MBA Programs in Communications 2025

MBA Programs in Communications
Tuition, ROI, Graduate Salary, GMAT Requirements

10 Best Ranked | Interactive Table | Salaries | Tuition | ROI | GMAT | Alumni Networking | How We Rank

Executive Summary for MBA Programs in Communications MBA Programs

The ranking team at MBAGuide.org, evaluated 31 Communications MBA programs. Here is a summary of our comprehensive findings. Explore the details about the Communications MBA, compare schools, find states and cities where the degree is offered.

1. Comprehensive comparisons, data and analysis – MBAGuide conducted an in-depth analysis of 31 AACSB-accredited campus MBA programs in Communications to find the top programs in the country.
2. Ranking metrics you care about – such as average starting salaries, tuition fees, return on investment (ROI), GMAT scores, alumni networks, student-to-faculty ratios, and more with no paywall.
3. Detailed school profiles of Communications MBA programs their strengths, faculty expertise, alumni networks to help align your program choice

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Best 10 MBA Programs in Communications

Interactive Table of the Best Ranked MBA Programs in Communications

Easily sort the interactive table below to find the best Communications MBA programs by Rank, School Name, ROI, Tuition, Average Starting Salary, and Campus or Online to find and to compare MBA programs in Communications. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

Rank	University	ROI	In State Tuition	Avg. Starting Salary	State	Online
1	Northwestern University	8.00%	$162,030	$175,000	IL	No
2	The University of Iowa	381.00%	$23,453	$112,820	IA	No
3	University of St. Thomas-Minnesota	67.00%	$61,596	$102,900	MN	Yes
4	The George Washington University	3.00%	$113,090	$115,951	DC	No
5	Fordham University	28.00%	$99,497	$127,511	NY	Yes
6	University of California, Irvine	26.00%	$97,342	$122,899	CA	No
7	University of Cincinnati	263.00%	$23,996	$87,013	OH	Yes
8	The Ohio State University	1.00%	$106,123	$106,779	OH	Yes
9	Brandeis University	-9.00%	$120,223	$109,000	MA	No
10	San Jose State University	131.00%	$39,270	$90,800	CA	Yes
11	Bentley University	29.00%	$67,080	$86,822	MA	No
12	Marquette University	95.00%	$46,620	$90,700	WI	Yes
13	University of Massachusetts Dartmouth	404.00%	$17,578	$88,625	MA	No
14	Saint Louis University	104.00%	$37,470	$76,282	MO	No
15	Central Michigan University	246.00%	$27,300	$94,350	MI	Yes
16	Jacksonville University	312.00%	$31,500	$129,665	FL	Yes
17	University of Montana	524.00%	$14,260	$89,000	MT	Yes
18	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire	185.00%	$29,700	$84,700	WI	Yes
19	The University of Rhode Island	208.00%	$24,000	$73,900	RI	Yes
20	Southeast Missouri State University	330.00%	$13,804	$59,400	MO	Yes
21	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	200.00%	$26,000	$78,000	WI	Yes
22	La Salle University	149.00%	$27,200	$67,750	PA	Yes
23	Western Kentucky University	392.00%	$12,600	$62,000	KY	Yes
24	Abilene Christian University	142.00%	$25,800	$62,400	TX	Yes
25	Lawrence Technological University	-1.00%	$83,400	$82,499	MI	Yes
26	William Paterson University	196.00%	$23,820	$70,500	NJ	Yes
27	University of Louisiana at Lafayette	64.00%	$31,281	$51,200	LA	Yes
28	Southeastern Oklahoma State University	389.00%	$12,420	$60,780	OK	Yes
29	Stephen F. Austin State University	467.00%	$11,630	$65,950	TX	Yes
30	Clayton State University	240.00%	$17,000	$57,800	GA	Yes
31	Louisiana State University Shreveport	263.00%	$12,474	$45,300	LA	Yes

An MBA program in Communications will cost you between $11,630.00 to $162,030.00.

