Students interested in enrolling in a master’s in communication program in New York have a wide variety of programs and specializations to choose from. Currently, 17 schools in New York offer a total of 25 master’s in communication programs. Of these 25 programs, 17 are campus-based programs, and eight are online master’s in communication programs. Specialization options for master’s in communication programs in New York include: communication studies, corporate communication, public relations, public communication, organizational communication, strategic communication and strategic marketing communication, media communication, science communication, and more.

All the schools listed on this page are non-profit institutions of higher education that have received regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Campus-Based Master’s in Communication Programs in New York

Schools throughout the state of New York, from New York City to Rochester to Buffalo to Olean, offer master’s in communication programs. While most of these programs are offered through departments or schools of communication, several are offered through graduate schools of business, schools of professional studies, and departments of arts, math, and/or science and technology.

Master’s in Communication Programs in New York City (NYC)

The highest concentration of master’s in communication programs is in New York City, where Baruch College, Columbia University, New York University, St John’s University, and The City College of New York all offer a variety of master’s in communication programs. Baruch College’s (CUNY) Mildred and George Weissman School of Arts and Sciences offers a Master of Arts in Corporate Communication that trains students to engage in strategic business communications through classes in corporate communications, ethical and legal issues in corporate communication, research methods in corporate communication, media analysis, reputation management, and international business communication.

Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies offers a Master of Science in Strategic Communication with three pathways: an Executive Path, a Full-Time Path, and a Part-Time Path. The 16-month, hybrid (online and on-campus) Executive Path is designed for corporate leaders and experienced communication professionals who want to gain more skills in digital media management, strategic communication, and organizational leadership. The 12 to 16-month Full-Time Path is geared towards early-career communication professionals, is offered on-campus only, and includes a practicum opportunity for course credit. The 24-month Part-Time Path is a hybrid program for working professionals who need flexibility in their course load. All program pathways include course options in authentic leadership, digital media analytics, and communication research and insights, and more.

The Teachers College at Columbia University’s Department of Mathematics, Science & Technology offers a Master of Arts in Communications and Education, which is geared towards individuals who wish to become communication instructors, and includes courses in learning science, educational and communication technologies, equity and social justice issues in educational technology, and the history of communication. Students apply what they have learned to an integrative research project.

Fordham University’s Department of Communication and Media Studies offers a Master of Arts in Public Media program with two different tracks: Multi-Platform Journalism and Strategic Communication. Both tracks aim to help students develop compelling storytelling skills and multimedia production expertise across a range of existing and emerging platforms. The Multi-Platform Journalism track focuses primarily on developing and distributing stories and news reports through audio, video, and web content, while the Strategic Communication track is more geared towards public relations, marketing, and advocacy principles and strategies for nonprofits, the public sector, and social entrepreneurship. Courses in the program are taught by media professionals from outlets such as CBS, WFUV, The New York Times, WNYC, and WNET.

New York University’s (NYU) Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development’s Department of Media, Culture, and Communication offers a Master’s in Media, Culture, and Communication that is geared towards academics and communication professionals who want to better understand how different forms of media and their effects intersect with political, cultural, and social contexts. NYU’s School of Professional Studies offers a Master of Science in Public Relations and Corporate Communication with specializations in Corporate and Organizational Communication, and Public Relations Management that trains students in communications ethics and law, public relations writing, social media objectives and strategies, research methodologies, media relations management, strategic communications, business skills for public relations professionals, and the history, theory, and practice of public relations.

St. John’s University’s Collins College of Professional Studies’ Department of Mass Communication, in Queens, offers a Master of Science in International Communication. This program, which offers some hybrid course options, teaches students important skills in global media management, strategic communications, campaign planning and implementation, employee training and human resources, public relations, and policy development. In addition, the Collins College also offers a Master of Science in Integrated Advertising Communications (IAC) that prepares students to engage in creative, multi-channel advertising and public relations campaigns through courses in social and digital media, media planning, communication theories and processes, media data analysis, public relations management, and leadership in IAC.

The City College of New York’s (CUNY) Department of Media and Communication Arts offers a Master of Professional Studies in Branding + Integrated Communications, with tracks in Creative, Management/Brand Strategy, Media, and Public Relations. This program teaches students how to create compelling, meaningful, and durable brand identities through a combination of strategic marketing, effective corporate communication, advanced public relations, and collaborative creativity. The Creative track trains students in integrated, multi-platform communication strategies and 360 campaign development. The Management/Brand Strategy track focuses on data measurement and analytics, strategy through insights, stakeholder relationships, and organizational optimization. The Media track covers communication planning, media data analytics and ethics, and marketing technologies. The Public Relations track features coursework on branding leadership, corporate communications, influencer marketing, and integrated campaign development.

