Your Guide to an MA in Communication

Communicating on behalf of a company with external and internal audiences is a critical business need. Earning a Master of Arts (MA) in communication can build on the knowledge you gained in your bachelor’s degree programme, prepare you for more advanced roles, and even lead to higher salaries. 

Discover more about the MA in communication, what it takes to earn this graduate degree, and the roles you can explore after graduation. 

What is an MA in communication?

The Master of Arts in communication is an advanced degree you can pursue once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree and tends to focus on the theories, strategies, and practices of effective communication. However, some universities also emphasise media studies, given the close relationship between the two subjects. Institutions may offer this degree under different names, such as an MA in Mass Communication, Media and Communication, or Journalism and Mass Communication.

Depending on the university you're interested in attending, you may have the opportunity to enroll in a Master of Science in communication, which may focus more exclusively on communication strategy as it relates to management and leadership in business.

To decide which one is the right choice for you, take time to research various institutions offering an MA or MSc in communication; pay attention to the focus of each programme, as well as the coursework you'll be expected to complete; and consider how these parameters align with your larger educational and career goals. 

How long does it take to earn an MA in communication?

It typically takes two years to earn an MA in communication when you attend classes full-time, and the total costs can range from ₹80,000 to ₹3,00,000 per year [1]. However, you can explore several other options as well.

• Part-time degrees: Part-time courses can be held in the evenings or during the weekends and can even be delivered online. When you want to continue working, enrolling in a part-time programme may be beneficial, although it will take longer to earn your degree.

• Online degrees: Many students enjoy the flexibility of an online degree. For instance, rather than attending a scheduled class on campus, you can watch lectures when convenient. Online degree programmes often have several start dates, so you don’t have to wait to begin your education.

• Dual degree programmes: Some universities bundle the bachelor’s and master’s degrees together in a five-year offering, reducing your education time by about one full year. In such cases, you would need to earn your master's while still working on your bachelor's and apply for your institution's dual degree programme, if available. 

MA in communication coursework 

Master’s level communication courses tend to involve the theory and strategy of communication as it applies to different settings, audiences, and needs. They also emphasise written, verbal, and visual communication skills.

While every institution has a unique set of coursework, you’ll likely encounter classes that cover some of the following subjects: 

• Strategic communication

• Media management

• Digital media

• Advertising and public relations

• Film studies

• Crisis communications

• Audio and visual communication

• Intercultural communication

Skills your MA in communication coursework may emphasise

While each programme will differ, you can expect to learn some of the fundamental communication skills below:

• Cohesive writing 

• Active listening 

• Verbal and presentation skills

• Selling and persuasion 

• Critical evaluation 

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Analysing an audience

• Synthesising content into a digestible format 

• Researching

• Managing stress under pressure

• Handling tight deadlines

• Communicating with a diverse group of people

Applying for an MA in communication 

Unless you enroll in a dual degree programme, you’ll often need a bachelor’s degree before applying for an MA in communication. Your bachelor’s can be in a subject other than communication. However, you may need to explain your interest in communication and why you’re interested in studying it at the graduate level.

You may also need to complete an entrance exam, which can be the institution’s own screening exam, achieve a minimum score, and provide letters of recommendation, a CV, a writing sample, and other materials. In many ways, applying to graduate school is similar to applying to an undergraduate programme.

What can you do with an MA in communication? 

An MA in communication is an opportunity to learn specific skills you can use in various communications work, like organisational management, media management, strategic planning, crisis communications, global communications, and public outreach. An MA in communication can be applied to the following industries:

• Mass media 

• Journalism 

• Corporate communications

• Politics

• Marketing

• Speech communication

• Higher education 

Students seeking a master’s degree often strive for senior positions—and they tend to earn more. According to the Payscale, master’s degree holders in India earn an average annual salary of ₹7,26,000 [2]. Moreover, a master’s degree can signal to employers that you’ve spent additional time and effort advancing your subject knowledge. 

There is demand for this type of degree as many industries require professionals who can communicate clearly, proactively, and efficiently. 

Jobs you can pursue with an MA in communication

With a master’s in communication, you can explore many industries requiring effective communication.

*Salary data source from Glassdoor India February 2025

Explore further 

An MA in communication can prepare you for a career in any field that values communication, public relations, or marketing skills. Enroll in an online course to see if studying communication is right for you. On Coursera, you can take an individual course or a specialisation, like the University of Colorado Boulder’s Effective Communication: Writing, Design, and Presentation or Introduction to Public Relations and Media Specialisation. Get started with a free, 7-day trial today.