Communication Online Master's Program

  • Master of Arts
  • College of Arts & Letters
  • Department of Communication & Theatre Arts
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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 focus on 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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  • Accelerated Online 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.

  • Required Courses

    • 36 credit hours, including a thesis or project

    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.

  • Online Learning Environment

    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.

  • Careers with a Communication Degree

    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

    For example, ODU's online master's program will equip you to:

    • 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.

  • Calculating Cost

    In-state Virginia Residents
    $599 per credit hour*
    Out-of-state Students
    $623 per credit hour

    Rates are effective Fall 2023 and subject to change.
    * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

Meet Your Team

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

Ready to get started?

  • How 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.