Master’s in Communication Programs in Capital District

The University at Albany, a part of the SUNY system, offers a hybrid Master of Arts in Communication program through its Department of Communication. The program features four distinct areas of study: Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication, Organizational Communication, Political Communication, and Health Communication. After completing core courses in Communication Research Methods and Communication Theory and Practice, students select one of these four concentrations to focus on, and take courses ranging from mass media effects and organizational culture to strategic digital and social media, new media engagement, and health communication. Courses are offered on campus, online, or as a combination of both, giving students flexibility in how they pursue their studies. For their graduation requirement, students can choose between completing an internship practicum or an original research project.

Master’s in Communication Programs in Westchester County

Iona College’s Department of Media & Strategic Communication, in New Rochelle, offers a Master of Arts in Sports Communication and Media that prepares students to engage with a wide variety of sports media and journalism, including game reporting and broadcasting, multimedia production and editing. This program combines courses in sports broadcasting, sports imaging, radio hosing, sports history and culture, creative sports media, and sports news anchoring, writing, and editing with hands-on fieldwork in professional and collegiate sports settings.

Master’s in Communication Programs in Central New York State

In central New York State, State University of New York at Oswego, commonly known as SUNY Oswego, offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication through its Department of Communication Studies. The degree can be pursued through a hybrid of campus and online study, or through entirely online coursework (see section below). Students complete core courses in applied communication theory and research methods, strategic communication management, and digital media theory before choosing from diverse electives in areas such as organizational leadership, global media literacy, health campaigns, integrated media design, technology and culture, healthcare systems in the U.S., and digital illustrations. Students also complete a thesis, applied project, or graduate internship.

Syracuse University’s Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies offers a Master of Arts in Communication and Rhetorical Studies that offers students advanced training in and in-depth knowledge of human language and interaction, contemporary rhetoric, and intercultural communication. This program features Areas of Specialty in Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies; Language and Social Interaction; and Rhetorical Theory and Criticism. Students in this program take two required courses that cover topics in language’s role in interaction and culture, as well as contemporary theories of rhetoric. From there, they take courses tailored to their area of specialty, which can include classes in intercultural discourse, health communication, digital media, power and equality, social advocacy, community activism, queer and feminist rhetoric, visual culture, and communication and climate change. For their final graduation requirement, students must complete an original research project.

Syracuse University also offers a Master’s in Public Diplomacy and Global Communications through its S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications in partnership with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. This program prepares students to impact global policy and international relations through advanced training in public diplomacy communication, international affairs, public relations and public affairs. Courses in this program cover topics such as international actors and the issues they face, public relations research and writing, advanced public diplomacy, challenges to public security within the national and international arenas, and campaign planning and execution.

Master’s in Communication Programs in Western New York State

The University at Buffalo’s Department of Communication offers a Master of Arts in Communication that is geared towards students who plan to pursue doctoral-level communication studies post-graduation, or apply research-informed principles to campaigns at companies and organizations. This program provides students with a foundation in communication research methods, communication theories, and statistics before giving them the option to take electives in political communication, communication technologies and public policy, international and intercultural communication, health campaigns, mass communication effects, and persuasion and social influence.

Rochester Institute of Technology’s School of Communication offers a Master of Science in Communication. This program combines humanities, communication, and social science research with advanced training in marketing, organizational communication, digital media strategy, and information technology. Students in this program take core courses in communication research methods, communication theories, and strategic communication before progressing to electives that include courses in digital storytelling, communication design principles, artificial intelligence and communication, social media analytics and research, digital advertising, visual communication, and communication and identity. Students can choose to complete a thesis, a research project, or a comprehensive examination and additional coursework as their culminating experience.

Online Master’s in Communication Programs in New York

In addition to the on-campus programs, several schools in the State of New York offer online master’s in communication programs. These programs may be ideal for students who are unable to commute to campus to attend in person lectures and discussions for personal or professional reasons.

Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business offers an Online Master of Science in Strategic Marketing Communications that provides students with knowledge of and skills in the latest communication technologies and strategies. Students take courses from the Gabelli School’s graduate offerings in contemporary communication research, integrated marketing communications, media management, leadership strategies, crisis communication, advanced business communication, and corporate leadership. For their culminating experience, students complete an applied project, working with an actual organization to address a strategic communication need.

