30 Best Communications Schools

The University of Florida is one of the best schools for communications and media studies. UF students are known as ‘Gators’ and enjoy a vast 2,000-acre campus. The student body is 50,000-strong, with around a fifth of those living on-campus. They also compete in 36 national championship teams, with many activities taking place at one of the two nearby lakes. 

UF’s communications major in public relations will prepare you for entry-level roles. For example, graduates often find work as technicians producing small-scale campaigns via social media. Equally, some graduates find managerial roles that might include implementing new communications plans. 

Comprising 124 credits, this communications program is offered by the Department of Public Relations, which regularly features highly on rankings of the best public relations education programs across the nation. It is also one of the largest programs at UF in terms of student body and faculty numbers. 

Founded in 1869, Purdue University is among the best colleges for communication and media studies.  Purdue has more than 400 research labs and a total research expenditure of nearly $350 million annually. Students have access to 14 libraries and more than 2 million volumes, making this an ideal place to study the history and application of communications. 

Comprising a minimum of 180 quarter-credit-hours, this bachelor’s degree in communications provides a broad understanding and skills acquisition in the areas of:

• Media studies
• Social issues
• Effective communication skills

You’ll gain an understanding of new research methodology, which will help you to study how the field of communication relates to advertising, public relations, human resources, and media studies.  

For those who are interested, there is an option to enroll in the accelerated master’s degree program. While this takes longer than the typical four years to obtain a bachelor’s degree, you’ll graduate with a master’s in one of the following:

• Legal studies
• Human services
• Public administration
• Psychology

Your cost of attendance will depend on numerous factors, including residency, accommodation, program type, and more.

The University of Maryland, College Park has a student body of around 41,000 learners who are supported by 14,000 faculty members and other staff. Situated close to the nation’s capital, the institution comprises 12 colleges and schools and offers more than 100 undergraduate programs of study, in addition to even more graduate options. 

UM College Park serves as one of the best colleges for communications and media studies in the country. Students can choose from a number of programs under the Department of Communication. The undergraduate communication studies degree program provides a broad knowledge of the history and applications of communications, while other options include:

• Health and science communication
• Digital and media communication
• Political communication
• Public relations

The communications major that you select should ideally be tied closely to the career in which you are most interested after graduation. Alternatively, UM College Park’s communication studies degree program leaves your options open and gives you more time to formulate your career plan.

With origins dating back to 1785, the University of Georgia (UGA) is the state’s flagship institution, and its honors program ranks in the top 10 in the nation. Nearly 800 products available today were born out of the university’s research activities. UGA is home to nearly 40,000 students that study across 17 different schools and colleges. 

This institution offers a unique scholarship, known as the Olive M. Cone Scholarship, which is awarded to one communications major student each year. This award is typically given to a student who has shown exceptional academic achievement and commitment. Other limited scholarships are also available to those who participate in the university’s Georgia Debate. 

Of course, UGA also houses an exceptional communications major. You’ll be expected to take courses in interpersonal communication and public speaking, in addition to others in areas that include:

• Research methods
• Rhetorical criticism
• Persuasion
• Nonverbal communication
• Communication and media studies

There is also an internship that will be arranged and directed by a faculty member, comprising a total of 3 credit hours. 

If you’re looking for a top college for communications that is also affordable, check out FSU. Founded in 1851, Florida State University forms part of the State University System of Florida. It’s situated on the longest-standing continuous site of higher education in the entire state and has been ranked number one for its four-year graduation rates among all public universities in Florida. FSU also serves as one of the best schools for communications in the U.S.

Programs under the School of Communication are competitive, with only a limited number of places that are restricted by both GPA requirements and a maximum number of permissible students. You’ll need a minimum GPA of 3.0 on all attempted coursework, all transcripts from previous colleges and universities, and a minimum 52 hours of college coursework completed. 

