Communication and Media M.A.
Upskill with a program that allows to fulfill your career goals
The graduate Communication and Media program provides students with Master’s level training and helps them fulfill their post-graduation goals, whether obtaining professional employment, enrolling in a PhD program, or reskilling/upskilling for their current profession.
With Fall and Spring admission, we offer three educational opportunities: the standard 2-year MA program, the accelerated 4+1 program for high achieving undergraduate majors, and Master's level certificates.
Nearly all of our coursework is offered in the evenings, entirely online, or hy-flex (i.e., the ability to Zoom into a F2F class instead of being physically present), which allows students to pursue MA level education with a flexibility that works for full-time students, full-time employees, and everyone in between.
Job Placement
Over the past seven years, our program has placed nearly all students into impactful careers
Job Growth Rate
Employment in Com & Media is projected to grow by 14%, faster than the average for all occupations
Paying Careers
Graduate degree-holders earn $17,000 more per year than their BA counterparts.
Learn more about Communication and Media, M.A.
Tell us more and we'll send information on how you can succeed with a graduate degree in Communication & Media from the University of Northern Iowa College of Humanities, Arts & Sciences.
 | C. Kyle Rudick, Ph.D. Graduate Program Coordinator |
Degree Pathways
Our award-winning Master's program is renowned for its exceptional academic quality and innovative approach to education. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in their chosen field. The program's faculty comprises world-class professors and industry experts who provide personalized mentorship and guidance, fostering a supportive learning environment.
The accelerated 4+1 Master's program is a prestigious and highly efficient pathway for motivated undergraduate students to earn both their bachelor's and master's degrees in a streamlined timeframe. Recognized for its excellence, the program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines advanced coursework with hands-on experiential learning opportunities. Students benefit from close mentorship from distinguished faculty members who are experts in their fields and are committed to fostering their academic and professional growth.
Earning certificates while pursuing a Master's degree or as a standalone credential is a testament to the commitment and dedication of students in their chosen field of study. These certificates provide specialized knowledge and expertise that complement the broader curriculum of the Master's program. With a focus on practical skills and industry-relevant training, the certificates enhance students' qualifications and make them highly competitive in the job market.
Our award-winning Master's program is renowned for its exceptional academic quality and innovative approach to education. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in their chosen field. The program's faculty comprises world-class professors and industry experts who provide personalized mentorship and guidance, fostering a supportive learning environment.
The accelerated 4+1 Master's program is a prestigious and highly efficient pathway for motivated undergraduate students to earn both their bachelor's and master's degrees in a streamlined timeframe. Recognized for its excellence, the program offers a rigorous curriculum that combines advanced coursework with hands-on experiential learning opportunities. Students benefit from close mentorship from distinguished faculty members who are experts in their fields and are committed to fostering their academic and professional growth.
Earning certificates while pursuing a Master's degree or as a standalone credential is a testament to the commitment and dedication of students in their chosen field of study. These certificates provide specialized knowledge and expertise that complement the broader curriculum of the Master's program. With a focus on practical skills and industry-relevant training, the certificates enhance students' qualifications and make them highly competitive in the job market.
Career Opportunities
Careers are broad depending on the area of your interest. Our program can prepare you to continue your education, to perform consulting services or to upskill for today's job market. For example, our alumni has landed on the following positions:
- Agency Director
- Community Outreach & Education Representative
- Digital Content Coordinator
- Digital Media Specialist
- Educator and Facilitator
- Event Marketing Manager & Communications Coordinator
- Freelance Producer
- Producer
Courses & Curriculum
The program offers Thesis and Non-Thesis options. The program's core courses are:
- Introduction to Graduate Study and Research
- Communication and Media Theory
- Communication Research Methodology
- Electives, such as: Rhetoric, Mass Communication Theory, Communication Research Methodology, Visual and Digital Media, etc.
Map your plan of study, use this list of courses to understand what classes you need for either the MA degree or Certificate Program.
Next Steps
Apply Now
Our application process is smooth and easy. You can apply now and pay your fee later or even get it waived, if you qualify. Current or former UNI students will also have their app fee waived.
Requirements for Admission
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Professional or Academic Writing Sample
- Statement of Purpose for Graduate Studies
- Three letters of recommendation
- 2.75 is the minimum GPA to be accepted without provision; applicants with a GPA lower than 2.75 may still be admitted provisionally, at the discretion of the program and the Division of Graduate Studies
- Application fee (this can be waived or deferred, see if you qualify).
Applications must be on file by April 1st for full consideration for Fall admission, and by November 1st for Spring admission.
Requirements for International Applicants
Along with the basic application requirements, international applicants also need:
- Proof of English proficiency
- A copy of the personal data page of your passport
- A completed UNI Financial Statement and Certification form
- Non-refundable application fee.
Applications must be on file by April 1st for full consideration for Fall admission, and by November 1st for Spring admission.
Isaac Campbell, where art meets advocacy
“My life would not be what it is if I had not had the experience that I had at UNI. I wouldn't have had this happen if it wasn't for what happened to UNI...you can go to UNI and have an experience that is far bigger than what you'd ever imagined.”
Eboni Springfield receives scholarship from Strategic America
Eboni Springfield is the first recipient of a $2,000 scholarship from Strategic America (SA), an integrated marketing agency. The new scholarship was created to support students pursuing degrees in communications and marketing, like Springfield, who is pursuing her master’s degree in public relations.
Fund Your Degree
Get the opportunity to learn and fund your degree through hands-on experiences, earning monetary awards or a combination of both, all admitted and qualifying Communication and Media students are considered for departmental tuition scholarships and assistantships. Visit one of the following pages to learn about assistantships, scholarships or additional details on Communication and Media at University of Northern Iowa College of Humanities, Arts, & Sciences.