Table of contents
Achievable blue logo on white background

Top Communications
graduate schools

Achievable blue logo on white background

Top Communications graduate schools

Looking for the top Communications graduate schools? We put together a comprehensive list of the best graduate programs for Communications, and put the results below. We include the acceptance rate, average GRE scores, and a brief description of each - all the information you need to kick start your research. Read on!

American University Communications school acceptance rate

American University Communications
Herrperry123 / Wikimedia Commons / "McKinley Building today" / CC BY-SA 4.0
American University's School of Communication (SOC) offers a comprehensive and prestigious graduate program in strategic communication. Located in Washington, DC, the program prepares students to become skilled strategic communicators in various professional settings, including corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Through the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program, students gain cutting-edge tools and insights to develop and execute impactful communication campaigns. With the guidance of experienced faculty, students learn to address complex challenges creatively and strategically, utilizing information in innovative ways. The program also provides access to modern facilities, including specialized classrooms and computer labs, enabling students to acquire practical skills in multimedia editing. Graduates of the program emerge equipped to navigate the ever-changing media landscape and make a significant impact in their careers.

Columbia University Communications school acceptance rate

Columbia University Communications
Columbex / Wikimedia Commons / "Columbia J-School" / CC0
The Strategic Communication program at Columbia University's School of Professional Studies aims to address the industry's need for critical thinking and exceptional communication skills. The program takes advantage of Columbia's position as a creative leader and offers hands-on learning in the media market. Students engage in improvisation exercises, design sessions, and real-world communication challenges. They gain experience in crisis management, campaign analysis, and internal communication. The program offers different formats for students with varying levels of professional experience, including executive, part-time, and full-time paths. Columbia College Chicago also provides Strategic Communication courses tailored to working professionals with flexible scheduling options.

Cornell University Communications school acceptance rate

Cornell University Communications
Ɱ / Wikimedia Commons / "Bradfield Hall" / CC BY-SA 4.0
Cornell University's Communication program offers a top-rated PhD program focused on training the next generation of scholars and leaders. With an emphasis on diverse and interdisciplinary approaches, students engage in cutting-edge research alongside renowned faculty members. The program fosters a vibrant community of innovators and encourages inclusivity, valuing diverse perspectives. Admitted students receive comprehensive financial support, including tuition coverage, health insurance, and a generous stipend. The program's three core tenets are scholarship, professionalization, and ethics, ensuring a well-rounded education. Graduates have gone on to secure faculty positions at prestigious institutions and pursue leading roles in industry research. Cornell's Communication program equips students with the skills and knowledge to make a significant impact in academia and society.

Johns Hopkins University Communications school acceptance rate

Johns Hopkins University Communications
Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / "Gilman Hall, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA." / Public domain
The Master of Arts in Communication program offers a unique and career-focused approach for professionals looking to advance or transition in the communication field. It attracts a diverse student body and boasts successful alumni holding leadership positions in various organizations. Students and graduates have access to an exclusive job opportunities network, enhancing their career prospects. The program allows for a personalized curriculum through official Areas of Concentration, catering to individual interests and goals. Learning from industry leaders and experienced faculty members adds practical knowledge to the classroom. Overall, this program stands out due to its career-oriented nature, diverse community, alumni success, personalized curriculum options, and industry connections.

Northwestern University Communications school acceptance rate

Northwestern University Communications
Madcoverboy at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / "Francis Searle Building" / CC BY-SA 3.0
The Northwestern MSC degree program equips students with leadership skills to excel in their careers. It integrates communication theory and practical application for a competitive advantage. Students learn to navigate complex organizational structures, lead collaboratively, and deliver effective messages tailored to audiences. The program culminates in a three-part cumulative deliverable, including brand collateral that showcases their growth as professionals and Northwestern MSC graduates. Professors are personally invested in the program, teaching out of belief in its importance and a desire to connect with students. Students can participate in co-curricular activities, receive support from the program's team, and explore job opportunities to build their network and personal brand.