In addition to the above requirements, if you are admitted into this communications program, then you will be expected to achieve proficiency in a minimum of one other language aside from English before graduation.

The University of Texas at Austin has been ranked among the best research institutions in the nation. It’s also home to a study body of more than 50,000 students, supported by 3,000 members of faculty. What’s more, it has been ranked a top-20 public university by U.S. News & World Report. Finally, UT Austin is a best college for communications majors.

UT Austin’s communications major in public relations is worth checking out. This program will prepare you for leadership positions within the communications industry and public relations roles, giving you the hands-on skills and confidence you need to lead others. This will be achieved through a combination of:

• Coursework in strategy
• Coursework in PR techniques
• Coursework in communication and media studies
• Writing for PR purposes

The communications curriculum places a heavy emphasis on writing in AP style and requires that all enrolled students complete an internship. You’ll be encouraged to select an internship that best aligns with your interests, skills, and career aspirations. Some recent graduates have taken directorships in PR firms and other executive positions. 

Tuition at UT Austin depends on your program type and certain other factors. Undergraduates pursuing more than one major across different colleges will also be charged a higher rate of tuition.

Founded in 1847, the University of Iowa has a total enrollment of around 32,000 students. It is Iowa’s oldest higher education institution, situated alongside the Iowa River. Admissions are competitive, with a median GPA of around 3.78 in the class of 2024. The University of Iowa houses one of the best colleges for communications in the country.

IOWA’s communication studies program is one of the largest undergraduate majors offered by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The communications major prepares graduates to tackle the unique challenges posed by communications in the modern world. The curriculum includes the study of:

• Communication and media studies
• Delivery methods
• Purposes of communication in society and culture

As a communication student, you will gain a solid understanding of the field as a whole. 

You will have the choice of whether to gain extra credit by completing an internship or similar experience. The alternative experience is an online-only course that involves a number of assignments and other tasks, but does not include any hands-on experience. 

The University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign was founded in 1867 and has since had nearly 30 Pulitzer Prize winners among its alumni. Welcoming almost 50,000 students from every state and other countries around the world, the institution also invented the world’s first graphical web browser. Illinois’ college of communications is among the best colleges in the nation.

This communication major will:

• Give you a broad understanding of general communication theory.
• Provide you with more in-depth study within a specific, chosen area of the discipline.
• Ensure that you can apply what you’ve learned in solving communications problems within our society. 
• Provide in-depth knowledge of communications and media studies

While transfer credits cannot be considered as a replacement for introductory courses in this major, you may be able to transfer credits to satisfy other areas of the curriculum. What’s more, students who have a large degree of work experience or life experience in the field of communication may be eligible for academic credit. 

San José State offers study across more than 250 disciplines, with a broad range of programs available at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The student body comprises around 36,000 students, supported by almost 4,300 employees. As part of a transformational plan, the campus is currently going through significant positive change. 

Among the best colleges for communications, San José State offers a 120-unit public relations program. The communications major also features a Journalism and Mass Communication International Experience. As part of this experience, you will study abroad for a minimum of nine days; this will be within a program that’s approved by the faculty, with more details available on this link. 

In terms of the curriculum, you will take courses in American Institutions and Physical Education as part of your core requirements. Your communications major will involve study in areas such as:

• Marketing
• Organizational communication
• Communication and media studies
• New media
• Mass communication and society
• Media law and ethics
• Strategic content creation

Part of the University System of Georgia, the University of North Georgia enrolls around 20,000 students annually. There are over 100 programs of study available to choose from, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs. The university comprises five separate campus locations. 

The University of North Georgia’s College of Communications is among the best colleges for communications in the U.S. The college offers several bachelor’s degree programs, including a communication major with concentrations in:

• Multimedia journalism
• Organizational leadership
• Public relations

The multimedia journalism concentration will see you taking courses in areas such as news production, media studies and ethics, and newswriting. 