• Number of Programs Offering Communications MBAs: 31
• Average GMAT Score for Communications MBA Programs: 565
• Average In-State Tuition for Communications MBA Programs: $46,437.32
• Average Graduate Salary for Communications MBA Programs: $88,010
• Average ROI for Communications MBA Programs: 188%

Compare Communications MBA Program Averages vs Campus

Averages	MBA Programs	Online MBA Programs
Number of Programs	31	23
Average Starting Salary	$88,010	$80,039
Average MBA Tuition	$46,437	$34,839
Average ROI	188%	213%
Average GMAT Scores	565	539
Average Full-Time MBA Faculty	74	64
Average MBA Student Faculty Ratio	19:1	20:1
Faculty with Doctorate	84%	84%
Average Full-Time MBA Enrollment	353	339
Average Part-Time MBA Enrollment	322	349
Average % of MBA Students from U.S.	84%	84%

Read about our ranking methodology.

What is the Average MBA Salary for Communications Graduates?

Though it’s not the only factor, compensation is an important consideration for individuals considering obtaining an MBA degree. Salaries for graduates with master’s degrees in Communications can be significantly higher than those of graduates with only a bachelor’s degree. In addition, advance salary projections from the US Department of Labor show that average MBA salaries are expected to increase by 13.5% each year through the year 2028 with an annual need of 99,000 new managers needed each year.

MBA salaries differs wildly depending on the program you chose, the industry you enter and the experience you have. After earning an MBA from Louisiana State University Shreveport, the average MBA graduate annual salary is $45,300 . A degree from Northwestern University, will provide an annual salary of $175,000.

Average MBA starting salary for graduates from accredited programs is $88,010 with the lowest of starting of $45,300 and the highest reported starting salary of $175,000.

Average Graduate Salaries for In-Person Communications MBA Programs

• Average Communications: $88,010
• Lowest Communications: $45,300
• Highest Communications: $175,000

Average Salary for Graduate of MBA Programs in Communications Programs – Interactive Table

Easily sort the interactive table below to find the best Communications MBA programs by Starting Salary, and Campus or Online to find and to compare MBA programs in Communications. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

Rank	University	Avg. Starting Salary	In State Tuition	ROI	State	Online
1	Louisiana State University Shreveport	$45,300	$12,474	263.00%	LA	Yes
2	University of Louisiana at Lafayette	$51,200	$31,281	64.00%	LA	Yes
3	Clayton State University	$57,800	$17,000	240.00%	GA	Yes
4	Southeast Missouri State University	$59,400	$13,804	330.00%	MO	Yes
5	Southeastern Oklahoma State University	$60,780	$12,420	389.00%	OK	Yes
6	Western Kentucky University	$62,000	$12,600	392.00%	KY	Yes
7	Abilene Christian University	$62,400	$25,800	142.00%	TX	Yes
8	Stephen F. Austin State University	$65,950	$11,630	467.00%	TX	Yes
9	La Salle University	$67,750	$27,200	149.00%	PA	Yes
10	William Paterson University	$70,500	$23,820	196.00%	NJ	Yes
11	The University of Rhode Island	$73,900	$24,000	208.00%	RI	Yes
12	Saint Louis University	$76,282	$37,470	104.00%	MO	No
13	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	$78,000	$26,000	200.00%	WI	Yes
14	Lawrence Technological University	$82,499	$83,400	-1.00%	MI	Yes
15	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire	$84,700	$29,700	185.00%	WI	Yes
16	Bentley University	$86,822	$67,080	29.00%	MA	No
17	University of Cincinnati	$87,013	$23,996	263.00%	OH	Yes
18	University of Massachusetts Dartmouth	$88,625	$17,578	404.00%	MA	No
19	University of Montana	$89,000	$14,260	524.00%	MT	Yes
20	Marquette University	$90,700	$46,620	95.00%	WI	Yes
21	San Jose State University	$90,800	$39,270	131.00%	CA	Yes
22	Central Michigan University	$94,350	$27,300	246.00%	MI	Yes
23	University of St. Thomas-Minnesota	$102,900	$61,596	67.00%	MN	Yes
24	The Ohio State University	$106,779	$106,123	1.00%	OH	Yes
25	Brandeis University	$109,000	$120,223	-9.00%	MA	No
26	The University of Iowa	$112,820	$23,453	381.00%	IA	No
27	The George Washington University	$115,951	$113,090	3.00%	DC	No
28	University of California, Irvine	$122,899	$97,342	26.00%	CA	No
29	Fordham University	$127,511	$99,497	28.00%	NY	Yes
30	Jacksonville University	$129,665	$31,500	312.00%	FL	Yes
31	Northwestern University	$175,000	$162,030	8.00%	IL	No

What is the Average In-Person MBA Tuition for Communications Programs?

