Communication Master of Science Degree
Blend research, strategy, and innovation to launch your career in a rapidly evolving communication landscape.
Overview for Communication MS
Why Pursue a Master of Science in Communication at RIT?
Future-Focused Curriculum: Gain expertise in emerging areas such as strategic communication, health, AI in communication, data analytics, and digital media.
Flexible, Versatile: Customize your program to reflect your career goals.
Real-World Experience: Apply your knowledge through optional co-ops or internships, building professional connections and gaining hands-on experience.
Research-Driven Foundation: Prepare for advanced doctoral study or research roles through courses in communication theory and research methodologies.
RIT’s MS in Communication prepares you to lead effective communication efforts – from understanding your audience and crafting impactful messages to using emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and social media to deliver measurable results.
Offered at an institution renowned for its innovation and creativity, the Communication MS program provides:
- Courses in communication, marketing, IT, data analytics, sustainability, design, and more to complete your professional electives
- The tools, portfolio, and experience to make an impact
- Smart classrooms, makerspaces, and an entrepreneurial ecosystem
- Faculty who are researchers, practitioners, and mentors
- A collaborative environment where tech meets the liberal arts
RIT’s Master of Science in Communication
Plan your program and tailor your courses to support your unique career goals. You will work closely with your advisor to select courses and design a path, or you can choose from one of the following areas:
- Strategic Communication: Ideal for careers in advertising, public relations, health communication, corporate communication, or a nonprofit organization, this focus emphasizes strategic planning and execution of communication campaigns.
Sample Strategic Communication courses:- Strategic Communication
- Digital Advertising
- Health Communication
- Professional Electives can be selected from Business, Management, Health Sciences, or Visual Communication Design
- Emerging Media and Computational Data Analytics: Ideal for careers in emerging media and analytics, this focus explores how AI and data analytics are reshaping the media landscape, communication, and brand strategies, as well as how to leverage data to drive insights and decisions that enhance communication campaigns.
Sample Emerging Media and Computational Data Analytics Courses:- AI and Communication
- Social Media Analytics and Research
- Professional Electives can be chosen in areas such as big data, machine learning, marketing, or human-computer interaction
- Communication Studies: Ideal for exploring culture, identity, and civic engagement, this area focuses on the societal impact of communication, preparing professionals for careers in advocacy and media research that contribute to meaningful social change.
Sample Communication Studies Courses:- Communication and Identity
- Visual Communication
- Independent Study on Activism or Social Change
- Professional Electives can be selected from Design, Marketing, Sustainability, or Public Policy
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Don't Delay Your Ambitions Until the Fall
This program offers a spring start, which means you can jumpstart your graduate journey and begin your studies this January.
Careers and Experiential Learning
Typical Job Titles
| Account Executive (for marketing, communication, or advertising firm) | Campaign Manager | Content Producer |
| Communication Manager | Customer Sales Director | Digital Marketing and Communication Analyst |
| Digital Marketing Manager | Director of Development | Internal Communication Director |
| Marketing Analyst | Marketing Director | Organizational/Internal Communication Manager |
| Political Communication Strategist | Social Media Strategist | Senior Copywriter |
RIT’s Communication MS graduates become leaders in digital media, internal communication, advertising, public relations, and marketing, or pursue doctoral programs across the country.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, communication-related careers are projected to grow 7% over the next decade, and professionals with graduate degrees earn an average of $86,433 annually.
Typical Job Titles
- Senior Social Media Manager
- Digital Marketing and Communication Analyst
- Senior Marketing Research Director
- Communication Coordinator
- Marketing Director
- Account Manager
- Content Strategist
- Communication Researcher
- PR Officer
- Campaign Manager
- Higher Education Administrator
Cooperative Education and Internships
What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.
Our optional graduate-level co-op and internship opportunities let you apply your knowledge, build your resume, and stand out in a competitive job market. We encourage cooperative education for our students in the MS in Communication program.
Featured Work and Profiles
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Learning by Doing Led this Grad to Consumer Research Career Path
"[RIT Learning by Doing Experiences] sparked my curiosity and guided me toward professions where I could continue to research and leverage my undergraduate background alongside the research skills...
Read More about Learning by Doing Led this Grad to Consumer Research Career Path -
Jess Francis '12
Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Michigan – Institute for Social Research
Read More about Jess Francis '12 -
Thaarika Charumathy Seetharaman '18
One thing I greatly appreciated about my graduate studies experience in the Communication MS at RIT is the close, family-like atmosphere in the program. Students and faculty alike represented...
Read More about Thaarika Charumathy Seetharaman '18 -
Mike Horning '06
Associate Professor of Multimedia Journalism, Virginia Tech School of Communication
Read More about Mike Horning '06 -
Lauren DePoint '18
Market Research Analyst, Harris Insights and Analytics
Read More about Lauren DePoint '18 -
Congxi Wang '18
Graduate Student, Wagner School of Public Service at New York University (NYU)
Read More about Congxi Wang '18
Curriculum for 2025-2026 for Communication MS
Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements
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Admissions and Financial Aid
This program is available on-campus only.
| Offered | Admit Term(s) | Application Deadline | STEM Designated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full‑time | Fall or Spring | Fall - February 15 priority deadline, rolling thereafter; Spring - rolling | No |
| Part‑time | Fall or Spring | Rolling | No |
Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. Part-time study is 1‑8 semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.
Application Details
To be considered for admission to the Communication MS program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Complete an online graduate application.
- Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
- Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) is recommended.
- Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
- Submit a personal statement of educational objectives.
- Submit two letters of recommendation.
- Entrance exam requirements: None
- Writing samples are optional.
- Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic, etc.), if required. Details are below.
English Language Test Scores
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver.
Duolingo (DET): 130
IELTS: 6.5
LanguageCert Academic: 74
PTE Academic: 60
TOEFL: 88
International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Deaf and hard-of-hearing test takers with significant hearing loss do not need to take the listening and speaking sections for the TOEFL and IELTS. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.
How to Apply Start or Manage Your Application
Cost and Financial Aid
An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Graduate tuition varies by degree, the number of credits taken per semester, and delivery method. View the general cost of attendance or estimate the cost of your graduate degree.
A combination of sources can help fund your graduate degree. Learn how to fund your degree
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