The organizational leadership concentration is more geared towards students who want to pursue senior roles within the industry. You’ll gain essential managerial and leadership skills, including:

• Critical thinking
• Decision making
• Problem solving

You’ll apply these skills to solve real-world, organizational problems. 

Students at the University of Utah enjoy a vibrant recreational life, with activities including:

• Access to sports courts
• A disc golf course
• An outdoor leisure pool
• A large indoor hot tub and spa
• An indoor running track
• A climbing wall
• A 15,000 square foot fitness center

However, UT’s recreational life is not the only thing going for it. UT is also one of the best colleges for communications. Through UT’s Department of Communication, you will find both  a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in communication. There are four emphases to choose from:

• Strategic communication
• Communication studies
• Journalism
• Science, health, environmental, and risk communication

All undergraduate students will gain the same foundation knowledge in specific areas of the communications discipline. 

This communication major pairs particularly well with a host of other majors, including those in the areas of sociology, English, media studies, and business. Employers always look for leaders who possess exceptional communication skills, and pairing these majors together could help to set you apart from the competition. 

Learning at Kansas State University is spread across four campuses, including an online distance learning platform. K-State recently set a visionary goal to rank within the top 50 public research universities by 2025, so you can be sure that there will be a lot of positive change going on. 

K-State offers several communications majors, including a bachelor’s in mass communications. Through this degree, you will gain a strong foundation in areas like the following:

• Research methodology
• Communication and media studies
• Communications’ impact on society and culture
• How different media and technology are used to reach different audiences

You will also complete an internship, giving you valuable hands-on experience. 

For this major in mass communications, you’ll require a minimum 2.5 GPA on at least the previous 30 credit hours studied. You may also transfer up to 12 semester hours towards this degree to help you meet the graduation credit requirements. 

The flagship university of the state, the University of Alabama was founded in 1831 and sits on a stunning 1,200-acre campus. With a student body totaling around 38,000, UA has achieved a significant number of impressive milestones and awards. UA is also known for having one of the best colleges for communications majors.

Comprising 120 credit hours for successful completion, this communication studies major offers a number of concentrations, including:

• Rhetoric and public discourse
• Organizational leadership
• Interpersonal communication
• Communication and culture

While you’re not required to select a focused study area, you will be offered guidance from an academic advisor in choosing your individualized program of study. 

Additionally, three minors can pair nicely with this program, including:

• Communication studies
• Leadership communication
• An online COM minor

The online minor is structured around organizational leadership and will require you to complete a specific set of courses and electives.

Founded in 1801, the University of South Carolina’s history dates back over 200 years. The institution is within the top 3% in the nation for having the largest number of African American graduates, and it has been ranked as the country’s best first-year experience for students among public universities. 

UofSC’s communications program is ideal for undergraduate students who haven’t yet chosen their ideal career, as you will gain a broad understanding of the communications industry. You’ll also understand how to analyze and explain the role of media in society and culture. Students regularly choose career paths in:

• Public relations
• Media studies
• Business leadership
• Advertising
• Law

Within the communications major there are two capstone courses centered around media criticism and ethics, which allows you to develop your critical thinking skills, while understanding how to independently analyze situations. You’ll also be given the opportunity to complete an internship in all fields of communications, including news reporting and broadcasting. 

The University of Michigan has achieved a broad number of impressive rankings for its programs, reputation, and student life. These include ranking at number one for being the best U.S. public university and its location in the best small college town in the nation. 

Michigan also houses one of the best colleges for communications. This communication and media degree program looks at emerging mass media and how it is used and regulated within the industry. You’ll gain a wide understanding of the history and applications of mass media, including its influence on culture, how it is employed in:

• Politics
• Economy
• Public policy making
• Democracy
• Media

To declare the communication and media major, you’ll need to have completed COMM 101 and COMM 102 to a minimum standard of C. You’ll also need to complete a minimum of 28 credits in communication and media.

