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MA Communication
Open the door to new opportunities with a master’s in communication.
Employers often rank communication skills as one of the most important factors in hiring and promotion decisions. This master of arts in communication program fosters these skills by emphasizing theory, research, and application to examine the ways people communicate. Our Jesuit philosophy is engrained throughout the program, underlining the importance of ethics in communication. As a Fairfield student, you know you’re earning a degree with integrity.
Immerse yourself in the study of messages — both verbal and nonverbal — and discover how ideas are effectively exchanged among individuals, organizations, families, relationships, the media, and more. Upon completing this master’s in communication online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format, you’ll have acquired the relevant knowledge and practical application needed to find success in virtually any field.
Completion: 24 to 48 months
Schedule: Full-time | Part-time
Next start: Fall (September) | Spring (January) | Summer (May)
Advance your career with a master of arts in communication — flexible to fit your life.
Curriculum
Build your ideal master’s in communication program.
The curriculum in our program was created to provide the versatile skills and practical training needed to make you a marketable professional in any career setting. Whether you’re interested in training and development, public relations, health communication, or another career path, the knowledge you’ll acquire while earning your master of arts in communication can be applied to make an immediate impact.
Under the guidance of your faculty advisor, you’ll have many options to tailor your training to achieve your personal and professional goals. Choose between the thesis track or the non-thesis track, and handpick from several elective courses to build the ideal program for your desired career path. Ready to learn more? Take the next step
What can you do with a master’s in communication? Examples of career settings include:
- Media companies and news organizations
- Ad agencies and PR firms
- Healthcare facilities
- Non-profit organizations
- Leadership and communications positions in any industry
Courses (36 total credits)
- Communication Philosophies, Theories, and Research Traditions
- Communication Research Design and Methodologies
- Ethics and Communication
- Project Proposal or Thesis Proposal
- Independent Project or Thesis Research
- Seven (7) additional graduate course electives*
*Two elective courses may be from outside the Communication department.
- Communication Philosophies, Theories, and Research Traditions
- Communication Research Design and Methodologies
- Ethics and Communication
- Nine (9) additional graduate course electives*
*Two elective courses may be from outside the Communication department.
Customize your courses.
Get individual guidance from your faculty advisor to create a personalized program experience based on your desired career outcomes.
Unlock your career potential with this versatile master of arts in communication degree.
Highlights
A master’s in communication degree with longevity.
The Fairfield program blends theory and practice, equipping you with foundational communication principles and empowering you to effectively apply them in a real-world setting. You’ll become well versed in data-informed communication practices and research techniques, making you a valuable asset to any 21st-century organization. Our graduates find lifelong value from their Fairfield degrees, providing them with tools they carry into any career.
Join a growing network of diverse leaders.
Once you enroll in this master of arts in communication program, you’re welcomed into our vast network of accomplished alumni. With Fairfield graduates finding success at impressive companies such as WWE, Unilever, NYU Health and Yale Medicine, you’ll have the opportunity to build connections with professionals from many backgrounds. Take advantage of the comprehensive support offered by our Career Center for further guidance and resources to help advance your career.
"The content of the coursework is excellent. The classes are rigorous and I also enjoy being able to connect with the career center and participate in career fairs. I love the fact that I can adapt the schedule to my work life."
– Leticia Schwartz
Current MA Communication Grad Student
Faculty & Academic Approach
Learn from highly engaged, highly experienced faculty.
Fairfield’s distinguished faculty members bring decades of field experience into the classroom. Get advice and encouragement from our PhD-qualified professors, who have diverse experiences applying communication studies in a variety of industries. Our proximity to New York City offers close connections within the world’s largest media market, full of real-world learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom.
Attend an Information Session
Kristina Ruiz-Mesa
Dr. Ruiz-Mesa is the graduate program director of the Communication Department. Her research focuses on studying organizational and instructional communication practices to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in U.S. higher education institutions.
Sean Horan
Dr. Sean Horan’s research examines why people use affection to lie (deceptive affection) as well as workplace romance. He teaches graduate courses in Communication Theory and Work-Life.
Michael Pagano
Dr. Michael Pagano, a Physician Assistant Emeritus and Professor of Communication, teaches a variety of MA courses. He is published in numerous journals as well as seven books.
Experience our College of Arts and Sciences.
Fairfield’s College of Arts and Sciences offers graduate programs that promote intellectual and reflective query, discovery, and practice — allowing students to build the foundation for a lifetime of learning. You’ll thrive from the collaborative learning environments, flexible schedules, and enriching field experiences that set the stage for career advancement.
Enhance your personal and professional life with a master of arts in communication.
Admissions & Aid
Numerous resources to support your Communication journey.
From your first admissions conversation to after graduation, you’ll find support at every turn. The Fairfield University student support network is dedicated to meeting your needs, offering personal, academic, and financial guidance as you complete your degree. Discover what else we have to offer.
Admission requirements
For the most up-to-date and thorough admission requirements, please visit the College of Arts and Sciences Admission page.
Want details on courses, schedules, and financial aid? We’re here to help.
Send us a few details and our admission team will follow up with more information.
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The future you want starts here.
Earn a graduate degree that fits your life and your goals. We’ll give you the flexibility and career skills you need to make it happen. Take the next step and learn more.