Purdue University, West Lafayette Communications school acceptance rate

Purdue University, West Lafayette Communications
Quinn Thomson / Wikimedia Commons / "Purdue University Liberal Arts fountain" / CC BY-SA 3.0
Purdue University's Communication Studies department has a storied history, offering master's degrees since 1947 and doctoral degrees since 1948. The program has been at the forefront of advancements in the field, with faculty and graduate students leading the way in discovery, learning, and engagement. With a flexible curriculum covering various communication theories and research methodologies, Purdue University Northwest provides a master's degree program that caters to professionals seeking career growth. The program's rolling admissions policy allows for enrollment up to the start of each semester, and evening classes accommodate full-time work schedules. Graduates have successfully enhanced their skills, pursued teaching positions, or prepared for further study in communication.
Achievable blue logo on white background
Achievable GRE - $199
Hit your GRE target score on the first try with Achievable's interactive online exam preparation course. Includes everything you need: unlimited quantitative practice questions, an easy-to-understand online textbook, 24 verbal / reading comprehension practice exams, 250 vocabulary words, and unlimited instant essay grading.
Easy-to-understand online textbook
Infinite randomized questions
200+ quant templates
30 verbal sections
250 vocab words
Unlimited essay grading
Laptop displaying the Achievable exam prep dashboard and a smartphone displaying a quiz question

Stanford University Communications school acceptance rate

Stanford University Communications
The original uploader was Ratiocinate at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / "SHC Bowman" / CC BY-SA 3.0
Stanford's Department of Communication conducts research on various forms of media and their societal impact. It explores mass communication processes, media ethics, and the role of media in politics, culture, and society. The department encompasses traditional media such as newspapers and television, as well as emerging platforms like online media and virtual reality. Students are trained as social scientists and media practitioners, with opportunities for individual research using quantitative and qualitative methods. The department offers graduate programs, including a M.A., and Ph.D. The M.A. program focuses on journalism careers, while the Ph.D. program prepares students for teaching and research positions. The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships support innovative individuals in revolutionizing journalism and combating misinformation.

University of California, Los Angeles Communications school acceptance rate

University of California, Los Angeles Communications
Logan Ward / Wikimedia Commons / "The front lawn of Kerckhoff Hall, as seen in Legally Blonde." / CC BY 2.0
Studying at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) graduate school of communication offers a unique experience. It focuses on a specialized Ph.D. program in Communication, allowing students to earn an M.S. degree alongside their Ph.D. studies. Personalized academic advising is provided by faculty advisors, ensuring tailored guidance and support. The graduate advisor offers counseling on program requirements, policies, and regulations. The department emphasizes monitoring and evaluating student progress, with annual summaries reviewed by faculty. This feedback helps students identify areas for improvement. Overall, UCLA's graduate school of communication offers specialized programs, personalized advising, and a focus on student progress, creating a distinct and enriching educational experience.

University of Denver Communications school acceptance rate

University of Denver Communications
User:CW211 / Wikimedia Commons / "University of Denver campus" / CC BY-SA 3.0
The Department of Communication Studies has a rich history dating back to 1912, and it continues to be at the forefront of speech and communication studies. Located in Denver, the capital of Colorado, the department provides students with exceptional opportunities for internships and community collaborations. Their program focuses on Communication Management, teaching students the art and science of persuasive communication. Students develop expertise in data-driven storytelling, mastering the skills needed for interpersonal conversations, organizational change, digital communication, and training. The department explores a wide range of communication issues, including racial formations, privacy in family relationships, and arts-based approaches to grief and loss. Students are encouraged to actively participate in current debates and engage in research projects alongside faculty members.

University of Pennsylvania Communications school acceptance rate

University of Pennsylvania Communications
Marc Smith / Wikimedia Commons / "ASC at Penn" / CC BY-SA 2.0
The Annenberg School for Communication is a vibrant and diverse community of scholars dedicated to exploring the impact of media on global issues. With a prestigious doctoral program, it offers a supportive environment for advancing knowledge in communication. Founded by Walter Annenberg, the school focuses on research, education, and service to deepen our understanding of communication's role in public life. Renowned faculty, students, and alumni, along with access to resources from the University of Pennsylvania, contribute to its excellence. While there is no standalone master's degree program, students are directly admitted to the doctoral program and receive financial support for their academic pursuits. The close-knit community fosters collaboration and support among scholars and staff.

Conclusion

And there you have it - the top graduate schools for Communications. These are some of the best schools in the country for this field, and admission into any of them would be a great accomplishment that could set you up for a strong career.
Achievable GRE dashboard
Hit your target score
Achievable is the best online GRE exam prep course: effective, personalized, and convenient. With Achievable, you'll spend less time studying and hit your target score with confidence.
Achievable logo
Have questions?
Earn 20% as an affiliate
Partner with Achievable to generate new revenue from your website and help people achieve their professional goals
Learn more