonplace for all degree levels, including master’s degrees. While pursuing a master’s in communication online has clear benefits, it may not be the most effective option for some learners. Learning Style Before applying for an online communication master’s degree, consider how you like to learn. Do you prefer face-to-face interaction with your instructor and peers, or do you work best alone? Although online degrees typically have collaborative components, especially in synchronous classes, asynchronous formats require self-motivation and autonomy. Particularly with a communications degree, ensuring you get the right amount of interaction to practice the concepts you learn is crucial. For some students, the best option might be an in-person or hybrid degree. Attending school online can help you bypass some of the traditional costs of attending college, like transportation and housing. However, some schools charge higher tuition rates to online students who live out of state, which could cut into some of those savings. Consider looking for an online school with the same tuition rates for in-person and online learners, like those in our ranking. Be aware that some schools charge technology fees for online programs that add to the total cost of the degree. Scheduling Needs Online master’s degrees in communication can provide flexible scheduling for working professionals or students with personal or family commitments, especially when delivered asynchronously. Synchronous online classes may also have evening or weekend meeting times to help learners work around busy schedules. Seeking a program at an accredited college or university is important if you plan to use federal financial aid or pursue additional education after completing your master’s degree. Most schools only accept transfer credits from institutionally accredited schools, meaning they receive accreditation from an accrediting body approved by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Individual degrees may also earn programmatic accreditation. The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications accredits communications programs with a journalism focus. Meanwhile, business-focused communications programs may earn accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs or International Accreditation Council for Business Education. Programmatic accreditation is usually optional for career advancement in communications. However, it can help you determine a program’s quality and may enhance your résumé. Often, a program page or dedicated accreditation page on a school’s website denotes accreditation information. Alternatively, you can use CHEA’s search tool to locate accredited schools. Consider Your Future Goals Online communication master’s degrees can meet different student needs. For example, some might have accelerated options to help you finish your degree and enter the workforce sooner. Others might offer a concentration to enhance your skills in a specific communications area you want to pursue. Before choosing a program, take some time to compare the fine details of each. If you’re seeking work experience, does the program have an internship component? Is the school accredited, allowing you to transfer credits into a doctorate program at a later time? Consider your goals and how well a program aligns with them. Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options Based on the programs in our ranking, an online master’s in communication degree typically costs $475 to $2,250 per credit, on average. This equates to about $14,250 to $81,000 for a 30 to 36-credit program, or about $7,125 to $40,500 per year. Additionally, some programs charge technology fees that add to their total costs. For comparison, the National Center for Education Statistics lists the average graduate tuition for the 2020-21 school year as $19,749. Students planning to pursue an online communications degree should fill out the FAFSA to determine whether they’re eligible for federal financial aid, like grants and loans. Schools may also offer scholarships, grants, assistantships, work-study and other types of financial aid to boost affordability for students. Is communication a MS or MA? Communications degrees can be in either master of science or master of arts formats. Subtle differences exist between the two options, with a master of arts more often requiring students to research and write a thesis. What can I expect from a master’s in communication? A master’s degree in communication builds upon undergraduate studies to prepare learners for managerial careers in public relations, journalism or marketing. These programs usually include an internship, seminar or research component to help learners apply the concepts they learn to real scenarios. What are the highest paying communication jobs? Several communications jobs can yield attractive salaries. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median salary for public relations managers as $129,430 in 2022, while marketing managers earned a median salary of $140,040 the same year. Communications directors, brand strategists and media supervisors are also among the highest-paying communications jobs. As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner and former educator, Amy Boyington is passionate about researching and advocating for learners of all ages. For over a decade, Amy has specialized in writing parenting and higher education content that simplifies the process of comparing schools, programs and tuition rates for prospective students and their families. Her work has been featured on several online publications, including Online MBA, Reader’s Digest and BestColleges. Online Students For All Online Programs International Students On Campus, need or have Visa Campus Students For All Campus Programs Master's in Communication Online MA Degree Programs Cost per credit $637 Total courses 12 Term length 10 weeks Program Overview Why get a master's in communication online? Great leaders are strong communicators. Whether you're looking to lead ad campaigns that drive customers to action, build meaningful community relationships for local nonprofits or seal business deals with executive leadership teams, the online Master of Arts (MA) in Communication program at Southern New Hampshire University can help you build the skills and authority you need to advance your career. Skills you'll learn: Application of moral reasoning to meet industry standards Strategic approaches to guide decisions and solutions Engagement techniques for a wide range of audiences Effective use of communication technologies to share ideas Creation, management and growth tactics for personal brands Courses & Curriculum Online graduate communications courses that prepare you for what's next Develop media, marketing, branding and public relations skills essential in a wide range of industries. In the master's in communication online program at SNHU, you'll blend theory with practice by engaging in thoughtful discussion and examining real-world scenarios. And you'll finish out the program by combining everything you've learned to execute a real-life communications campaign. Online master's in communications concentrations Choose the general track or specialize your degree with a concentration. Become a marketing and social media maven with an online MA in Communication with a concentration in New Media & Marketing degree. In the master's in new media and marketing online program, you'll learn how to effectively collaborate with others inside and outside of your field, write persuasively across all media channels and understand why some products and ideas take off while others fall flat. The new media and marketing concentration consists of seven core courses, a capstone course and four specialized courses taught by passionate faculty with real-world experience. In the final capstone course, you'll use what you've learned to strategize and execute a new media communication campaign. If you're more interested in a program with a heavier emphasis on marketing, you may want to explore our online master's in marketing  program, which has a social media marketing concentration. Career outlook: The online master's in communication with a new media and marketing concentration is designed to keep you at the forefront of new media technologies, so you can be prepared for the next step of your career. You'll gain specialized knowledge and skills that could position you for a number of roles, including: Social media specialist Public relations specialist Graphic designer Marketing manager Plus, given the broad appeal of new media across industries, you'll have the option to work in a number of different environments, from financial firms to nonprofits and beyond. Courses may include: Communication with Media Technology Pen to Platform (communicating across diverse media) Digital Tools & Teams New Media Campaign Design & Marketing Master brand management with an