Is a Master's in Communications Worth It?

As industries rapidly evolve and digital media becomes increasingly prevalent, professionals are finding that a deeper understanding of communication strategies and tools can provide a significant advantage in building strong brand narratives, fostering meaningful connections and effectively reaching target audiences.

When considering a master’s degree in communications, potential enrollees are likely drawn to possible career advancement, higher earning potential and the opportunity to develop a specialized skill set. But is it worth the time and investment?

What is a Master’s Degree in Communications?

A master’s degree in communications goes beyond strong communication skills. It’s designed to provide a deep understanding of advanced communication theories, strategies and practical applications.

This program typically lasts two years and includes core subjects such as media strategy, digital communication, corporate communication and intercultural communication.

However, more options are also becoming available for dual degree programs, which allow students to work toward their bachelor's and master's in communications simultaneously. This may lessen the amount of time spent working toward an advanced degree.

The curriculum often allows students to specialize in areas that interest them most, such as digital marketing, communication strategy, mass communication, health communication, public relations (PR) or internal communications. By diving into a specialized area, they can refine their expertise and set themselves apart from peers in an increasingly competitive market.

As Dr. Brenda Jones, the program chair for the B.S. in Communications program and department chair for Communications, Behavioral and Natural Sciences at Franklin University, explains:

“For early-career professionals, a master’s degree can help you stand out and enable you to gain in-depth knowledge and skills needed to be competitive and to add more value to your organization. For experienced professionals, a master’s degree provides the in-field credential needed to give back to the profession by teaching or it can lead to higher levels of professional opportunities.”

Whether just starting a career or looking to advance, a master’s degree in communications offers tools and knowledge to set candidates apart and drive their careers forward.

Popular Career Paths With a Master’s Degree in Communications

With an advanced communications degree, graduates can find doors open to various rewarding career paths. Many of these roles come with strong earning potential and job stability, especially as organizations recognize the importance of skilled communication professionals.

What matters most when choosing a master’s program? Compare features, benefits and cost to find the right school for you.

According to Lightcast, the average advertised median earnings for professionals with a master’s in communications in the United States is competitive. Here are a few top roles that highly value a master’s degree in communications:

• Corporate Marketing Manager
  • Average Median Earnings (2023): $152,817
• Public Relations Director
  • Average Median Earnings (2023): $134,596
• Technical Writer
  • Average Median Earnings (2023): $80,142
• Marketing and Communications Specialist  
  • Average Median Earnings (2023): $74,089

In-Demand Communication Skills Gained Through a Master’s Degree

Earning an advanced communication degree goes beyond theory; it equips students with practical, high-demand skills they can apply in different corporate, nonprofit and media settings. Some of the critical skills one can expect to develop include:

• Crisis Communication. Important for managing unexpected events and protecting an organization’s reputation.
• Intercultural Communication. Valuable for global organizations where understanding cultural nuances is key to effective messaging.
• Strategic Digital Media. Provides insight into creating, managing and evaluating digital content for maximum impact.
• Research and Analysis. Gain advanced theoretical knowledge and learn how to conduct rigorous research, both academic and applied.

Dr. Jones highlights that students also benefit from exposure to new industry approaches, including generative AI, which they can leverage to enhance communication strategies. These skills are indispensable for corporate and public-facing roles, where one misstep can have significant repercussions.

Key Benefits of Earning a Graduate Degree in Communications

While the specific benefits can vary depending on career goals, an advanced degree in communications offers several advantages that can propel one's professional ambitions.

Advanced Communication Skills and Expertise

One of the main advantages of a communications master’s degree program is the opportunity to build both technical and soft communication skills.

Students delve into soft skills like persuasion, active listening and conflict resolution, all of which are invaluable for fostering positive interactions and resolving misunderstandings. Public speaking skills and writing skills are also paramount in helping students transition toward becoming seasoned communication professionals.

On the other hand, students will learn technical skills such as media planning, data analysis and digital storytelling.

These skills are relevant not only for corporate settings but are also highly sought after in nonprofit organizations, digital platforms and government agencies, where effective communication can influence public opinion and drive change.

Potential Career Advancement Opportunities

Another significant benefit of master’s degrees in this field is the potential for career advancement. By deepening their communications knowledge, graduates are better positioned to move into higher-level roles requiring specialized expertise.

Dr. Jones emphasizes the advantages a communications master’s degree provides:

“Earning a master’s in communications offers several significant advantages over entering the workforce with just a bachelor’s degree. Master’s programs provide deeper, more focused knowledge in areas like crisis communication, digital media strategy, corporate communication or public relations. This specialized expertise makes graduates more competitive for advanced roles that require in-depth knowledge.”

According to Lightcast, communication roles also offer a path for significant job growth. The demand for professionals equipped with advanced communication skills in the United States is projected to increase by 13.7 % through 2033.

Networking and Professional Connections

A master’s program provides a unique opportunity to start or build a more extensive professional network.

During their studies, students will connect with industry leaders, professors and fellow students, forming relationships that can be invaluable throughout their careers.

These connections often serve as mentors, offer job referrals or become future colleagues, helping them to navigate their career path with the support of a knowledgeable network.

Challenges of Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Communications

While the benefits of graduate school and a master’s degree are compelling, it’s also important to consider the challenges associated with this kind of commitment.

Time and Financial Investment

A master’s degree requires a substantial investment of both time and money.

Completing a master’s in communications takes about two years on average, and tuition costs vary widely depending on the institution. According to Lightcast, as of 2023, the average cost for a two-year master’s degree in communications in the United States is $36,268.

It’s essential to weigh this investment against the potential salary increase and job opportunities a graduate degree can unlock.

Competitiveness Within the Communications Industry 

As Dr. Jones notes:

“The communications field can be highly competitive, particularly in popular areas like public relations, digital media and marketing. Despite having a master’s degree, graduates may find it difficult to stand out among others with similar qualifications.”

With many professionals pursuing advanced education in communications, it can be challenging to differentiate oneself in competitive areas like PR or digital marketing.

To maximize the value of this degree, an aspiring communications master should consider specializing in less saturated areas or combining their degree with practical experience.

Relevance of a Master’s Degree Compared to Work Experience

Many communications positions, especially in media, value hands-on experience and knowledge.

For example, roles like social media management or content creation may prioritize experience and practical skills over formal education.

That said, there are aspects of a master’s program that are difficult to gain solely through experience. Dr. Jones emphasizes that these unique benefits can make a master's communication degree worthwhile:

“There are skills and knowledge areas that students gain from a master’s program that they wouldn’t get through work experience alone. Such as advanced theoretical knowledge and communication theory, skill development in conducting rigorous academic and applied research and learning about leading-edge approaches in the field, including the use of generative AI.”

Take the Next Step With a Master’s in Communications

If you’re ready to take your communication skills to the next level and explore advanced career opportunities, a master’s degree in communications could be your path forward.

Whether you're aiming for a promotion, pivoting into a new area or simply looking to deepen your expertise, Franklin University’s master’s in communications program offers the skills, knowledge and connections needed to thrive.

Explore our program or apply today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in communications.

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