If you plan on attending an MBA program, it’s best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.

The average in-state tuition for an MBA in Communications is $46,437.32 compared to an average campus program Communications is $46,437.32 .

The lowest AACSB tuition rate at $11,630.00 from Stephen F. Austin State University.

The highest AACSB tuition rate is $162,030.00 from Northwestern University.

Average Tuition for In-Person MBA Programs in Communications

• Average: $46,437.32
• Lowest: $11,630.00 from Stephen F. Austin State University
• Highest: $162,030.00 from Northwestern University

Interactive Table – Tuition for MBA Programs in Communications Programs

Easily sort the interactive table below to find the best Communications MBA programs by Tuition to find and to compare MBA programs in Communications. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

Rank	University	In State Tuition	Avg. Starting Salary	ROI	State	Online
1	Stephen F. Austin State University	$11,630	$65,950	467.00%	TX	Yes
2	Southeastern Oklahoma State University	$12,420	$60,780	389.00%	OK	Yes
3	Louisiana State University Shreveport	$12,474	$45,300	263.00%	LA	Yes
4	Western Kentucky University	$12,600	$62,000	392.00%	KY	Yes
5	Southeast Missouri State University	$13,804	$59,400	330.00%	MO	Yes
6	University of Montana	$14,260	$89,000	524.00%	MT	Yes
7	Clayton State University	$17,000	$57,800	240.00%	GA	Yes
8	University of Massachusetts Dartmouth	$17,578	$88,625	404.00%	MA	No
9	The University of Iowa	$23,453	$112,820	381.00%	IA	No
10	William Paterson University	$23,820	$70,500	196.00%	NJ	Yes
11	University of Cincinnati	$23,996	$87,013	263.00%	OH	Yes
12	The University of Rhode Island	$24,000	$73,900	208.00%	RI	Yes
13	Abilene Christian University	$25,800	$62,400	142.00%	TX	Yes
14	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	$26,000	$78,000	200.00%	WI	Yes
15	La Salle University	$27,200	$67,750	149.00%	PA	Yes
16	Central Michigan University	$27,300	$94,350	246.00%	MI	Yes
17	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire	$29,700	$84,700	185.00%	WI	Yes
18	University of Louisiana at Lafayette	$31,281	$51,200	64.00%	LA	Yes
19	Jacksonville University	$31,500	$129,665	312.00%	FL	Yes
20	Saint Louis University	$37,470	$76,282	104.00%	MO	No
21	San Jose State University	$39,270	$90,800	131.00%	CA	Yes
22	Marquette University	$46,620	$90,700	95.00%	WI	Yes
23	University of St. Thomas-Minnesota	$61,596	$102,900	67.00%	MN	Yes
24	Bentley University	$67,080	$86,822	29.00%	MA	No
25	Lawrence Technological University	$83,400	$82,499	-1.00%	MI	Yes
26	University of California, Irvine	$97,342	$122,899	26.00%	CA	No
27	Fordham University	$99,497	$127,511	28.00%	NY	Yes
28	The Ohio State University	$106,123	$106,779	1.00%	OH	Yes
29	The George Washington University	$113,090	$115,951	3.00%	DC	No
30	Brandeis University	$120,223	$109,000	-9.00%	MA	No
31	Northwestern University	$162,030	$175,000	8.00%	IL	No

What is the Average ROI for MBA Programs in Communications?

Choosing an MBA program requires more than a glance at the school’s reputation or curriculum. The return on investment (ROI) should take center stage in your evaluation. This measurement reveals the potential value derived from your tuition investment, putting key factors such as starting salary and career progression under the microscope.

By scrutinizing the ROI, you’re not just making a decision—you’re making an informed one. This approach will ensure the selection of an MBA program that provides the most bang for your buck. Checking the ROI might not be an afterthought; it could be the game-changer in your MBA journey.

For MBA programs in across the U.S., the ROI ranges from -9% to 524%.The lowest MBA ROI of -9% is from the program at Brandeis University.The highest MBA ROI of 524% is offered by University of Montana.On average, MBA programs across the U.S. have an ROI of 186%.

Interactive Table – ROI for MBA Programs in Communications Programs

Easily sort the interactive table below to find the best Communications MBA programs by ROI to find and to compare MBA programs in Communications. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.