online Master of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations degree. In an internet-enabled world with 24/7 access to any and all kinds of information, brand scrutiny – whether from the news media or the general public – never stops. The master's in public relations online degree program immerses you in the technology and tactics that show brands in their best light and help keep them there. Designed for both current public relations professionals and those hoping to break into the field, this career-focused concentration demonstrates best practices for building, managing and maintaining brand value through the use of public relations and external communications. You'll learn how to use all of the media channels available to you to strategically manage the flow of information between brands and the public – whether it’s through traditional media avenues or emerging digital platforms. The public relations concentration consists of seven core courses, four specialized courses and a capstone course, in which you'll use what you've learned to strategize and execute a public relations campaign. Current PR professionals and those seeking to enter this growing field can advance their careers with the knowledge and skills gained from a master's in public relations online. As a public relations professional, you'll be tasked with maintaining and improving a company’s public reputation – usually by working directly with media members in person, via press releases and beyond. You may also be in charge of other corporate communications, including speeches given by company leaders. As new media have grown ever more pervasive, the demand for adept PR professionals has only increased. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 6% job growth for public relations and fundraising managers through 2032, which is faster than the national average. 1 In addition, public relations and fundraising managers reportedly earned a median annual wage of $130,480 in 2023. 1 Reputation Management: Building a Brand Spread the Word: Social Media Practices Crisis Communication in a 24/7 World Integrated Public Relations Campaigns & Measurement If you're seeking an undergraduate degree, you may be interested in our online bachelor's in public relations degree . Online master's in communications degree courses In this 12-course graduate communications program, you'll begin learning about effective messaging from week 1, including established communication models and theories. Then, you'll get hands-on experience developing messaging solutions that inform, educate and enlighten through verbal, written and visual means. Finally, you'll end with a capstone, where you'll create a comprehensive communications plan to deliver an effective message with a strategic approach. Visit the course catalog to view the full MA in Communication curriculum . PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements Component Type PC (Windows OS) Operating System Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. Memory (RAM) 8GB or higher Hard Drive 100GB or higher Antivirus Software Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. SNHU Purchase Programs Internet/ Bandwidth 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements Component Type Apple (Mac OS) Operating System Currently supported operating system from Apple. Memory (RAM) 8GB or higher Hard Drive 100GB or higher Antivirus Software Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. SNHU Purchase Programs Internet/ Bandwidth 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency Additional Information: Laptop or desktop?   Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.  Note:   Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.  Office 365 Pro Plus  is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for  Microsoft 365 plans  for business, education and government.  Antivirus software:  Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.  Licensure and Certification Disclosures SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page . Apply for free in minutes Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts! Upcoming term starts: January 06, 2025 | March 24, 2025 Next term starts: Oct. 14, 2024 Online student experience what’s it like going to snhu. Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents. What to expect: .b{fill:#21386d;}.c{fill:#21386e;} 10-week terms, .cls-1 { fill: #21386e; } learn around your schedule, .st0{fill:#f1f2f2;} .st1{fill:#f2bb44;} .st2{fill:#23386e;} .st3{fill:none;stroke:#23386e;stroke-width:2.5;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st4{fill:none;stroke:#f1f2f2;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st5{fill:#25396a;} .st6{fill:#21386d;} .st7{fill:none;} .st8{fill:#f1bb45;} .st9{fill:#21396d;} .st10{fill:#22356b;} .st11{fill:none;stroke:#23386e;stroke-width:4;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st12{fill:#ffffff;stroke:#21376d;stroke-width:4;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-linejoin:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st13{fill:none;stroke:#21376d;stroke-width:4;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-linejoin:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st14{fill:#21376d;} .st15{fill:none;stroke:#21376d;stroke-width:4;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st16{fill:none;stroke:#23386e;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st17{fill:none;stroke:#21386d;stroke-width:4;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st18{fill:#ffffff;stroke:#21386d;stroke-width:4;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st19{fill:none;stroke:#23386e;stroke-width:2;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st20{fill:#ffffff;stroke:#21376d;stroke-width:2;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-linejoin:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st21{fill:none;stroke:#21376d;stroke-width:2;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-linejoin:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st22{fill:none;stroke:#21376d;stroke-width:2;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st23{fill:none;stroke:#21386e;stroke-width:0.75;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st24{fill:none;stroke:#091c38;stroke-width:2;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-linejoin:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st25{fill:#ffffff;stroke:#23386e;stroke-width:4;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st26{fill:#091c38;} .st27{fill:#ffffff;stroke:#21376d;stroke-width:4;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st28{fill:#ffffff;stroke:#23386e;stroke-width:2;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st29{fill:#ffffff;stroke:#21376d;stroke-width:2;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;} .st30{fill:#ffffff;} 24/7 online support, what does an online course look like. You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your: Schedule of weekly assignments Discussion boards Instructor announcements What support services are available? Chat with your advisors Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. Drop in for tutoring Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. Learn from industry professionals Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. Use the online library Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. Reach out for accessibility help Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. Focus on your well-being Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness. Dedicated to your success Our instructors are at the heart of SNHU's mission of student success. Whether they are engaging with students on discussion boards, communicating concepts and ideas or helping you explore your passions, SNHU instructors strive to make your learning experience valuable and memorable. Featured Faculty Dr. karen wilkinson. Position Associate Dean, Communications Joined SNHU 2012 EdD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Carolina MA in English from East Carolina University BA in Community Studies from the University of Massachusetts-Boston What our instructors have to say “We look to prepare students to be leaders in their field, which is why we focus on how to strategize and offer consultation to CEOs and C-suite members when given a seat at the table.” Robert Krueger , communication instructor at SNHU Read more about Robert Krueger and other online faculty at SNHU . At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities. Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education: U.S. News & World Report Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology Google.org Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth Founded in 1932 , Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality. Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free No application fee. No test scores. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner. All it takes is 3 simple steps It's easy, fast and free. Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!) Note: The Master of Arts in Communication degree application also requires you submit a personal statement (500-600 words) that addresses your interest in the field of communication. After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin. Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU  | [email protected] Accreditations SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) , which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs. Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you. Online graduate tuition *before previously earned credits are applied Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. **Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts. Additional costs: Course materials vary by course. Transfer credits and lower your cost by: If 3 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree. Your remaining tuition cost: $17,199 If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree. Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288 If 9 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree. Your remaining tuition cost: $13,377 If 12 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree. Your remaining tuition cost: $11,466 How we estimate your tuition cost: We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice. Ways to save on online tuition Transfer credits toward your master's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you. Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.) Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of an online graduate tuition discount for active-duty service members and spouses. Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences. Receive an online tuition discount if your organization has partnered with SNHU for educational benefits. And consider asking your employer about tuition reimbursement. Career Outlook What can I do with an online communications master's degree? Professionals with strong communication skills are in demand across industries. From internal communications to public relations and writing, getting your master's in communications online can help you gain both the technical and leadership skills you need to advance your career. The beauty of a master's in communication lies in its versatility. Not only can the skills you learn throughout the program apply to a wide variety of roles like promotions manager and market research analyst, they'll also be useful throughout your career — no matter where it takes you. Earning a master's in communications online could prepare you for roles in a number of industries, including: Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups or organizations. Oversee campaigns and events intended to bring in donations for an organization. Study consumer preferences and business conditions to assess potential sales. Create visual concepts to communicate ideas that inform and captivate consumers. Plan, coordinate and revise material for publication in books/newspapers or on the internet. Create interest among potential buyers of a product or service. Average media and communication job openings projected each year through 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 1 Median annual pay for communication workers as of May 2023 – higher than the median annual wage for all occupations ($48,060), according to the BLS. 1 Understanding the numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth. What SNHU students are saying The structure of the program was perfect for me. I was able to work full time and attend school full time. Riel Major '21 Learning on the job alongside with the MA program in communication came in very handy. I was able to apply my real-life experiences to the program and my book knowledge to the internship. Mihir Pandya '18 The quality and support from my professors and advisor are unmatched. I love that the classes are focused on preparing us for the real world. My career aspirations now seem obtainable. Na'Keevia Brown '21 Frequently Asked Questions Get answers about the online master's degree in communication A master's in communication could be a wise choice for someone looking to build leadership skills that can be used across industries. As Dr. Karen Wilkinson , an associate dean at SNHU with over 30 years of marketing, communication and PR experience, put it: "Communication touches every field, workplace and environment throughout contemporary society." This is especially important in an age where so many communication channels exist – many on digital platforms where massive amounts of content are shared every second. "Today, more than ever, individuals are inundated with digital technology and online social opportunities," Wilkinson said. "The ability to create and deliver content via the correct context, channel and medium is essential to ensuring that communication efforts are strategic and successful." The stakes have been raised for timely and ethical communication, too. Gone are the days when a press release was the primary course of action to correct a PR nightmare. Now, professional communicators are expected to speak directly and respectfully to audiences across the globe. "Digital environments deliver vast opportunity to engage with global audiences. Social media offers an online conversation," Wilkinson pointed out. In addition, these audiences are culturally unique, diverse in both thought and experience, and expect immediacy in the way information is shared. Earning an advanced degree can help give the tools you need to adapt to these evolving channels – which could also help you stand out to employers. An online master's in communication can strengthen and build upon your prior BA or BS degree by allowing you to develop new and valued workplace skill sets. The amount you earn upon getting your master's in communication depends on several factors, including your specific role, company, industry and geographical location. That said, a master's in communication online degree program could help position you for career advancement – and, in turn, higher earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earnings of workers with bachelor's degrees was $1,493 in 2023. 1 By comparison, those who had a master's degree in the same time period received median weekly earnings of $1,737. 1 In many cases, students can expect to complete their master's degree in 1.5 to 2 years. But at SNHU, you can earn your master's online at whatever pace you'd like – whether it's over the course of a few years, or in as few as 15 months. We know that no two learners are the same – that we all have unique needs and challenges. What matters to us is helping you achieve the goals you set out to achieve, in whatever way works best for you. That means, if you're balancing a job, commitments with family or any other host of responsibilities, you can take on the work that fits your schedule. Our advisors can work closely with you to map out a course plan – and if, for whatever reason, your schedule changes, we can adjust accordingly.  We also accept up to 12 transfer credits, helping you pick up right where you left off (and save tuition along the way). The bottom line is, we're here to help you reach the finish line, no matter where you start, or what pace you take to get there. One of the things that makes the master's in communication such a powerful degree is that it can be broadly applicable to a number of different roles and industries across the globe. Whether you're working in financial services, marketing or even for a local nonprofit, your skills could be an invaluable asset to any organization. For Mihir Pandya '18 , a graduate degree in communication from SNHU meant realizing his dream of working in the sports industry. After interning for Major League Soccer (MLS), he was offered a full-time job in their communications department, working as a media monitoring and analysis consultant. "Learning on the job alongside with the MA program in communication came in very handy," Pandya said. "I was able to apply my real-life experiences to the program and my book knowledge to the internship." A master's in communication also aims to prepare you for any challenge that might come your way. Upon graduating, you'll be equipped with skills that can help you adapt in fast-paced environments. “A communicator has his or her fingers in every pot," said Dr. Karen Wilkinson , an associate dean at SNHU. "You are going to need to know how to create a graphic, respond to a crisis, write a blog or create a web page. Communication is tied to technology and technology is ever-evolving.” A communication degree can help you grow a number of "soft skills," which, according to a National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook 2024 survey, were high on employers' wish lists for employees. 