Online Master of Science in Communication
Open doors by unlocking your potential.
Designed to allow you to master the message, the Master of Science in Communication will give you the tools you need to practice communication at the intersection of diversity, technology and social influence. This hands-on degree program uses work-life scenarios and case studies to give you immediate impact on the job. Suitable for those who wish to advance their professional communication skills in such areas as new media management, social advocacy, effective message-generation, assessment or campaign creation for diverse applications including healthcare, public relations, advertising, advocacy, grass roots organizing, political campaigning, or training and development. Master the message. Earn the degree and the respect.
Why UW-Whitewater Online?
- Flexible and convenient for your schedule
- 100% Online and taught by nationally recognized faculty
- $17,000 earned more per year with a master's degree
Communication Skills top the list of employer demands
Forbes.com.
Communication degrees are winning in the marketplace
Studybreak.com.
Earn more than three times the median U.S. Income
2018 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Online Master of Science in Communication
Curriculum
Quality, student-centered courses designed around working professionals and customizable for those interested in research partnerships. 30 credits required and as little as 18 months to complete.
You’ll become an expert in your field as you prove yourself by mastering strategy, messaging, channel selection, research and more. Designed to set you apart from your competition and open your future to a world of new opportunities.
More information on the program structure and courses can be viewed in the Graduate Catalog.
Admission Requirements
To ensure a high quality graduate student group, all MS in Communication students must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution and meet graduate admission criteria.
If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a conditional basis.
International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.
In addition, candidates must include a 2-3 page written statement of goals outlining their reasons for selecting a program of study in Communication. Two letters of recommendation also must accompany the application. These letters should come from individuals in a position to judge the applicant’s potential for graduate learning; letters from former instructors are highly recommended.
Delivery
All courses will be offered online as either 6-week summer courses or 8-week spring or fall courses.
Each fall and spring semester, there will be one or two courses offered in the first 8-week term and one or two courses offered in the second 8-week term, allowing for 3-4 graduate courses per fall or spring term.
Each summer, there will be one course offered during the first 6-week term and one course offered in the second 6-week term.
Thus, depending on offerings, a student can complete the full master’s degree in as little as 12-18 months, and a certificate can be completed in 4-6 months.
Tuition
The Online MS in Communication graduate program at UW-Whitewater is a superior value at $569 USD per credit for the 2023-24 academic year, whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or international student.
What creates this value?
- Nationally recognized faculty members.
- Faculty complete specific training for online teaching.
- Faculty lectures are recorded in a state-of-the-art media studio and included with each course.
- An external team reviews online courses.
- High levels of student/faculty interaction are standard.
- Helpdesk technical staff are dedicated to assisting master's students with online technology.
Course materials
Graduate students can purchase textbooks and other instructional materials through the University Bookstore or elsewhere online. Students should verify what materials are needed with their instructor.
Financial aid
UW-Whitewater students may apply for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed.
Master of Science in Communication - Online Graduate Certificates
Graduate Certificates Overview
Designed to put you in control of your educational path, graduate certificates in communication from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater get you into the virtual classroom quickly and on your schedule. Begin courses spring, summer or fall. Complete your certificate in as little as one semester.
Take one certificate to feel an immediate boost to your profession. Take two to customize your expertise. Or combine three and add a capstone course to earn a complete Master of Science in Communication.
Each certificate is nine credits and contains two required courses. Electives allow you to customize your experience to suit your passion and desired pathway.
Health Advocacy Communication - Online Graduate Certificate
Explore advocacy, policy, and research to become a specialized health communication professional.
Organizational Communication - Online Graduate Certificate
Master written communication, research competency and more as you hone your expertise in managing relationships with internal constituencies and explore the nuances of organizational structure.
Strategic Communication - Online Graduate Certificate
Strategy, influence, research and messaging become your domain in contexts such as advertising, public relations, and crisis communication as you elevate your career to become a global communication practitioner.
Social and New Media - Online Graduate Certificate
Master messaging, technology and strategy to influence your audience.