Master of Arts in Communication
Our master’s degree in communication nurtures the digital and strategic communication skills that will make you an asset in a variety of organizations, from large for-profit media companies to mission-driven non-profits.
Finish in as little as 12 months.
Master’s Degree in Communication: Why Merrimack College?
Practical skills.
Our communication master’s program provides you with the skills to work in professional communications, from digital media content creation and campaign design to public relations and crisis communications, as well as related fields. Coursework emphasizes strategic communication and digital media.
Career outlook.
Our master’s in communication degree prepares you to be a versatile, skilled and strategic communicator through a variety of platforms. Employers are looking for these skills. According to the 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in public relations, marketing, and advertising is projected to grow faster than average in the next 10 years.
Supportive faculty.
Merrimack College’s MA in Communication features dedicated faculty and staff who are available to help you from the time you consider enrolling all the way through the finish line of graduation. Our faculty and staff include social media expert Kilhoe “Miranda” Na, emerging media scholar Melissa “Mish” Zimdars, health communication specialist Andrew Tollison, and professional fellowship advisor Samantha Bruno. We’re here to nurture your technical, creative, professional and strategic communication skills.
Robust fellowships.
With a dozen fellowship opportunities on campus, you can receive full- or half-tuition discounts, boost your resume, build your portfolio and expand your networks all at once. These competitive awards provide supervised work experience that put communication principles into practice. Dean scholarships and alumni scholarships are also available offering a high-quality degree for excellent value.
Program Format
- On-Campus or Hybrid
- Part-Time or Full-Time
What You’ll Learn in Merrimack’s Communication Master’s Program
Merrimack’s Master of Arts in Communication degree offers a solid foundation in communication theories that shape communication analysis and strategy. Additionally, coursework incorporates various platforms, technologies, and tools to execute a communication strategy.
You will graduate with a robust resume and portfolio. We offer the following resources and opportunities:
- Media production spaces and equipment, such as a television studio, radio station, Mac lab and field production tools
- Industry partnerships for networking, experiential learning and special events
- Small class sizes and a “high touch” environment giving you one-on-one attention and advising from your first course through the completion of your capstone project
Career Opportunities with a Master’s Degree in Communication
Our graduates are well-equipped for careers in public relations, nonprofit management, advertising, event planning, multimedia production, marketing, social media marketing/management, development, corporate communication, and community relations, among others. Our graduate degree in communications will help you qualify for more jobs and advance more quickly in your chosen field.
Master’s in communications jobs are on the rise as employers seek out skilled professional communicators. According to the 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in public relations, marketing, and advertising is projected to grow 6-7%, which is faster than average in the next 10 years. Fundraising managers are expected to grow at 9%, a rate much faster than average. Social and community service managers expect even greater growth, at 17%.
Admission Requirements for the Communications Master’s Program
You must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. We require that you submit a recommendation letter from a professor or professional outside of the Merrimack Communication and Media department, a writing sample from a previous course or work project (research paper, opinion piece, newsletter article, press release, market analysis paper, etc.), a statement of purpose, and an undergraduate transcript. If you have under a 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA, please address any unique circumstances in your statement of purpose that will show your preparedness for graduate-level work.
There is no fee to apply to the MA in communication and there is no GRE requirement. However, we encourage you to submit test scores if you feel they will support or enhance your academic background.
“Our department prepared the Masters in Communication program very carefully, by looking at market analysis, assessing student interest, and analyzing job market data. We are proud to launch this program that offers students a solid foundation in communication theory while enhancing their crucial skills in strategic communication and digital media.”
Want to Learn More about the Master of Arts in Communication?
Contact the Merrimack College Office of Graduate Admission at graduate@merrimack.edu.
Scholarships and Fellowships
Communication fellowships can reduce your tuition by 50 or 100 percent. Scholarships can provide additional support to limit your expenses and debt burden.
How to Apply
Create your account to get started. Start your masters in communication today.