Rank	University	ROI	In State Tuition	Avg. Starting Salary	State	Online
1	University of Montana	524.00%	$14,260	$89,000	MT	Yes
2	Stephen F. Austin State University	467.00%	$11,630	$65,950	TX	Yes
3	University of Massachusetts Dartmouth	404.00%	$17,578	$88,625	MA	No
4	Western Kentucky University	392.00%	$12,600	$62,000	KY	Yes
5	Southeastern Oklahoma State University	389.00%	$12,420	$60,780	OK	Yes
6	The University of Iowa	381.00%	$23,453	$112,820	IA	No
7	Southeast Missouri State University	330.00%	$13,804	$59,400	MO	Yes
8	Jacksonville University	312.00%	$31,500	$129,665	FL	Yes
9	Louisiana State University Shreveport	263.00%	$12,474	$45,300	LA	Yes
9	University of Cincinnati	263.00%	$23,996	$87,013	OH	Yes
11	Central Michigan University	246.00%	$27,300	$94,350	MI	Yes
12	Clayton State University	240.00%	$17,000	$57,800	GA	Yes
13	The University of Rhode Island	208.00%	$24,000	$73,900	RI	Yes
14	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater	200.00%	$26,000	$78,000	WI	Yes
15	William Paterson University	196.00%	$23,820	$70,500	NJ	Yes
16	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire	185.00%	$29,700	$84,700	WI	Yes
17	La Salle University	149.00%	$27,200	$67,750	PA	Yes
18	Abilene Christian University	142.00%	$25,800	$62,400	TX	Yes
19	San Jose State University	131.00%	$39,270	$90,800	CA	Yes
20	Saint Louis University	104.00%	$37,470	$76,282	MO	No
21	Marquette University	95.00%	$46,620	$90,700	WI	Yes
22	University of St. Thomas-Minnesota	67.00%	$61,596	$102,900	MN	Yes
23	University of Louisiana at Lafayette	64.00%	$31,281	$51,200	LA	Yes
24	Bentley University	29.00%	$67,080	$86,822	MA	No
25	Fordham University	28.00%	$99,497	$127,511	NY	Yes
26	University of California, Irvine	26.00%	$97,342	$122,899	CA	No
27	Northwestern University	8.00%	$162,030	$175,000	IL	No
28	The George Washington University	3.00%	$113,090	$115,951	DC	No
29	The Ohio State University	1.00%	$106,123	$106,779	OH	Yes

ROI for MBA Programs

• Average: 186%
• Lowest: -9%
• Highest: 524%

What is the Average GMAT Score Needed for an MBA Program in Communications?

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.

Even though some B-Schools may not require a GMAT Scores, there’s a good chance that a highly-competitive MBA program does require the GMAT. With that being said, average GMAT Scores for in-person MBA programs in Communications is 565 with a highest of 729 and the lowest of 420

The average GMAT score needed for a Communications MBA program from an institution is between 420 from Stephen F. Austin State University to 729 from Northwestern University. The average GMAT scores for Communications MBA programs is 565.

It’s important to note that not all MBA programs require a GMAT Score for admissions, but most reputable programs do. With that being said, if you have your eye on a list of competitive programs, it’s best to boost your GMAT Score accordingly. Outside of a solid GMAT Score, B-School admissions departments look at a candidate’s undergraduate GPA, professional experience, letters of recommendation, CV, and personal statement. A strong undergraduate performance may offset a sub-part GMAT Score. The average GMAT Score for on-campus MBA programs in Communications is a 565.48 compared to an average MBA program score of 565.48. It is recommended that each B-School applicant take a GMAT diagnostic test in order to determine whether or not further study and/or a prep course is needed to boost your score.

Average GMAT Score for MBA Programs in Communications

• Average: 565
• Lowest: 420
• Highest: 729

No GMAT or GRE: Best MBA Programs in Communications

More than 233 AACSB accredited MBA programs do not require their applicants to take GMAT exam. Many well-known programs such as the University of Michigan and the University of California, Los Angeles no longer require the exam. If you are unsure where you would like to take your program, then you should take the GMAT sooner rather than later so you don’t lose time meeting the score requirement of a program.

Alumni from Schools Offering an MBA in Communications

There are pros and cons when considering the size of your MBA in Accounting program. Larger, more diverse student populations, may lend itself to greater networking and job placement opportunities; whereas smaller programs may provide for more meaningful interactions with fellow classmates.

