Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a world-class selection of undergraduate, masters, and doctoral programs.

Graduate Studies

M.A. in Digital Communication

Our online master’s program is designed for working communications professionals and their ambitious schedules.

In this section, we will cover the following topics:

• Overview
• Admissions
• Cost
• Curriculum
• Faculty
• FAQ

Accelerate your career while maintaining work and family responsibilities

UNC-Chapel Hill’s master’s for working journalism and media professionals for leadership roles, the MADC addresses the issues reshaping communication today with challenging courses delivered online for part-time study.

Key statistics:

• 50%+ of students attribute a new job or promotion to what they’ve learned by graduation
• 2 courses per semester, a part-time load that allows for work, life, and study balance
• 1:1 work with a faculty member on a final project, often related to your job
• 17,000+ UNC Hussman alumni around the world and across communications industries

Alumni Testimonials

Stephany Pritchard, a 2018 program graduate, says: “What makes UNC different is that you have experts at your fingertips and they’re willing to help you through your education. I found that incredibly valuable and special.”

Candace Doby '14, Leadership development strategist and former field marketing lead at Chipotle, says: “The program gave me so much access to knowledge and challenged me to think deeply. These classes gave me better insight into the workings of sub-departments within Chipotle’s marketing division as well as confidence to propose ideas to marketing leadership.”

Application Deadlines

• Fall 2026 Priority Application Deadline: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
• Final application deadline: May 12, 2026

About UNC Hussman

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is among the world’s leading research universities. Its nationally recognized teaching, groundbreaking research, and dedication to public service continue a legacy that began when the university was chartered in 1789 and opened to students four years later.

Why UNC Hussman?

Our collaborative, interdisciplinary culture at the Hussman School of Journalism and Media creates new knowledge, advances scholarship, and inspires storytelling. Fueled by world-class resources, field-leading interdisciplinary centers, and a vast alumni network, the impact of our work helps address the big societal questions of our day.