Navigating tuition rates, credit requirements, and program duration is a major part of your search for graduate communications programs. On average, an online master’s degree in communications requires 30 to 39 credit hours, and you can expect it to take 18 to 24 months to complete while attending full-time.
At the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications (UF CJC), fully online Master of Arts in Mass Communication (MAMC) concentrations require 36 to 37 credit hours, with tuition ranging from $484.48 to $885.75 per credit hour (total program tuition ranges from $17,441 to $31,887).
Whether you’re going for a full master’s degree or a targeted 12- to 14-credit graduate certificate, UF CJC graduate programs are career-focused and designed to work with your schedule.
Explore UF CJC Online Master’s Concentrations.
How Long Does an Online Master’s in Communication Take?
If you are pursuing an online master’s in communications, you should expect to take between 16 months and three years to complete your program, depending on whether you’re enrolled on a part-time or full-time basis. Other factors can affect how long it takes you to graduate, including your course load, when courses are offered, and your personal and professional schedule. Additionally, degree completion times vary across graduate programs, so be sure to consider your ideal graduation timeline before settling on a school.
Balancing your education with your work responsibilities means you’ll need flexible scheduling through asynchronous and on-demand classes. Most online master’s in communications programs structure coursework to accommodate professionals who want to continue working while they study.
UF CJC Online Master’s in Mass Communication Program Length
At UF CJC, online student schedules prioritize maximum flexibility without compromising academic rigor. Here’s how long you can expect your degree to take from your first day through the completion of your capstone project:
- Full-time track: Students taking two or three courses per semester complete their master’s in communications degree in as few as 16 to 18 months.
- Part-time track: Completion time varies depending on the number of courses taken each term and you can complete classes at a pace that fits your work and life schedule.
While you’re enrolled, lectures and course materials remain accessible online, allowing you to meet weekly assignment deadlines on your own schedule, regardless of what time zone you’re logging in from. You can also take your classes with you if you frequently travel for work or have an irregular schedule.
Even better, because your UF CJC graduate education combines communications theory with practical skills, you can start applying what you’ve learned to your current job while earning a top-rated degree.
How Many Credits Is a Master’s Degree in Mass Communication?
A standard online communications master’s degree requires between 30 and 39 credit hours. Generally, graduate-level courses are 3 to 4 credits each, so you should expect to take 9 to 12 total courses. At UF CJC, master’s degree concentrations require 36 to 37 credit hours, incorporating core foundational coursework, concentration-specific mastery, and your choice of customizable electives.
Credit requirements are going to determine how “deep” your program of study will go into the subject matter and how long it might take you to graduate. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all degrees, UF CJC provides seven specialized online master’s concentrations.
UF CJC Online Concentration Credit Breakdown
| Concentration Area | Total Credit Hours | Core Curriculum and Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Journalism and Multimedia Storytelling | 37 Credits | Reporting, writing, audio/video production, data visualization, multimedia editing, and ethical storytelling across platforms. |
| Digital Strategy | 36 Credits | Conversion copywriting, inbound marketing, search/display ad buying, lead generation, UX theory, and CRM tool integration. |
| Global Strategic Communication | 36 Credits | Intercultural communication, global crisis management, public affairs, and activism for positive social change. |
| Public Interest Communication | 36 Credits | Brand narrative management, stakeholder messaging, campaign strategy, crisis management, and PR analytics. |
| Social Media | 36 Credits | A first-of-its-kind holistic master’s combining video production, brand strategy, research-driven content, and ROI metrics. |
| Web Design and Online Communication | 36 Credits | A three-pronged approach: design fundamentals, UX research, and hands-on code (HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript). |
Every concentration includes core courses in mass communication plus three or four customizable electives, giving you the ability to round out your education across other communications disciplines and your own personal interests.
How Much Does an Online Master’s in Communications Cost?
Tuition for an online master’s in communications generally ranges from $15,000 to more than $40,000, depending on residency requirements and assorted school fees.
At UF CJC, tuition rates range from $484.48 to $885.75 per credit hour, with total degree tuition between $17,441 and $31,887. There is no difference in tuition for residents and nonresidents of Florida.
Complete UF CJC Tuition Breakdown
Because UF CJC Online lists tuition by credit hour, you can accurately calculate your exact tuition costs. Plus, out-of-state students pay the same tuition as in-state students.
- Digital Strategy: $484.48 / credit hour | $17,441 Total Tuition
- Public Interest Communication: $484.48 / credit hour | $17,441 Total Tuition
- Digital Journalism and Multimedia Storytelling: $484.48 / credit hour | $17,926 Total Tuition
- Public Relations: $585.75 / credit hour | $21,087 Total Tuition
- Web Design and Online Communication: $599.75 / credit hour | $21,591 Total Tuition
- Social Media: $815.75 / credit hour | $29,367 Total Tuition
- Global Strategic Communication: $885.75 / credit hour | $31,887 Total Tuition
Funding Your Online Graduate Degree in Communications
Investing in a graduate degree from the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications connects you with faculty and industry professionals at the top of their respective fields. You also gain access to a global network and career services, creating opportunities for a high return on investment.
Degree-seeking online students are eligible for the same financial aid as campus-based students as long as they meet the required number of credit hours per semester. In addition to waiving out-of-state tuition premiums, UF CJC Online students can also apply for scholarships through the University of Florida’s Scholarship Universe.
Graduate Certificates vs. Master’s Degrees in Communications: Cost and Time Comparison
A graduate certificate requires 12 to 14 credit hours (four courses) and costs between $6,370 and $11,223 total. In contrast, a full master’s degree requires 36 to 37 credit hours (11 to 13 courses). Graduate certificates offer faster completion and a shorter application process, though they do not qualify for federal financial aid.
If you’re looking to add on a specific set of skills that you can immediately apply to your job without committing to a multiyear master’s degree, a graduate certificate could be your ideal path.
UF CJC Graduate Certificate Pricing and Requirements
UF CJC offers five focused online graduate certificates:
- Sports Media and Communication: 12 Credit Hours | $6,370 Total Tuition
- Web Design and Online Communication: 14 Credit Hours | $8,082 Total Tuition
- Social Media: 12 Credit Hours | $9,519 Total Tuition
- Global Strategic Communication: 12 Credit Hours | $10,359 Total Tuition
- Audience Analytics: 13 Credit Hours | $11,223 Total Tuition
Stackable Credits: Pathways to a Full Master’s Degree
One of the greatest advantages of completing a graduate certificate through UF CJC is credit stackability. Every credit hour earned in a UF CJC graduate certificate program applies directly toward the corresponding MAMC master’s concentration requirements if a student chooses to transition into the full master’s program.
Advance Your Communications Career
Take the next step in your professional communication career with an online graduate degree or certificate from the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications.
Ready to move forward? Start your application today or request more information to connect with an admissions advisor.