The importance of networking, whether it’s by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated when considering an MBA program. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, your ability to define your career goals and after graduation connections.

Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.

For Communications MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 8 and 1,347. For part-time enrollment, the range is between : 47.00 and : 4,558.00.

Average Enrollment for MBA Programs Offering an MBA in Communications

• Lowest: 8 from Abilene Christian University
• Highest: 1,347 from Louisiana State University Shreveport
• Average: 353 from 31 MBA Programs.

Student / Faculty Ratio for MBA Programs in Communications

For most students, their professors are the first exposure to the business world. They are normally practitioners in the field and have successful risen to the top of their respective careers. B-School Communications Professors can guide you toward a specific concentration, provide the latest industry trends, and put you on the right track, career-wise. The Student/Faculty ratio is important to those interested in building a lasting relationship with their professor. To use them as a networking opportunity and an advisor.

Top 10 Concentrations Available from Schools Also Offering an Degree in Communications?

Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of Communications businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 47 MBA concentrations including:

• Communications: 31
• Accounting: 29
• Finance: 29
• General Business: 29
• Management: 29
• Marketing: 28
• Corporate Finance: 28
• Data Analytics: 23
• International Business: 19
• Information Systems: 19

Here are the top schools offering the widest variety of concentrations to choose from:

• David B. O’Maley College of Business: 30
• Nova Southeastern University: 25
• University of Cincinnati: 24
• Suffolk University: 23
• Drexel University: 23
• Temple University: 23
• Harvard University: 23
• University of Baltimore: 22
• The Ohio State University: 22
• Georgia State University: 22

The Importance of MBA Accreditation for MBA Programs

The importance of accreditation can’t be underestimated. For many, knowing your school is accredited by the AACSB and regionally accredited by the US Department of Education is enough assurance that you will receive a quality education, where credits are more likely to transfer, and you will be qualified for loans, grants, and scholarships.

AACSB accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in business school credentialing. Established to promote high-quality business education in the U.S., AACSB members developed a stringent accreditation process. Members are held accountable for following an established business education framework set forth by the AACSB. With that comes MBA degrees conferrals that are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies. This results in lucrative job opportunities.

MBA Program Options Available for Communications MBA Programs

Options for earning your Communications MBA have never been more flexible. Communications MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule.

There are 31 Communications accredited MBA programs. 2 private and 19 public schools offering Communications MBA programs.

Number of Award Earned for MBA Programs Offering an Communications Degree

The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.

Of the 31 accredited MBA programs offered in Communications, 28 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication MBAGuide, PQ, US News, Forbes, BW, FT and Economist garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.

• The University of Iowa: 7
• The George Washington University: 7
• University of California, Irvine: 7
• The Ohio State University: 7
• Northwestern University: 7
• Fordham University: 6
• University of Cincinnati: 4
• Jacksonville University: 1
• Marquette University: 1
• University of Louisiana at Lafayette: 1
• William Paterson University: 1
• Bentley University: 1
• University of Montana: 1
• La Salle University: 1
• University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: 1
• University of St. Thomas-Minnesota: 1
• The University of Rhode Island: 1
• Stephen F. Austin State University: 1
• Saint Louis University: 1
• Clayton State University: 1

Publications and the number of awards granted for an MBA degree in Communications :

• MBAGuide: 28
• US News: 7
• Forbes: 6
• BW: 7
• FT: 5
• Economist: 6

How We Rank the Best MBA Programs in Communications

MBAGuide.org employs a comprehensive ranking methodology that combines quantitative data (80% of the score) with qualitative assessments (20%) to evaluate MBA programs. The quantitative component considers factors such as student-faculty ratio, tuition, enrollment, and post-graduation salaries, while the qualitative aspect incorporates editorial ratings and school reputation, providing a well-rounded view of each program’s quality and value.

What is an MBA in Communications?

Communications professionals are masters at delivering a company’s unique message to a specific target audience. An MBA in Communications gives you a solid foundations in business principles while specializing in public relations, marketing, advertising, and interpersonal communications.

The skills needed to navigate the complex world of communications and PR are ever-changing. With most businesses having a digital marketing strategy in place, MBA in Communications graduates will be managing inbound marketing campaigns for startups, non-profits, and Fortune 500 companies.