2 In fact, 78.9% of the hiring managers who answered the survey valued staff who can collaborate as part of a team. Even more managers (88.7%) look for employees who have problem-solving skills. Other soft skills managers listed included: Written communication: 72.7% Strong work ethic: 71.6% Flexibility/adaptability: 70.1% Verbal communication: 67.5% All of these skills are central to our online master's in communication program. And if you're looking to stand out even more to employers, we offer concentrations in public relations and new media, too. Both concentrations find their sweet spot in the intersection of messaging and technology, according to SNHU instructor Robert Krueger . “As a professor who also works for a large global company, I assure you these are the skills that make communicators succeed out in the field.” While the names alone do not have specific, across-the-board differences, it's worth noting that, even with the same name, the content of these programs may vary. If you're trying to decide on a program, take a close look at the course curriculum and outcomes to figure out if it's right for you. Our graduate communication program, for example, mixes theoretical principles and concepts with practical, real-world applications using engaged class discussion, internships and a capstone. Take a look at our course curriculum to learn more. The curriculum for our online graduate communication program is designed to prepare you for success in the field. That means, in part, taking a look at the competencies and skills that are most valued by employers across the globe. The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) notes 6 core principles of the communication profession. 3 These core principles, which help inform key communication skills, are present throughout our program. They are: Ethics. Communicating cultural values, representing organizations truthfully and enabling mutual understanding and respect. Consistency. Establish a clear and compelling narrative and recognize the diverse perspectives of your audience. Context. Understand internal cultures, external environments and how to advocate for your organization. Analysis. Understand and evaluate communication plans using qualitative and quantitative research. Strategy. Identify opportunities and challenges and execute effective communication strategies. Engagement. Foster and nourish relationships with key stakeholders to align on shared goals. Related Programs Related articles. Sources & Citations 1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/public-relations-managers.htm (viewed May 30, 2024) https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/home.htm (viewed May 30, 2024) https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed Nov. 17, 2023) Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. 2 National Association of Colleges and Employers, on the internet at https://www.naceweb.org/talent-acquisition/candidate-selection/key-attributes-employers-want-to-see-on-students-resumes/ (viewed May 30, 2024) 3 International Association of Business Communicators. The Global Standard of the Communication Professional, on the internet, at https://www.iabc.com/About/Global-Standard (viewed May 30, 2024) Course Schedule Student Profile Success Stories Career Outlook How to Apply Tuition & Financial Aid Master's in Integrated Marketing Communications Master's Degree Fully accredited program. Master the analytical thinking and creative skills needed to work across communications channels and design engaging brand experiences. Georgetown’s Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Marketing Communications immerses you at the intersection of strategy and creativity. You’ll study the full breadth of communications disciplines—including advertising, direct marketing, social media, and word-of-mouth marketing—and learn how to synthesize them into cohesive brand experiences. You’ll also have opportunities to develop your skills and your portfolio through real-world client engagements, class trips, and networking events with some of the industry’s top organizations. Number of Credits 33 credits Work Outside of Each Class 6-9 hours per week Total Tuition $51,909* Enrollment Full-time or part-time Time to Complete 2–5 years Semester of Entry Fall, spring, summer Ideal for working professionals, our program is designed to fit your schedule. We offer flexible options to take classes online, on campus, or through a combination of both—so you don’t have to interrupt your career to earn your degree. Better yet, you can directly apply everything you learn to make an immediate impact in the workplace. Led by a faculty of communications practitioners and industry experts, our courses emphasize the contemporary practices that are in high demand by employers. You’ll develop the foundational knowledge, analytical thinking, and creative skills that position you to successfully lead cross-channel communications efforts that capture audiences and drive impact. Throughout your time in the program, you’ll be challenged to reflect on your personal ethics. You’ll examine case studies of strong professional ethics within the context of IMC while developing your own personal code of ethics to guide you as you continue to advance both personally and professionally. Testimonials from current students and alumni. Even before graduation, I was able to use the critical approaches and strategies I learned in the Georgetown IMC program to position myself for a new role at my company. I gained the confidence, skills, and thinking I needed to move in a different direction.” I not only gained practical tips and insights from experts in all my classes, but also got to work with an intelligent, diverse, and fun group of people. My time at Georgetown was a truly amazing learning experience.” You’ll leave the program with the strategic and creative mindset that empowers you to generate insights, craft compelling brand stories, and create authentic—and lasting—connections between consumers and brands. *Tuition rates for each term are published annually, typically in February. Total tuition listed here reflects Fall semester of entry. Active-Duty Soldier, Now Georgetown Alum, Achieves Lifelong Dream To Be an Army Officer Navigating the Path to Responsible AI Implementation In focus | building trust in an era of skepticism, want to learn more. Simply complete this form to receive additional information about our Master's in Integrated Marketing Communications program. All fields are required. Summer 2024 Spring 2025 Summer 2025 * indicates required field Choose Your Term This program has multiple applications available. Please select your preferred term. SVP Experience Ethical Business Decisions Playbook Silicon Valley Hiring Guide Tuition and Financial Aid GMAT/GRE Waiver Admissions Requirements Application Deadlines How to Apply Networking Opportunities Student Success Online Master’s in Marketing For the modern marketer, there’s no shortage of new tools, tactics, and platforms to learn. Stay one step ahead with an Online Master of Science (MS) in Marketing designed for ongoing change in the 21st century. Shaped by global marketing powerhouses in Silicon Valley, this novel master’s degree will arm you with the latest skills in digital marketing, marketing analytics, MarTech, and more in as little as one year. With a full suite of tools at your disposal, as well as the industry experts who will train you in them, you’ll be ready for the next level in your career. Program Details Complete in as little as one year Four 10-week quarters One on-campus* residency weekend Two annual starts, fall and spring Part-time and full-time enrollment options Admissions requirements Your Journey Starts Here Considering an Online Master of Science (MS) in Marketing to take your career to the next level? Complete the form to get a program brochure for the Leavey School of Business’ Online MSM. Get valuable insights into the online experience, learn more about the school of business, and see where this degree can take you. Get Program Brochure Stay one step ahead with an Online Master of Science (MS) in Marketing designed for ongoing change in the 21st-century. Shaped by global marketing powerhouses in Silicon Valley, this novel master’s degree will arm you with the latest skills in digital marketing, marketing analytics, MarTech, and more in as little as one year. With a full suite of tools at your disposal, as well as the industry experts who will train you in them, you’ll be ready for the next level in your career. Growth. Influence. Security. Today’s industry is heavily informed, and influenced, by a variety of data—not guesses. That’s why the SCU Leavey Online MSM was created to help you master the software and strategies that will make your brand resonate. From consumer and marketing research to online marketing channels and performance metrics, you’ll have the data and reasoning to drive bold initiatives for your organization. In the Online MS in