Located in Tampa, the University of South Florida is part of the State University System of Florida. The Main campus of this public university is located in Tampa Bay, with additional campuses based in Sarasota-Manatee and St. Petersburg. Combined, all of these campuses serve a student body that’s around 50,000-strong. 

Under the Zimmerman School of Advertising & Mass Communications, you can choose from two communications majors. The BA in mass communications prepares future broadcast journalists or advertising professionals. The other major is a BS in integrated public relations and advertising. There is also a minor in mass communications for those studying another major. 

As a undergraduate student enrolled in the mass communications program, you can choose a concentration in either broadcast news or production. Broadcast news students commonly aspire towards careers as news reporters or producers, while students that opt for the production concentration often find work as TV directors, video editors, or production assistants.  

The University of South Florida tuition is almost 40% cheaper than the national average for four-year public universities.

The flagship university of the Indiana University system, Indiana University Bloomington serves more than 40,000 students annually. The institution was founded in 1820 and collaborates with six other campuses and two regional centers within the state. Several academic programs have been ranked within the top 10 nationally, with some ranking number one. 

This university offers a bachelor’s degree in media with a concentration in media advertising. While not specifically a communications major, students enrolled in this program still gain an in-depth understanding of communications in the context of advertising. You’ll assess consumer and audience behavior, developing skills that will allow you to develop and execute your own campaigns. 

Elective coursework within this concentration will give you practical experience too. For example, in addition to advanced research methodology, you’ll be able to select courses in campaign planning, branding, and leadership. You’ll also take part in workshops and practicums that will allow you to put the knowledge you’ve acquired into practice.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has origins that date back to the 1700s. Today, around 20,000 undergraduate and 11,000 graduate and professional students call UNC Chapel Hill home. Students choose from over 100 master’s degree programs and around 75 bachelor’s degree programs. UNC Chapel Hill is the only public university in the nation to have been awarding degrees since the 18th century. 

As part of UNC Chapel Hill’s communication studies bachelor’s program, you’ll have access to an extensive internship program, which offers placements within media-affiliated organizations in the industry. In fact, more than 100 organizations are linked to the program. A second program, the Hollywood Internship Program, offers summer placements and further study in specific areas for students who want to work in the film industry. 

There are a wealth of other development opportunities available to UNC Chapel Hills students enrolled in the communications studies major. For example, you may be able to obtain an internship—or even employment—with local public television and radio stations, and there are also opportunities available to get involved in play and screenwriting, or even acting in staged productions. 

Texas State University first opened its doors to students in 1903, welcoming just 303 students in total. Today, more than 38,000 students enroll in one of over 200 degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. TSU is also the only public university in the state to have graduated a U.S. President. 

TSU is one of the best colleges to offer a communications program. Within this degree program in mass communication, you will study the various forms of mass media that exist in the fields of:

• Advertising
• Broadcasting
• Publishing
• Communication and media

You will study the various forms of media and how they impact society and culture. 

As part of the communications degree, you’ll be given the opportunity to apply your knowledge, creating your own media projects as part of certain courses. While it is not a requirement of the degree program, you’ll be encouraged and supported in finding an internship, with assistance offered by an internship coordinator. Their links with employers will allow you to find an ideal placement. 

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s athletes are known as the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns. Competing since as early as 1901, these athletes compete in a range of NCAA Division I sports, with 16 varsity teams. It’s the second-largest university in the state and home to around 19,000 students. 

UL Lafayette houses one of the best colleges for communications UL Lafayette’s communications programs are designed to equip you with the skills needed to adapt to a constantly evolving media industry. You’ll gain a strong grounding in all verbal, written, and visual forms of communication, and you’ll be prepared to enter a range of different careers. 

Your concentration options include:

• Advertising
• Broadcasting
• Journalism
• Public relations
• Organizational communication

You will also complete an internship in your senior year, which will give you hands-on experience with direct supervision. This is in addition to a capstone course, requiring you to gather and apply all the knowledge you’ve acquired. 

