Why ODU for an online master's in communication?

ODU’s online master's program in Lifespan & Digital Communication is one of the few in the U.S. to explore communication throughout human lifespan. It's also the only online MA program in the U.S. that combines relational communication and digital media.

This comprehensive graduate program will prepare you to innovate, imagine and create tools to tackle modern communication problems. You also can focus your studies in one of these three areas:

  • Strategic Communication
  • Media Studies
  • Relationships, Health, and Wellness

Understanding and analyzing the relationship between human communication and digital media is a key to success in the global marketplace.

When you graduate, you will earn a Master of Arts in Lifespan & Digital Communication.

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Linked Online Bachelor's to Master's Degree Option

The linked bachelor's/master's degree in lifespan and digital communication option allows qualified undergraduate students to count up to 6 hours of 500-level graduate coursework towards both the BA or BS in communication and, if accepted, the MA in communication.

Learn more about our online Bachelor's in communication program
Communication skills open new doors

Program Information

Total
36 Credit Hours

All students take five core communication classes and four elective classes. Electives can be in the communication department or in related areas such as psychology, education, counseling, English, humanities, or global health.

Thesis option: You will complete comprehensive, original research and write a thesis with guidance from an advisor. Thesis work fulfills nine credit hours. Full-time students can complete the thesis option in two semesters.

Project option: Take two additional electives and a project course. The final project applies your knowledge in a real-world setting. Types of projects include a short investigation, applied case study, community outreach, creative production, or business proposal. The writing component is shorter than a thesis, but it often includes culminating media, creative efforts, or a presentation.

Explore Communication Courses in the Graduate Catalog

Access course materials online from any location. Some classes will have live, regular online meeting times, while others will not. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Total
36 Credit Hours

All students take five core communication classes and four elective classes. Electives can be in the communication department or in related areas such as psychology, education, counseling, English, humanities, or global health.

Thesis option: You will complete comprehensive, original research and write a thesis with guidance from an advisor. Thesis work fulfills nine credit hours. Full-time students can complete the thesis option in two semesters.

Project option: Take two additional electives and a project course. The final project applies your knowledge in a real-world setting. Types of projects include a short investigation, applied case study, community outreach, creative production, or business proposal. The writing component is shorter than a thesis, but it often includes culminating media, creative efforts, or a presentation.

Explore Communication Courses in the Graduate Catalog

Access course materials online from any location. Some classes will have live, regular online meeting times, while others will not. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Cost & Aid

Smiling woman in professional attire smiles in a casual office setting
Calculating Cost
In-state Virginia Residents
$620 per credit hour*
Out-of-state Students
$642 per credit hour

Rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change.
* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid
The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.
Scholarships & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are. 
 

Learn more about our scholarships

Careers in Communication

Areas that rely on an integrated understanding of lifespan and digital communication include:

  • strategic communication
  • community outreach and networking
  • applied research and policy
  • media and creative industries
  • education and training
  • health and wellness
Media Programming Directors
Growth
8.0%
Median Salary
$82,510
Social Science Research Assistants
Growth
6.3%
Median Salary
$56,400
Public Relations Managers
Growth
6.9%
Median Salary
$134,760

Bright Outlook

  • Improve the quality of communication in personal and social relationships today and for future generations.
  • Oversee better quality educational, entertainment, and news media for audiences of all ages.
  • Use communication methods to improve the inclusiveness and quality of everyday living for people of all ages.
  • Develop innovative social scientific and critical tools to study communication that can effectively manage society's problems.
  • Make local-to-global communication inclusive, optimal, and effective for all people of all ages.

Helpful Resources

ODUGlobal Graduate Admissions Team

Elaine Ross, Assistant Director of Graduate and International Admissions

Contact us at globalgradadmit@odu.edu about admission requirements, deadlines, or anything else you need to know about the application process!

Angel Baker
Angel Baker
Applications Coordinator
globalgradadmit@odu.edu
Angela Schlender
Angela Schlender
Applications Coordinator
globalgradadmit@odu.edu

Ready to Apply?

You'll apply to ODU as a degree-seeking graduate student. For this master's degree, you should have:

  • a bachelor's degree in communication or a related field with a 3.25 GPA in the major and 3.0 GPA overall.
  • GRE scores at or above 1000 as a composite of verbal and quantitative scores.

Want to get started now?

You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into a specific degree program. 

Please contact us to discuss this option with an expert advisor.

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