Marketing program, you’ll expand your knowledge in: Digital marketing strategies (e.g., search engine optimization, digital ads, and social media marketing) MarTech (Salesforce, Google Analytics, Marketo, etc.) Marketing analytics Consumer behavior & psychology Integrated marketing communications Brand management Market research View the Curriculum Leadership Strategies for Today and Tomorrow Effective marketing leadership entails more than technical fluency, even in the current digital age. The Online MS in Marketing will be your gateway to increasingly powerful management roles, and it will prepare you to effectively navigate the key relationships and face the strategic challenges that define the field. You will master marketing communications, brand management, interactions with various stakeholders, and more, and position yourself to lead decisively today and into the future. Shape Your Ethical Impact As exciting as MarTech is, these powerful digital marketing tools (and the people they target) come with their own set of challenges. Consumer protection and privacy is top of mind for marketers—especially in California—so SCU is committed to shaping responsible leaders who will use these tools ethically.We conduct thought-provoking discussions on data collection, customer privacy, and other hot-button issues to build a more conscientious workforce. With this perspective, students will graduate from the Online MS in Marketing program with the values and perspective necessary to lead with integrity in Silicon Valley and beyond. Make Your Next Move in Marketing Earn 16% more than those with a bachelor’s degree 1 median salary for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers 2 Ready to make a full-time jump to a marketing firm? Or do you want to become a marketing manager and ensure that you’re qualified for the job? The array of skills you develop in the Online MSM program can prepare you to take on more responsibility at your current company, move into a new role, and seek higher compensation. With this degree, you can land positions like: Marketing Manager Account Director Director of Digital Marketing Vice President of Operations Chief Marketing Officer Preview the MS in Marketing Program Video Transcript Apply coursework to your work. A truly seamless online learning experience is one in which your coursework and lectures are just a browser tab away from the real-world materials you’re learning to use. Throughout the program, you’ll find extensive overlap in your day-to-day marketing work for immediate application. Course Highlight: Marketing is Everything Focusing on decisions faced by managers concerning market segmentation, targeting, and positioning, this course covers concepts such as: New product development Pricing strategies Distribution channels Customer relationships Performance metrics Students apply these key concepts and frameworks to cases and to formulating a comprehensive marketing plan centered on sustainable profitability and capabilities. Cases cover various environments and industries, especially those of concern to Silicon Valley firms. "I now have the skills to analyze businesses, assess any new opportunities, and identify areas of the business that need improvement. These skills will help me tremendously throughout my career." Online Master’s in Marketing Admissions Deadlines Elective Options Tuition & Fees Add to Your Marketing Expertise Through the selection of nine electives courses, students can tailor their marketing degree program to the specialized knowledge they want to gain. You can choose from an assortment of 15 course topics that include: Product Innovation Programmatic & Digital Advertising Fundamentals of B2B Account-Based Marketing MarTech Integrations and Challenges Channel & Social Media View the Full Curriculum Costs & Fees for the Online MSM Program Tuition for the Online MS in Marketing degree is currently calculated at a per unit rate of $1,233. This rate is subject to change annually. Online MSM Tuition 2024-2025 Academic Year Cost per Unit of Credit $1,233 (36 units) Total Tuition $44,388 Application Fee* $158 * The application fee will be waived permanently for SCU students and alumni who apply in the SCU Alumni Pathway, as well as veterans and active-duty military! Merit-based scholarships are available for the Online Master’s in Marketing. Please reach out to your admissions outreach advisor for more information. The online marketing master’s program begins with a three-day, on-campus residency weekend. This weekend will constitute the program’s first course, the two-unit “Marketing Trends and Technology,” in which online marketing master’s students will review core concepts in marketing leadership, including investment measurements, ROI/IRR, the use of dashboards for data tracking, and strategies for interfacing with CFOs. While some preparatory reading is required for this introductory course, you won't need to complete any written work before traveling to campus. This residency is also a valuable networking opportunity for online marketing master’s students, the chance to meet face to face with their program peers and faculty members. Explore the Curriculum From the Boardroom to the Classroom Scu marketing industry advisors. The Online MS in Marketing is a bold collaboration between Santa Clara University’s seasoned business educators and some of the most innovative marketing minds in Silicon Valley. With experience at renowned companies like Google, PWC, and Intuit, these 10 industry leaders have lent their talent, expertise, and vision to construct our MarTech-forward curriculum, ensuring it prepares marketing professionals to thrive today and in years to come. Retrieved on May 25, 2023 from bls.gov/careeroutlook/2023/data-on-display/education-pays.htm Retrieved on March 10, 2022 from bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm Santa Clara University has engaged Everspring , a leading provider of education and technology services, to support select aspects of program delivery. Interested in one of our online programs? Receive a program brochure. Graduate Programs Whether you’re setting out on a course of academic study that will define your professional life, or seeking to build skills to help you land a better job, Santa Clara’s graduate programs offer a range of options to match your needs. Many of our graduate students work while pursuing their degrees, so we offer both part- and full-time programs and some online courses, as well as certificate, license, and non-degree options. Leavey School of Business With the largest MBA program in Silicon Valley as well as specialized Masters degrees, the business school offers a range of options to professionals at different stages in their careers. 4+1 Master of Science Programs School of Education and Counseling Psychology Offering masters and credential programs and certificates to those serving their communities in education, counseling, health and human services, and ministry.  Master’s Programs M.A.  Applied Psychology M.A.  Counseling M.A.  Counseling Psychology M.A.  Educational Leadership Doctor of Education Degree Program Ed.D.  Social Justice Leadership School of Law In addition to J.D. and LL.M. degrees, the School of Law offers unique combined degree programs in J.D./MSIS. J.D.  Juris Doctor  Hybrid, Part-Time  Flex J.D. J.D./MBA  Master of Business Administration J.D./MSIS  Master of Science in Information Systems LL.M.  Intellectual Property LL.M.  International & Comparative Law LL.M.  United States Law College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries Preparing graduates to enter professional ministries.  M.A.  Pastoral Ministries (Online & In-Person) Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice & Chaplaincy  (Online & In-Person) School of Engineering Offering flexible graduate programs for working engineers in Silicon Valley, as well as traditional full-time programs. M.S. Programs Aerospace Engineering Applied Mathematics Bioengineering Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Computer Science and Engineering Electrical Engineering Engineering Management Mechanical Engineering Power Systems and Sustainable Energy Robotics and Automation Accelerated B.S./M.S. Program for Engineering Civil Engineering Computer and Software Engineering Electrical and Computer Engineering Engineering Management & Leadership Accelerated B.S./M.S. Program for Arts & Sciences Mathematics Computer Science Engineering Physics Ph.D. Programs Certificate programs. Robotics and Automation (Online) Applied Bioengineering (Online) Jesuit School of Theology JST offers a range of Masters degrees (including M.Div.) to students interested in preparing for a broad range of ministries and service to the church and world. Master of Divinity (M.Div.) Hyflex Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) Master of Theology (Th.M.) Combined Master of Divinity and Master of Arts (M.Div./M.A.) Master of Arts (M.A) Ecclesiastical Degree Programs Bachelor of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) Doctor of Sacred Theology (S.T.D.) Hybrid and fully online programs that meet students where they are. SCU Online provides increased flexibility while still promising a holistic Santa Clara education. Online MBA Online M.S. Marketing Online M.S. Business Analytics Online M.S. Finance and Analytics School of Education & Counseling Psychology Online Catholic M.A. Teaching and Teaching Credential (CATMAT) Online Certificate in Applied Bioengineering Online Certificate in Robotics and Automation  College of Arts and Sciences - Pastoral Ministries Online M.A. Pastoral Ministries Online Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice & Chaplaincy Online Master of Theological Studies (M.T.S.) "Santa Clara University's location in the heart of Silicon Valley combined with our innovative, flexible graduate programs will help position your career for life-long growth and impact."   