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.

99%

Job Placement

Over the past seven years, our program has placed nearly all students into impactful careers

Strong

Job Growth Rate

Employment in Com & Media is projected to grow by 14%, faster than the average for all occupations

Higher

Paying Careers

Graduate degree-holders earn $17,000 more per year than their BA counterparts.

CONTACT US

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

(319) 273-2525

kyle.rudick@uni.edu

cm-office@uni.edu













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.

Isaac Campbell re-enacting a historical photo of a person in a canoe

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.

Students studying photography

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.

A group of graduate students

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.

Isaac Campbell re-enacting a historical photo of a person in a canoe

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.

Students studying photography

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.

A group of graduate students

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