2024 Master's in Communication Programs in Nebraska (Campus, Online)

Campus Programs in Nebraska
Online Programs in Nebraska
Directory of All Programs in Nebraska

There are currently three schools in Nebraska that offer a total of five master’s in communication programs, three of which are campus-based, and two of which are online. Students interested in earning their master’s in communication degree in Nebraska have several specialization options, including common concentrations such as interpersonal communication, technical communication, journalism, and health communication, as well more specialty focuses in conflict resolution, instructional communication, and integrated media communications. All the schools listed on this page are non-profit institutions of higher education that have been regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Campus-Based Master’s in Communication Programs in Nebraska

The University of Nebraska Omaha’s School of Communication offers a Master of Arts in Communication featuring a flexible curriculum that students can tailor to their professional and academic interests in communication. Students of this program must complete core classes on the foundations of communication theory and practice, quantitative and qualitative communication research, and rhetorical criticism. They can then choose electives according to their interests from courses in popular culture and mass media, global workplace communication, communication and social protest, communication in instructional settings, communication technologies, media and politics, contemporary communication systems, media entrepreneurship, and interpersonal conflict mediation. As their final graduation requirement, students complete a master’s thesis or a graduate project, and defend their work before a faculty committee.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s (UNL) College of Journalism and Mass Communications offers a Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications with specializations in Integrated Media Communications and Professional Journalism. This program allows students a measure of flexibility in the courses they select to fulfill their degree program. Students who select the Integrated Media Communications specialization learn fundamental skills in advertising and public relations, as well as the latest advancements in these areas. They take core classes in advertising strategies and issues, public relations and advertising research, and branding, after which they take graduate-level courses covering topics such as public relations management, international marketing, digital analytics for strategic communication, social media developments, sports promotion, leadership communication, intercultural communication, rhetorical theory, and consumer behavior. Students in this specialization also complete an integrated media communications capstone course, during which they apply their knowledge and skills to a practical project that they present to faculty and peers.

Students of the Professional Journalism specialization learn how to apply journalism skills and strategies to digital media for a wide range of audiences. They take core classes in mass communication ethics and issues, entrepreneurial journalism, and multi-platform journalism, after which they can choose electives that cover advanced topics in journalism, advertising and public relations, media law and ethics, politics in the media, mass communication, digital media for sports promotion, and interactive media design. Students of the Professional Journalism specialization take a professional capstone course that culminates in an applied project.

UNL’s Department of Communication Studies offers a Master of Arts in Communication Studies with areas of concentration in Interpersonal, Family & Health Communication, and Rhetoric & Public Culture. This program aims to introduce students to advanced scholarly methodologies and traditions in communication studies, and to prepare them for doctoral education in this field. Students in this program can take classes in instructional communication, political communication, gender and communication, media and culture, interpersonal communication theory, classical and contemporary rhetoric, health communication, and organizational communication. As their final graduation requirement, students can select from three different options: a master’s thesis, a comprehensive exam, or an independent project. When selecting one of these options, students must obtain approval from their advisory committee.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs for Residents of Nebraska

Residents of Nebraska who live far away from Omaha or Lincoln may want to consider an online program if they cannot or do not want to relocate for graduate school. (At this time, the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Wayne State College, and Chadron State College do not offer master’s in communication programs.) Online programs may also be ideal for students who need the scheduling flexibility online programs often afford.

Currently, two schools in Nebraska offer master’s in communication programs online. Bellevue University has an Online Master of Arts in Business and Professional Communication program available through its College of Arts and Sciences. Students can pursue their degree in one of six concentrations: Business, Computer Information Systems, Human Resource Management, Project Management, Transnational and Cross-cultural Communication, or Interdisciplinary Studies. The core curriculum is comprised of courses that cover the foundations of business communication, purposeful writing, leadership and organizational communication, 21st century communication technologies, conflict and negotiation, ethical decision-making, and interpersonal and intercultural communication. After completing the core coursework, students take courses specific to their area of focus. For example, students of the Business concentration take courses in business performance management, new media strategy, and financial reporting, while the Computer Information Systems concentration includes classes in cloud computing, network technologies, and IT infrastructure. A final capstone project is also required for graduation, in which students must identify and attempt to solve a workplace communication issue.

UNL offers an Online Master of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications with specializations in Integrated Media Communications and Professional Journalism. This program is equivalent in course offerings and graduation requirements to its campus-based version, and incorporates both synchronous and asynchronous instruction using interactive online learning platforms.

In addition to these program options, there are a number of out-of-state schools that offer online master’s in communication programs that accept students from Nebraska. Prospective students should note that some of these online programs require students to attend on-campus intensives, or to complete program requirements in-person at the school’s main campus (or at a satellite location). Furthermore, not all out-of-state schools are authorized to accept students who are residents of Nebraska. For more information about online master’s degree programs in communication, their geographical restrictions, and campus visit requirements, please reference our Online Master’s in Communication Programs resource page.