Master of Science in Communication

Interested in graduate school? Our master's in communication program will prepare you for professional advancement, career change, or the pursuit of a Ph.D. We can help you succeed.

Our courses are taught by a diverse and experienced graduate faculty that are active in research and service. Many of our faculty have spent their careers as professionals in a range of communication fields. They are globally traveled and active researchers. 

The master's in communication program itself is based on a core curriculum that provides a foundation for educational growth and preparation for Ph.D. programs as well as industry-oriented research in all communication professions. On top of the core curriculum, you have the flexibility of specializing in an area of interest and the flexibility to choose a master's thesis, develop a professional project, or take comprehensive exams.

We offer two different areas of study for our program:

• Strategic Communication
• Mass Communication 

Learn more about our areas of study »

Graduates from our communication master's program work in professional fields in communication throughout the U.S. and internationally in:

• Advertising,
• Broadcasting,
• Interpersonal and organizational communication,
• Journalism, and
• Public relations.

Our graduates who went on to pursue their doctorate report they are competitive and well-prepared for their Ph.D. programs.

Affordable & Convenient

Our program is one of the most affordable in the country. Financial aid is available in the form of graduate assistantships, which offer you the opportunity to teach, perform research, and receive a stipend and tuition waiver. Learn more about cost and financial support.

Are you already a working professional? All of our required courses are offered in the evenings — and some are offered online, so you can keep working while you advance your education.

Whether you are interested in advancing in your professional career or pursuing higher education, we have the faculty, facilities, and environment where you can succeed.

Thesis, Professional Project, or Comprehensive Exams Track

If you join our program, you will have the option of choosing a thesis, professional project, or comprehensive exams track.

In the thesis track, you will conduct scholarly research on a topic in your field that is selected in consultation with your committee. Learn more about the thesis track.

If you choose the professional project track, you will perform more practical research, producing a project such as -- but not limited to -- advertising or PR campaigns, documentary videos, corporate and organizational training seminars, and published multi-part series journalistic works. Learn more about the professional project track.

The comprehensive track requires that students pass at least five comprehensive exams to complete the degree. Learn more about the comprehensive exams track.

Graduate Program Coordinator

Dr. Philip J. Auter, auter@louisiana.edu