Michigan State University (MSU) is a Top 100 Global University with a total enrollment of almost 50,000 students. The institution sits on 5,300 acres of land and offers more than 200 academic programs and 275 study abroad programs. There’s a 16:1 student to faculty ratio, and 34 of the institution’s programs rank within the top 25 nationally. 

Michigan State University offers two bachelor’s degree programs, one in arts and communication and the other in communication leadership and strategy. The former program is a general degree that provides a broad understanding of the history of communication, communication contexts, and other related courses. The latter course is targeted towards organizational and strategic communication. 

This university’s communication majors offer a wide range of concentrations. These include:

• Intercultural communication
• Social influence
• Research methods
• Interpersonal communication
• Digital media
• Health communication
• Organizational communication

Regardless of your intentions after graduation, there are sufficient choices to prepare you for any career that requires strong communication knowledge and ability. 

SWOSU’s student body represents 37 countries from around the world, in addition to 39 states. U.S. News & World Report has ranked this institution as the top regional university too. An average class contains 23 students and the student body is supported by a faculty of 205 experts. SWOSU is among the best colleges for communication majors.

SWOSU’s bachelor’s degree in communication arts features two areas of emphasis, including strategic communications and theatre. This is a unique program that will require you to participate in four full-length theatre productions, with one typically scheduled in each year of study. 

Students specializing in the strategic communication option will typically focus on courses such as:

• Persuasion
• Small group communication
• Communication theory
• Organizational communication
• Communication and media studies

Theatre option courses are more geared towards:

• Stage management
• Stage craft
• Directing
• Producing

The College of Staten Island CUNY is a new institution, with the campus being completed in 1994. Sitting on 204 acres, it’s the largest college site in New York City—excluding online campuses—and is set in a stunning natural landscape. Facilities include 300 classrooms and laboratories. 

The Department of Media Culture offers four distinct specializations as part of their bachelor’s in communication degree. These include concentrations in:

• Communication and media studies
• Corporate communications
• Journalism
• Design and digital media

In total, the program comprises 42 credits general education requirements, plus 49-62 major requirements, and 16-29 electives. 

Students who choose to major in communications are recommended to choose a minor to supplement their course. Your choice of minor should be suited to your intended future career, which will be discussed with a faculty advisor. To graduate, you will be expected to maintain a 3.5 GPA in communications-related courses. 

North Carolina A&T State University’s history dates back around 130 years. Over 12,000 students attend annually and are collectively known as Aggies. The institution is also the most affordable of the 23 North Carolina Universities according to Money magazine list of Best Colleges. 

The College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences offers a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication. With the speed with which the industry is evolving, students will be imparted with a broad understanding of critical subjects within the communications discipline. 

Graduates of this program commonly progress into roles in:

• Public relations
• Multimedia journalism
• Mass media production

You’ll study key topics that can be applied to a range of careers, including:

• Journalism
• Persuasion
• Multimedia communication
• Communication and media studies
• Legal and ethical issues

UT Permian Basin was founded in 1969 and has campuses based in Midland, Texas and Odessa. Situated on 600 acres of land, the university comprises 5 schools and colleges and offers 35 undergraduate degree programs. The university’s mascot is the Falcon, with student-athletes maintaining a higher GPA average than the rest of the student body. 

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin offers four communications majors options. The Bachelor of Arts in communication is offered as a face-to-face program or an online, distance learning degree. There is a third option coupled with teacher certification, in addition to a minor in communication. 

The communications degree program comprises 120 credit hours, with a minimum of 30 hours needing to be completed at UT Permian Basin. Additionally, you must achieve a minimum grade of C- in each course to continue into each subsequent year. All UTPB students take the same 42-credit core curriculum courses. 