There is a shortage of communications courses in MBA programs. The Master of Arts in Communication/MBA dual degree program was developed to fill that need. This degree program prepared graduates for leadership positions in corporate communication departments.

What is the Career Outlook for Communications MBAs?

Why choose an MBA with a concentration in Communications Management? Predictions from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate strong growth in management positions overall, with an 8 percent average increase in management-level employment expected across all professions from 2018 to 2028, creating 827,000 jobs. Additionally, the BLS pegged the median salary for managers at $112,590, an important consideration for students considering a major investment in their education.

US Department of Labor – Projections Central

MBA in Communications Vs Masters Degree in Communications

Whether you choose the MBA in Communications Management route or the more specialized M.A. in Communications, both programs will teach B-students how to manage the campaigns for public and media relations, advertising, crisis communications, organizational development and risk communications.

The need for communications professionals in pretty much every field has grown exponentially in the past 10 years. From social media marketing campaigns to running a branding campaign for a product development team, there’s ample opportunity to find a specific niche in communications management.

The key difference between an MBA in Communications Management and an M.S. in Communications is the number of graduate credits one takes in business courses versus spending the majority of the program in communications coursework. If you’re looking for a more analytical/quantitative approach to strategically managing a business, then pursuing an MBA in Communications may be the preferred route. If you see yourself managing a marketing department and want to be highly specialized in corporate communications, the M.S. in Communications may be better suited. The M.S. is more narrowly focused whereas an MBA provides its students with a more comprehensive framework on the study of business.

MBA in Communications Management

Outside of your coursework in public relations, digital marketing, interpersonal communications, and consumer branding, MBA in Communications Management students will study economics, accounting, finance, and human resources. Whether it’s managing product marketing budgets or leading a social media marketing team, you will have a better understanding of budgets, strategy, and the interdepartmental collaboration with an MBA in Communications Management. You will have a firm grasp on the macro-level business decisions being made.

An MBA in Communication Management prepares you to run a content team. In the digital marketing world, social media managers are responsible for running a team of inbound content strategists. That means coming up with a unique strategy that delivers the company’s message to a specific target audience using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Reddit, etc. Each platform has a unique strategy on when, how, and where to post the company’s content. During your MBA in Communications program, you will not only develop the content for a digital marketing campaign, but learn how to conduct a strategic plan of attack prior to launching the campaign.

MS in Communications

From qualitative research methods, public relations principles, to understanding your target audience and best practices for social media, the M.S. in Communications has a more theoretical approach to studying communications. You will be conducting research papers and analyzing case studies. You’ll learn how to properly communicate with customers, colleagues, and business partners and integrate highly effective interpersonal skills in order to develop as a team leader throughout the program.

What Skills Do Successful Communications Managers Need

Sector	Description
Interpersonal Skills	As an MBA in Communications student, you’ll be developing media campaigns for Fortune 500 companies. In order to be a successful communications professional, you’ll have to dive deep into what makes the end consumer tick. You’ll have to differentiate yourself from competitors by being able to reach the target consumer on an entirely different level.
Quantitative Proficiency	A great marketing, PR professional, advertising exec, etc. knows the numbers like the back of their hand. Running an effective marketing campaign versus an unsuccessful one may be the difference between a quantitative leader and a qualitative leader. In other words, greater marketers have conducted a market analysis and looked at projections. They make decisions based on the numbers and not just hunches.
Creative	Communications professionals have a flair for thinking outside the box. They tap into their imaginations and turn their thoughts into reality. Whether it’s putting together an super creative blog article that goes viral or a logo that encapsulates the brand perfectly, creative skills go a long way in the communications field.
Problem Solving Skills	Problem Solving Skills – and problem solving is part of the job description. Whether it’s making sure a new product launches in time for the holiday promotion or the sales department gets the latest spec sheet in time for the sales competition, your job will be to hit deadlines and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Flexibility	The most effective communications managers anticipate change ahead of time. They are flexible enough to adjust to various departmental requests and know that a marketing strategy is a work in progress. Things change at a rapid pace and communications managers may need to learn a new skill, alter their traditional way of doing things, or scrap everything in order to complete a project.
Forward-thinking	Marketers should be holding a crystal ball at all times. They need to be one step ahead of the competition, the customers, and industry changes. Communication professionals are always learning the latest industry trends and need to evolve with the digital world. The marketing professional who can forecast with the best of them will always be employed.
Leadership	Communications Managers are more than just content creators, marketing strategists, and advertising executives. They are the spokespeople for the company, managers of departments, and disseminators of critical information. Since they interact with all company stakeholders, they need to be professional, ethical, and lead by example.