Marist College’s School of Communication and the Arts offers an Online Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) that trains students to employ different media forms and strategies into integrated marketing plans for organizations. Students take classes in the principles of integrated marketing communication, public relations management, the foundations of marketing, mobile marketing, advertising management, global consumer insights, marketing research, and public relations. Students also take an IMC capstone course where they work in groups to develop an IMC plan.

Pace University’s Dyson College of Arts and Sciences offers an online Master of Arts in Communications and Digital Media with concentrations in Digital Filmmaking and Media Production, or Social Media and Public Relations. Students who do not select a concentration are able to pick and choose electives from both concentrations to best meet their academic and career goals. Courses in this program cover topics such as media relations management, creative writing for media professionals, global communication, corporate and organizational communication, media law, effective public speaking, advanced research in communication, web architecture and design, and new communication technologies. Students also complete a master’s thesis or an internship to graduate.

St. Bonaventure University’s Jandoli School of Communication offers an online Master of Arts in Marketing Communication. This program features core courses on marketing communication fundamentals; data analysis for content production; marketing communication research; empathy and communication ethics; marketing strategy and planning; and integrating digital media, mobile, and emerging technologies to design compelling marketing campaigns. From there, students can choose electives from a variety of classes that range in topic from brand strategy and execution to leadership and diversity, business ethics, visual communication, public relations for a global market, and creative communication design. For their culminating experience, students complete a capstone that includes fieldwork, writing a thesis, and defending their research findings before a faculty committee.

Stony Brook University offers a fully online Master of Science in Science Communication through a partnership between the School of Communication and Journalism and the Alda Center for Communicating Science. This program features two concentration options in General Science Communication and Climate Communication. Core courses in the program cover the theories of science communication, communication research methods, communication strategy development and assessment, inclusive education, and communication ethics. From there, students can select courses based on their concentration, choosing from electives in areas such as communicating health risks to the public, using digital media to communicate science topics, conveying scientific issues to policy makers, environmental communication, and advanced communication research methods. For their final graduation requirement, students complete a capstone project in science communication under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

SUNY Oswego’s Department of Communication Studies offers their Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program online. The curriculum and final graduation requirements are the same for both online and campus-based students of this program. The online option uses asynchronous instruction, with no required campus visits.

Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications offers an online Master of Science in Communications that has specializations in Strategic Communications, Journalism Innovation, and Media Management. This program gives students advanced training in digital communication, media strategy and analysis, and communication management. Core courses cover topics such as digital and multimedia storytelling, media law, social media strategy, advertising and public relations research, content management and innovation, and diversity, equity, and inclusion in communication. Depending on their chosen specialization, students may take courses in web and mobile story production, data-driven journalism, digital communications systems, marketing management, emerging media platforms, digital branding and strategy, public relations campaigns, and media industry leadership. The Master of Science in Communications program requires students to attend two immersion sessions and complete a capstone project. Students of the Media Management specialization are able to take courses in marketing management, business analytics, and strategic management through Syracuse’s Whitman School of Management.

The S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications also offers an online Master of Science in Communications Management in partnership with the Whitman School of Management. This program is designed for working public relations professionals, and features courses offered by both the S.I. Newhouse School and the Whitman School. Students take core courses in strategic digital communications management, advanced research for content development and analysis, and financial accounting and management. After completing the core courses, students take specialized courses in marketing management, diversity and inclusion, industry leadership methods and strategies, social media management, and multimedia storytelling. Students are required to attend two in-person Media Industry Leadership and Change Immersions (one on the Syracuse University campus and the other at a different location depending on the immersion’s topic and guest speakers).

For more information about online master’s in communication programs and important considerations for students interested in completing their graduate degree online, please reference our Online Master’s in Communication Programs resource page.


Directory of Master’s in Communication Programs in New York

All Master’s in Communication Programs in New York

Campus programs, Campus/Hybrid programs, Online programs (fully online to 2 campus visits per year), Hybrid-Online programs (3 to ~5 campus visits per year)

Baruch College (CUNY)

(New York)

Iona College

(New Rochelle)
Department of Media & Strategic Communication

Marist College

(Poughkeepsie)

Pace University

(Pleasantville)
Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

Rochester Institute of Technology

(Rochester)

St. Bonaventure University

(Olean)
Jandoli School of Communication

Stony Brook University

(Stony Brook)

Teachers College at Columbia University

(New York)
Department of Mathematics, Science & Technology

University at Buffalo (SUNY)

(Buffalo)