The University of Memphis sits in a quiet suburban neighborhood within Memphis, Tennessee. Around 21,000 students attend annually from across the world. Founded in 1912, the public university features five Centers of Excellence in addition to 25 Chairs of Excellence. Student-athletes are known as Tigers. 

Students enrolling in this communications studies program are expected to take a minimum of 42 and maximum of 48 credit hours of coursework with the Department of Journalism and Strategic Media. This communications studies BA covers topics including:

• Communication and media studies
• Visual media
• Media law
• Precision language
• Media ethics
• Media history

Comprising 120 credit hours in total, the program also requires that you complete a student media practicum. This involves working in a practical capacity within student media organizations, with a minimum of 40 hours required per credit hour.

The University of Texas at San Antonio welcomes around 34,000 students annually, making it the largest higher education institution in the San Antonio area. The university has plans to expand its student body by more than 10,000 by 2028, in addition to expanding its downtown campus. UTSA houses one of the best colleges for communication and media studies in the country.

Students enrolled in this communication program will have the option to choose specialized courses in addition to selecting one of three concentrations. These concentrations include:

• Digital communication
• Public relations
• Health communication

The program curriculum emphasizes the study of communications within a multicultural, metropolitan context. 

The digital communication track covers how information is created, produced, and distributed across different contexts and formats. The health communication concentration will impart you with the knowledge needed to understand how individuals and organizations promote and communication health topics. And the public relations concentration investigates how government and corporations manage their communications and relationships with the wider public. 

Undergraduate tuition and fees at the University of Texas San Antonio change from year to year. However, the university allows prospective students to download comprehensive tables containing tuition and fees information from their financial affairs website.

Northwest Missouri State University has a relatively small enrollment of just over 7,000 students. Established in 1905, it was originally a teacher’s college. Undergraduates have a choice of more than 125 degree programs, while graduate students may choose from 40 options. Every full-time student enrolling is also given a laptop to benefit their studies. 

In addition to a minor in agricultural communications or broadcasting, students at Northwestern Missouri State University have access to three bachelor’s degrees in communication, each with a different emphasis. These include:

• Interpersonal communication
• Organizational communication
• Rhetoric, and public relations

Other options include digital media and mass media programs. 

Each of these communications majors falls under the remit of the School of Communication and Mass Media. If choosing one of these majors, you should think carefully about which one aligns with your career aspirations, as the electives will be specific to the different skills and knowledge needed for the relevant careers. 

Undergraduates have a choice of more than 82 academic programs at Brooklyn College, which benefit from the Core Curriculum program. This is designed to help you acclimatize to college life; it features numerous activities that take place prior to starting your freshman year. 

Brooklyn College is among the best colleges for communication and media studies. The communication program’s curriculum provides an in-depth understanding of:

• The history of communication
• Communication and media
• Research methods in this discipline
• The necessary cultural, legal, and ethical issues that you must be aware of

Comprising between 38 and 41 credits, you’ll take 26-27 core credits and choose 12 credits from concentrations. 

There is an internship requirement, though this may be waived for students working in a full-time capacity within a related field. Additionally, special courses subjects may be used towards program requirements where agreed with the program director.

Founded in 1889, Weber State University is among the best colleges for communications and accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. At Weber, students can choose from around 225 degree programs and certificates, with the student body comprising roughly 92% in-state students. Their mascot is Waldo the Wildcat. 

Weber State houses one of the best colleges for communications and media studies with a load of concentration options. The program at Weber provides a broad study of communications, including a number of interdisciplinary tracks. You can choose to specialize in:

• Copywriting
• Marketing
• Visual communication
• Healthcare public relations
• International public relations

Regardless of your communications majors, you’ll also gain a broad understanding of advertising, marketing, and news reporting and writing. 

Graduates of this communications program will be especially prepared for careers in public relations, which could include working in sales or advertising or as a marketing specialist, product manager, or PR specialist. You will also have the chance to become a member of the student-run public relations firm, which could see you awarded a tuition fee waiver.