Communication and Leadership, M.A.

Online

Program Available

Master's

Program Type

Total Credits

36

Affordability

Private School Education At State School Prices

Why Study Communication and Leadership?

A communication and leadership degree equips you with advanced interpersonal, organizational, and cross-cultural communication skills that leading organizations highly value. Communication is everywhere—being excellent at it is essential for professional growth and leadership in any field. The Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership emphasizes ethical communication, research, and evidence-based writing, preparing graduates to lead with integrity and clarity. Whether advancing in a current career or pursuing a doctorate, graduates gain critical skills that make them stand out in any professional or academic setting.

What You’ll Learn

  • The M.A. in Communication provides a comprehensive overview of major communication theories across interpersonal, small-group, and organizational contexts. You’ll also explore the philosophical origins of these theories and how communication has evolved as an academic discipline.
  • You will learn how to conduct ethnographic research, fieldwork, and interviews to explore human communication. The online master’s in communication also equips you with skills in quantitative research design, hypothesis testing, and applying behavioral science methods to communication studies.
  • The master’s in communication and leadership examines how cultural differences shape interpersonal communication and relationships, enabling you to navigate and adapt to diverse communication styles in a globalized world.
  • Park’s communication degree explores the role of communication in contemporary organizations and how leaders influence problem-solving and decision-making. You’ll learn how to lead through communication at every level of an organization.
  • During the M.A. in Communication, you will study how leaders assess readiness for organizational change, communicate change to stakeholders, and evaluate outcomes. Through historical and modern leadership assessments, you will develop a strong foundation in leading strategic change efforts.

Loading…

Dr. Mark Noe


Professor of Communication
jmark.noe@park.edu

Lora Cohn

Dr. Lora Cohn


Associate Professor of Communication
lora.cohn@park.edu

Courtney Rilinger

Dr. Courtney Rilinger


Assistant Professor of Communications
courtney.rilinger@park.edu

Tuition & Fees

Park University offers a transparent and student-focused approach to tuition and financial aid. Our tuition structure is designed to be competitive and manageable, and our financial aid counselors are available to guide you through every step of the process. From understanding your cost breakdown to exploring funding options, we ensure that financial planning is clear, personalized, and aligned with your educational journey.

Explore Tuition

Admission Requirements

Ready to advance your career with a graduate degree from Park University? To apply, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 2.75. Some programs may require additional documentation or review. To graduate, you’ll need to complete 30 to 36 credit hours (depending on the program) and maintain a 3.0 GPA, with no more than two grades of “C.”

Visit Admissions Policies and Procedures to learn more about admission requirements at Park University.

Apply Now

Communication and Leadership Career & Future Opportunities

Social and Community Service Manager

Social and community service managers are nonprofit leaders who coordinate and oversee programs that support public well-being, working with community members and stakeholders to identify needed services. They manage staff, analyze program effectiveness, plan outreach, and secure funding to ensure programs meet their goals.

Public Relations Manager

A public relations manager plans and oversees communication strategies to shape and enhance the public image of their nonprofit organization. They manage media relations, craft press materials, and guide executives on effective public communication while supervising PR staff and campaigns.

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers create and oversee campaigns to generate interest in products or services, collaborating with teams across departments to execute their vision. Their responsibilities include planning promotional strategies, managing media and contracts, analyzing market research, and directing staff to enhance customer engagement and brand success.

Human Resources Manager

A human resources manager oversees recruitment, employee relations, training, and organizational policies to ensure a productive and compliant workplace. They use strong communication and leadership skills to resolve conflicts, support professional development, and align HR practices with company goals.

1 /

*General salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education and opportunities for employment that are outside of Park University’s Control. The labor market and average salary range can be explored further at the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

FAQs: Communication and Leadership, M.A.

Graduates of Park’s M.A. in Communication and Leadership pursue careers in public relations, corporate communications, nonprofit leadership, and strategic consulting. The program emphasizes professional communication, crisis communication, and organizational leadership, preparing students to lead teams, shape messaging, and influence outcomes across industries.

Yes—Park’s online master’s communications degree is designed for busy professionals. The asynchronous format allows students to complete coursework in communication theory, leadership strategy, and interpersonal dynamics on their own schedule, making it ideal for those balancing work, family, and career advancement.

Yes, earning an online Master of Arts in Communication can be a valuable investment for advancing into leadership roles in public relations, corporate communication, media, or higher education. Park University’s program strengthens strategic thinking, writing, and presentation skills—preparing graduates to lead in today’s fast-paced, communication-driven world.

While Park’s Master of Arts in Communication online program emphasizes a broad foundation in communication and leadership, students can tailor their experience through electives in areas like organizational communication, public affairs, and media strategy. The flexibility of the master’s in communications online program supports career goals in sectors such as government, education, and corporate leadership.

Related programs

Ready To Take The Next Step?

Class Start Dates: Term Dates

Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Park University is a private, non-profit, institution of higher learning since 1875.