Typical Responsibilities for Communications Managers

The typical responsibilities for a communications manager include: developing a strategic branding campaign for the product/services the company offers, collaborating with the marketing team to develop a content strategy for all social media accounts, managing the public relations of the company’s most pertinent information, and finally, designing a corporate communications strategy that aligns the company’s mission statement with their ideal target audience.

This is no easy job description and usually involves the collaborative efforts of the following departments: marketing, advertising, sales, customer service, public relation, supplier operations, logistics and others.

How Much Do Communications Mangers with an MBA Earn?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the upper 10% of marketing managers earned more than $187,199. This is the same for managers in both advertising and promotions. Market research analysts in the top 10% earned more than $116,740. The mean salary for marketing manager is $140,660.

The median annual salary for popular careers in marketing include:

Sector	Avg. Salary
Advertising Manager	$123,450
Public Relations Manager	$101,510
Marketing Manager	$123,450

According to PayScale.com, the majority of marketing communication directors earned a salary between $40,928 and $132,708 with the highest salaries going to those with branding and management experience. This may be a case for pursuing an MBA in Communications over the M.S. in Communications. Management experience has a direct impact on your salary potential.

Career Outlook for MBA Communications Managers

Job Outlook Comparison Through 2024

Sector	Avg. Salary
Sales Management	5% (slower than average)
Public Relations Management	7% (as fast as average)
Advertising Management	9% (a little faster than average)
Market Research Analyst	19% (much faster than average)
Marketing Management	9% (a little faster than average)

The future is bright for those who want to enter the marketing field. According to the BLS, jobs for marketing managers is expected to grow by 9% through the year 2024. Those with strong experience in marketing research and managerial experience will see the greatest opportunities.

What Can I Do with an MBA in Communications

Whether it’s public and media relations, advertising, crisis communication, organizational development, or risk communication, there are plenty of pathways for aspiring communication managers. Social Media/Digital Marketing has opened the doorway to many new career paths including Social Media Manager, Content Strategist, Copywriter, Digital Marketing Manager, and Creative Director roles. Here is a snapshot of the industry paths one can take in marketing:

• Public and Media Relations
• Advertising
• Crisis Communication
• Organizational Development
• Risk Communication

With an MBA in Communications, graduates are not pigeon-holed to one career path in marketing, advertising, and PR. They have the background to manage most departments within an organization. The business foundation provides a solid overview of how a business functions. This is invaluable for graduates seeking positions in management.

Requirements for Entering into an MBA in Communications Program

Even though most MBA programs recommend a few years of professional work experience prior to gaining acceptance into B-school, that is not always the case. Applicant’s will need to have their bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited college and scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Most AACSB-accredited B-schools require completions of certain prerequisites prior to gaining admission into MBA programs. That may include coursework in statistics, finance, and/or economics.

Typical Curriculum for an MBA in Communications Program

Like most MBA programs, there required courses. They may include data analysis, financial accounting, interpersonal communications, business law & ethics, and organizational behavior. Courses specific to business communications can cover these topics:

• Managerial communications: Focuses on building lasting relationships with clients, colleagues, and business partners.
• Business writing: Focuses on how to effective communicate via the written word. This could encompass inter-office communications, copywriting, press releases, direct marketing materials, etc.
• Persuasion: The ability to strategically communicate the features and benefits of a product and/or service to a third party for the sake of engagement.
• Communications law: Defines the legal aspects of working in the marketing field, from intellectual property law to full disclosure agreements.
• Interpersonal communications and interviewing: This focuses on the proper methods of interacting with others. Whether it’s negotiation, mediation, or persuasion, a course in interpersonal communication teaches students how to communicate effectively.

Elective Courses for an MBA in Communications

This is where the MBA in Communications gets fun. You’ll have the option of selecting a speciality in public relations, corporate communications, digital media, crisis communications, advertising, or executive branding. This is where you’ll hone in your skills as a marketing professional and pinpoint the career path you’d like to follow prior to graduatio