For all programs, Santa Clara is committed to providing a graduate education in which students will: Demonstrate academic competence Graduate students will demonstrate broad content knowledge and the ability to integrate and apply concepts from their course of study to professional situations. Engage in creative and collaborative learning Graduate students will innovate, collaborate, and communicate effectively with professionals and others in their discipline. Enhance professional development Graduate students will exhibit professionalism, consistent with the university's Jesuit mission that includes attention to ethics, integrity, and responsible engagement with their communities—professionally, locally, or globally. International Agreements NorthCap University, India - Application fee waivers for all applicants; two US$9,000 tuition scholarships for underrepresented candidates in Engineering; two $12,000 tuition scholarships in Business programs. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), India - Application fee waivers for all applicants; two US$9,000 tuition scholarships for underrepresented candidates in Engineering; two $12,000 tuition scholarships in Business programs. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX : Santa Clara University does not discriminate in its employment practices or educational programs or activities on the basis of sex/gender. SCU also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. Reports of misconduct, questions regarding Title IX, and concerns about noncompliance should be directed to  The Office or Equal Opportunity and Title IX . For a complete copy of the university's policy and more information, contact the university Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Coordinator or the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Standard Track (Graduate Program) Baylor's online speech-language pathology graduate program is for students who earned (or are in the process of earning) a bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) or students who have successfully completed their leveling program . A full-time (5 trimesters, approximately 20 months) and part-time (7 trimesters, approximately 28 months) option are available. Leveling Track (Graduate Program) Baylor also offers a pathway for students interested in the online graduate program who do not have an undergraduate CSD degree . A student who has been accepted into the Baylor  program but does not have an undergraduate CSD degree or courses within the last five years is considered a graduate student with leveling status . These students are required to complete specific courses—offered through Baylor—for state licensure and professional certification, before beginning graduate coursework.  Clinical Experiences Throughout their time in Baylor University's online Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program, students will complete three clinical practica and one clinical internship, totaling a minimum of 400 clinical clock hours and eight credit hours. Each clinical experience places the student in a different setting, which may include but is not limited to hospital/rehabilitation, private practice, and/or public schools. Communication Sciences and Disorders Robbins College of Health & Human Sciences One Bear Place #97332 Waco, TX 76798 General Information Academics & Research Administration Gateways for ... About Baylor Give to Baylor Social Media Strategic Plan College of Arts & Sciences Diana R. Garland School of Social Work George W. Truett Theological Seminary Graduate School Hankamer School of Business Honors College Louise Herrington School of Nursing Research at Baylor University Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences School of Education School of Engineering & Computer Science School of Music University Libraries, Museums, and the Press More Academics Compliance, Risk and Safety Human Resources Marketing and Communications Office of General Counsel Office of the President Office of the Provost Operations, Finance & Administration Senior Administration Student Life University Advancement Undergraduate Admissions Graduate Admissions Baylor Law School Admissions Social Work Graduate Programs George W. Truett Theological Seminary Admissions Online Graduate Professional Education Virtual Tour Visit Campus Alumni & Friends Faculty & Staff Prospective Faculty & Staff Prospective Students Anonymous Reporting Annual Fire Safety and Security Notice Cost of Attendance Digital Privacy Legal Disclosures Mental Health Resources Web Accessibility Majors & Minors About Our Faculty Academic Experience Academic Support Graduate Programs Get Involved Athletics & Sports at UWEC Meet Blugolds Living in Eau Claire Music, Arts, & Culture First-Year Visits Transfer Visits Group Visits Plan Your Trip What to Expect Virtual Tour Options First-Year Student Transfer Student International Students High School Special Student Graduate Student Other Student UWEC Application Contact Admissions Tuition & Fees Financial Aid Scholarships Net Price Calculator University Mission Campus History Accreditation Campus Events and Calendars Collaborations and Partnerships Points of Pride Work at UW-Eau Claire  Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders Earn your master's degree in communication sciences and disorders at UW-Eau Claire. Become prepared for a successful career with our accredited program. Take Your Next Step in Becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist Here, you’ll learn from accomplished professors, who have real-world experience and are enthusiastic to share their knowledge with you. Through coursework and professional experience, you'll become an expert in speech, hearing, and language development and behavior. You'll also learn how to evaluate and diagnose various communication disorders.   A critical component of the program is providing students with clinical experience. Offered through our Center for Communication Disorders and more than 90 off-campus affiliated sites, this opportunity allows you to work with real clients ranging in age and type of communication disorder. Our renowned graduate program offers two options and is designed to work with you no matter where you are in your journey. The on-campus residency program holds classes at UWEC, providing face-to-face instruction, and can be completed in two years. Or, if you’re looking to take courses part time, our online program is set up so you can graduate in three years.  Our online graduate program requires a short residency each summer while the rest of your clinic work can be done in your home community. If you have decided to pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist and have previously completed your bachelor's degree in another area, we also offer post-baccalaureate courses. No matter your path, you'll feel motivated and supported on your journey to completing your degree and becoming a speech-language pathologist. Program Options Information about the online program Information about the residential program Program Details Accreditation information. The Master of Science (M.S.) education program in speech-language pathology residential and distance education at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard, #310, Rockville, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700, and is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Wisconsin is a SARA state (State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement) and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is a SARA-approved institution. Licensure Information The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure about whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification.   NC-SARA (National Council for Authorization Reciprocity Agreements) has a similar policy for online programs.  The requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states:  None It has not been determined whether the requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: None Gain valuable clinical training in our highly equipped Center for Communication Disorders. This state-of-the-art facility includes 16 therapy rooms with direct observation facilities, an audiology suite, a speech science and voice lab, and an assistive technology lab. Here, you'll work directly with clients from the Chippewa Valley community, boosting your confidence and building skills that are sought after in the industry. An annual Nursing and Health Care Professional Fair will further connect you to a variety of employers, including hospitals, clinics, community agencies and schools. This fair is specifically for those looking to enter the healthcare field. The event is an excellent opportunity to make connections and submit your resume for current and future job openings. Blugold Stories The faculty’s passion for the field of speech-language pathology is projected onto their students through rich academic and clinical experiences. By the time I had to decide on graduate school, I knew UW-Eau Claire would shape me into a confident, passionate, and effective clinician because I had already witnessed the dedication to the field through my undergraduate experiences. Being an online graduate student at UW-Eau Claire has been an amazing experience that I will cherish forever. I have made life-long friends who have helped me achieve something I have dreamed of for a long time. UW-Eau Claire has helped me achieve my dream of becoming a speech-language pathologist. Just the facts 100% Online This program can be completed entirely online. Your Classmates at a Glance Residential program. Number of completed applications received in 2023: 125 Average CSD GPA of admitted cohort in 2023: 3.9 Online Program Number of completed applications in 2023: 161 Average CSD GPA of admitted cohort in 2023: 3.89 Percentage of admitted cohort in 2023 with a non-CSD undergrad degree: 20% Where can the master of science in communication sciences and disorders program lead me after graduation? By the end of the communication sciences and disorders graduate program, you will meet requirements for the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology; licensure in speech-language pathology; and the Department of Public Instruction license in speech and language pathology. These qualifications will allow you to work as a speech-language pathologist for a variety of employers. Recent Graduates Speech-Language Pathologist Chippewa Falls School District Wisconsin Speech Therapist Hallmark Rehabilitation California Speech-Language Pathologist St. Paul Public Schools Minnesota Associate Lecturer UW-Eau Claire Wisconsin Speech-Language Pathologist HCR ManorCare Connecticut Speech-Language Pathologist Mesquite ISD Texas Our accredited graduate program provides a comprehensive curriculum designed to give you the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a speech-language pathologist. Courses and externships will prepare you to work with clients of a variety of ages and communication disorders. Whether you are a part of the residential or online program, you will receive the same high-quality education taught by the same faculty. Here are a few courses in Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders at UW-Eau Claire. Aphasia and Related Disorders Differential diagnosis and treatment of the aphasias and related language disorders. Language Assessment Assessment of language disorders: differences and delay addressed through representative case studies, contributing and perpetuating factors, test selection, test biases, hypothesis formulation, data interpretation, legal guidelines, and information dissemination explored. Counseling in Communication Disorders Knowledge, skills, and attitudes important for speech-language pathologists in counseling individuals with communication disorders and their families. Meet the Faculty Related Programs Thinking about studying master of science in communication sciences and disorders? You might also be interested in exploring these related programs. What's Next? University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire 105 Garfield Avenue  P.O. Box 4004  Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004  715-836-4636 Mastering the art of inclusive communications | By Erin Wadsworth '22 Scott Behm ’23  (MADC) has always been driven by his passions, from teaching high school English to using his professional work to support marginalized people. Even before exploring a career in communications, Behm always had a curiosity for writing and storytelling. “I knew English was something that I was really interested in — the way that words and language can impact how we think and the way that we communicate and even what our values are as a society,” Behm said. After 10 years of teaching, Behm ventured out of the classroom for a career with more personal and professional growth opportunities and started over as a publications specialist for Duke University Health System. He was promoted to director of communications for Duke Surgery in 2019, but he felt like he needed to return to school to grow as a communicator, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic developed. “2020 was a dumpster fire, you know? Social unrest, George Floyd’s murder and the pandemic were impacting the way that we communicated with each other professionally,” Behm said. “I thought to myself, ‘I need to go back to school and really learn some solid communications techniques and skills in order to navigate this new world that we’re in.’” Behm started the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media’s Master of Arts in Digital Communication in 2021. He didn’t know where to begin with his thesis project, but he went back to his passions. “I’m a gay man, and I’m open about that. I’m fortunate enough to be in a place here in Durham and at Duke and UNC where I have the privilege to be open and talk about my identity, so I knew that I wanted my research to focus on queer people,” Behm said. “Fortunately, working with  Lightning [Czabovsky] , my thesis chair, really helped me to focus in and figure out a way that I could look at the lived experiences of queer people and understand how the media and communications impact their experience and how people perceive them.” At the same time, for the first time in our nation’s history, the Human Rights Campaign issued a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans in 2023. “To see it in a statement from an official institution saying there is a real danger for queer people — that was a wakeup call for me that we need to think intentionally about the way that we communicate about marginalized groups,” Behm said. “How does the media, even on a very subconscious level, impact the narrative about queer people?” His dissertation,  “Perpetuating Queer Stigma: Examining the Media’s Coverage of LGBTQ+ Health News,”  was inspired by how the media framed the queer community. “Scott’s research is important, impactful and highly relevant to the scholarship and the practice of communication,” said  Raul Reis , dean of UNC Hussman. “It is another example of how our graduate students, mentored by our faculty, work to explore the complex interplay of communication and societal values.” Behm used a case study approach, analyzing three cases: media coverage of the FDA’s approval of Truvada as a preventative measure for HIV, the 2022 mpox outbreak and Florida’s 2023 anti-LGBTQ+ legislation that has been dubbed by the Human Rights Campaign as the “Slate of Hate.” He studied the subtle ways that communication, diction and semantics controlled the narrative about the LGBTQ+ community. “One example of stigma that came up in much of my research was a repeated connection of the gay community to HIV and AIDS,” Behm said. “This connection creates a narrative about this population, that they’re in peril, that they’re in danger, that they need to be protected, or that they should be ostracized because they’re dangerous. Very few references to HIV discuss the immense progress that has been made medically and scientifically, which omits the hope and resilience that are true defining aspects of queer history.” Behm noted that this isn’t just a problem for queer folks. Most, if not all, marginalized groups are often represented unfavorably in the media. Intersectionality, or the idea that two or more minority identities create unique circumstances of discrimination, contributes to increased stigmatized media coverage. Behm created a language guide to reduce negative narratives in the media, and it informs his work at Duke. “We’re starting to see a trend at Duke. The communicators are working together to understand how to be more intentional in developing inclusive communications, not just representing marginalized people or tokenizing minorities by putting them in the spotlight, but really supporting them in our communications and providing resources on how can we do that effectively,” Behm said. “The main takeaways that I shared in my research are helpful with that process and thinking about very small ways that that communicators can subtly change the narrative about underrepresented people.” With his master’s degree, Behm was promoted in 2023 to associate dean of communications and marketing for The Graduate School at Duke University, and he’s still mastering the art of inclusive communications. “It’s important for communicators to continue to research and continue to explore the way that language impacts meaning and the way that our communications methods impact the narrative,” Behm said. “We are never going to get to a point where we can say ‘We’re done. We’ve learned what we need to do now. We can go communicate.’” 