Program Overview

Master of Arts in Communication

The Master of Arts in Communication from the University of Missouri-St. Louis is a degree program that prepares graduates for jobs in corporate communication, journalism, mass media, politics, and a wide range of other fields. Students who are already employed can use the skills they acquire in the program to advance in their current careers. It can also prepare graduates for doctoral studies and a career in higher education.

Program Details

All students must complete a 15-credit-hour core which includes two required courses focusing on fundamental theories and basic research methods. Students must also select at least three of four "application" courses addressing communication processes within a particular context, including:

• Strategic communication in organizations
• Interpersonal communication
• Mass communication
• Health communication Additional credit hours consist of graduate-level electives reflective of a student's interests or area of specialization. To meet degree requirements with 30-credit hours, students complete a thesis or internship. In lieu of one of these exit projects, a total of 36-credit hours is required.

Program Type and Format

• Program type: Graduate, MA
• Format: On-Campus

Outcomes and Career Outlook

MA in Communication graduates are known for their professionalism on the job and their strong sense of civic responsibility. They have spent their time at UMSL engaging in creative and critical thinking, learning to analyze evidence, appreciating patterns of complexity, and reflecting on important issues that impact our daily lives. Our students gain skill sets that prepare them for a changing workplace that requires flexible, dynamic, and well-educated employees.

The median annual salary for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is $138,730, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment growth is expected to increase by 6% by 2032.

Career Opportunities

• Advertising/Marketing Account Manager
• Corporate Communication Manager
• Human Resources Manager
• Learning and Development Analyst
• Marketing Communications Manager
• Media Communications Manager
• Media or Event Planner
• Political Campaign Manager
• Public Affairs Manager
• Public Relations Manager
• Journalist
• Social Media Manager
• Speechwriter
• Technical Writer
• Web Producer

Degree Admissions Requirements

Applicants must have a baccalaureate in communication or a related discipline by the end of the semester in which they apply. The minimum cumulative GPA required for regular admission to the graduate program in communication is 3.25 on a 4-point scale. Applicants with undergraduate GPAs that do not meet the admission criterion may be eligible to be admitted with probationary status if they submit additional materials that speak to their ability to succeed in the program, such as current letters of recommendation or recent GRE scores.

International students who are non-native speakers of English must obtain a TOEFL iBT score of 100 to be considered for admission.

Plan of Study

Review Full Degree Requirements. Non-Missouri Residents are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

Student Organizations and Involvement

Students can make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of the Recognized Student Organizations. They also have access to professional career counselors who can assist in everything from resume development and interview preparation to lining up an internship or connecting them with their next full-time career. UMSL alumni enjoy high-quality, lifelong career management programming, services, events, and resources to assist in all phases of career development.

Research Opportunities

There are many opportunities for graduate students to showcase their research, including the annual Graduate Research Fair, which is open to students from all graduate programs. Doctoral and thesis master's students can also compete in the Three Minute Thesis challenge to be evaluated by a panel of judges for a chance to win cash prizes.