155 IMAGES 2024 Best PhD in Communications Online [Doctoral Guide] Online Ph.D. In Marketing Looking For the Best Online PhD Marketing Programs? Here's Your List! 2024 Best Online PhD in Marketing Programs [Doctorate Guide] Looking For the Best Online PhD Marketing Programs? Here's Your List! Online PhD In Accounting & Business Management COMMENTS Where To Earn An Online Ph.D. In Marketing In 2024 This guide provides an overview of the two online Ph.D. in marketing programs that meet our ranking criteria, which includes credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. 10 Best Online PhD in Marketing Degrees [2024 Guide] Explore Online PhD in Marketing Degrees for 2024. Compare online doctoral programs in marketing, career paths, salaries, and degree options. 2024 Best Online PhD in Communications Programs Explore the top online PhD in Communications programs for 2024. Discover exciting career opportunities in media, public relations, and academia. Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates Which college has the best PhD online in communications? These top-ranked American doctoral programs in communications prepare you for top jobs in the field. Marketing Marketing. The doctoral program in Marketing draws on a variety of underlying disciplines to research important marketing management problems centered on the immediate and future needs and wants of customers. Students in the marketing program work closely with faculty in the Marketing Unit and engage in a broad spectrum of disciplinary bases. Best Online PhD in Communications Programs Discover top online Ph.D. programs in Communications and equip yourself for a prosperous future in academia, corporate communication, public sector, and consultancy. 2024 Best Online PhD in Digital Marketing [Doctorate Guide] Explore the top online PhD in Digital Marketing programs. Develop expertise in research, analytics, and marketing strategies for a successful career. Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Media Pursue Your Personal And Professional Marketing And Education Goals With Liberty's 100% Online PhD In Strategic Media. The Best Online Doctorate in Marketing Programs DBA in marketing online courses prepare students for careers as marketing consultants, college professors, and marketing research analysts. PhD: Strategic Communication The PhD in Strategic Communication offered by the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design is one of three separate and distinct tracks of the Media Research and Practice doctoral program within the College of Media, Communication and Information. Top 25 Online PhD Marketing 25 of the best online PhD in marketing or related programs available from accredited colleges and universities in the U.S. PhD in Communication (Online) The online Ph.D. in Communication program equips doctoral students with an extensive understanding of varying communication processes. Learn more! Marketing Department Ph.D. Program in Marketing The Marketing Department at New York University's Stern School of Business offers a doctoral program that is widely recognized for the great success of its graduates. It has a large and distinguished faculty working in a diverse set of research areas from both behavioral and quantitative perspectives. PhD Programs in Marketing PhD Programs in Marketing The AMA helps potential doctoral students find the right program for them by maintaining a global list of PhD and DBA-granting institutions that offer the opportunity to specialize in marketing. If you would like your institution added to the list below, please email [email protected]. Program: Communication (PhD) Communication (PhD) Students in the doctoral program learn theories that guide research into communication processes and effects and into institutions and technologies that lend pattern to communication. Applicants for the PhD are expected to acquire and demonstrate humanistic and behavioral knowledge of communication while acquiring skills ... Online Master's in Integrated Marketing Communications Georgetown's Online Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Marketing Communications program immerses you at the intersection of strategy and creativity. You'll study the full breadth of communications disciplines—including advertising, marketing communications strategy, direct marketing, social media, and word-of-mouth marketing—and learn how to synthesize them into cohesive ... Best Online Master's in Business Programs Offering Marketing What are the best online Master's in Business programs? See where each school ranks based on academics, student engagement, and surveys from experts. Best Online Communications Master's Degrees Of 2024 The following ranking includes 10 of the best online communication master's degrees, chosen for their affordability, student experiences and other positive factors to guide professionals toward ... Master's in Communication Online Courses & Curriculum Online graduate communications courses that prepare you for what's next Develop media, marketing, branding and public relations skills essential in a wide range of industries. Master's in Integrated Marketing Communications Georgetown's Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Marketing Communications immerses you at the intersection of strategy and creativity. You'll study the full breadth of communications disciplines—including advertising, direct marketing, social media, and word-of-mouth marketing—and learn how to synthesize them into cohesive brand experiences. Online Master's Degree in Marketing Stay one step ahead with an Online Master of Science (MS) in Marketing designed for ongoing change in the 21st century. Shaped by global marketing powerhouses in Silicon Valley, this novel master's degree will arm you with the latest skills in digital marketing, marketing analytics, MarTech, and more in as little as one year. Marketing Why Should I Major in Marketing at the Leavey School of Business Development of students' decision-making and managerial skills are the major objectives of Santa Clara University's marketing program, with special emphases in innovation, high technology, retailing, and digital marketing. Graduate Admissions All graduate programs recruitment projects must be discussed with graduate admissions prior to requesting a creative project through Marketing Communications. Some examples of recruitment projects might include postcards, brochures, promotional materials and/or digital signage, etc. Advantages of Earning an Online Degree in Communication Earning an online degree in communication provides many advantages for prospective students in launching their communications careers. Graduate Programs Explore part-time, full-time, online, or in-person graduate degrees at Santa Clara University. Curriculum Standard Track (Graduate Program) Baylor's online speech-language pathology graduate program is for students who earned (or are in the process of earning) a bachelor's degree (BA or BS) in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) or students who have successfully completed their leveling program.A full-time (5 trimesters, approximately 20 months) and part-time (7 trimesters, approximately ... Communication Sciences and Disorders Online Graduate Program Explore the online graduate program within the Communication Sciences and Disorders Department. Director of Men's and Women's Swimming in Virginia Beach, VA for Virginia Wesleyan University is Coastal Virginia's premier university of the liberal arts and sciences. Situated on a 300-acre park-like campus in Virginia Beach, the University annually enrolls approximately 1,600 students in undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders Earn your master's degree in communication sciences and disorders at UW-Eau Claire. Become prepared for a successful career with our accredited program. Mastering the art of inclusive communications With his master's degree, Behm was promoted in 2023 to associate dean of communications and marketing for The Graduate School at Duke University, and he's still mastering the art of inclusive communications. essay homework paper phd project resume review study thesis