Online Master’s Degrees
Advance your career — on your schedule
Four fully online M.A. programs from the nation’s first journalism school. Lead the industry without leaving it. Classes in 8 or 16-week sessions, designed for working professionals.
#1
First J-School in the World
33
Credit hours to graduate
2–3
Typical years to complete
Why Mizzou?
Not just a degree — a career accelerator from a legendary institution
01
Taught by real journalists
Faculty are Emmy winners, national correspondents, and published researchers — not just academics. You’ll learn from people who’ve actually done the work.
02
Built for working professionals
Flexible 8- or 16-week courses. One on-campus visit required. No need to quit your job or relocate. Complete your degree in 2–3 years, part-time.
03
A network that opens doors
Join an alumni community spanning broadcast networks, agencies, hospitals, and corporate comms teams. Mizzou grads are running newsrooms and leading communications at Fortune 500s.
04
HLC Accredited
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Your Mizzou M.A. carries the same weight whether you earned it on-campus or online.
05
Small cohorts, real collaboration
Regular interaction with fellow students, group projects, and genuine discussion — not just watching lecture videos alone. You’ll build a peer network alongside your credential.
06
Thesis or capstone — your choice
Choose the path that fits your goals: original research (thesis track) or an applied industry project (capstone track). Either way, you graduate with work that shows what you can do.
The Four Programs
Choose your emphasis. Shape your future
Health Communication
Master the language of health — and be heard
Translate complex medical research into news, campaigns, and community outreach that actually moves people. The health industry is growing — and it needs communicators who understand both science and storytelling.
| Credits | Est. Cost | Format | Avg. Salary (MO) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 hours | ~$36,383 | Blended online | $73,743 |
- Public health campaigns and media relations
- Print, broadcast, digital and social media
- Health journalism ethics and law
- 6.4% projected employment growth
- 1 required campus visit (fall seminar)
Interactive Media
Lead the digital storytelling revolution
Master the craft and strategy of digital journalism: data visualization, multimedia production, audience engagement, and emerging platforms. For journalists who want to shape how stories are told — not just written.
| Credits | Format | Req. Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 33 hours | Blended online | ~3 years |
- Digital content strategy and audience analytics
- Multimedia production and data journalism
- Emerging tech: AI, immersive media, mobile
- Thesis or capstone project track
- 8- or 16-week course sessions
Media Management
Move from practitioner to leader
Develop the business acumen, strategic thinking, and leadership skills needed to run a newsroom, media company, or communications department. Built for journalists who are ready to lead — not just report.
| Credits | Format | Req. Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 33 hours | Blended online | ~3 years |
- Media business models and revenue strategy
- Team leadership and organizational communication
- Media law, ethics and policy
- Audience development and analytics
- Thesis or capstone project track
Strategic Communication
Craft messages that move markets and minds
Deepen your expertise in advertising, public relations, corporate communication, and brand strategy. Get the credentials and skills to step into senior roles in agencies, corporations, and nonprofits.
| Credits | Format | Req. Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 33 hours | Blended online | ~3 years |
- Brand strategy and integrated campaigns
- Corporate and crisis communication
- Social media strategy and digital PR
- Research methods and audience insights
- Thesis or capstone project track
Program Spotlight
Health Communication M.A.
One of the most in-demand emerging fields at the intersection of journalism, public health, and strategic communication. The healthcare industry is projected to grow — and it needs skilled communicators at every level.
16%
Healthcare industry growth projected 2020–2030
$73K
Average median salary for related roles in Missouri
33
Credit hours — thesis or capstone track
3 yrs
Typical completion time, part-time enrollment
What you’ll learn
- Translate complex scientific data into clear public-facing content
- Develop and execute public health communication campaigns
- Master media relations for hospitals, nonprofits and health orgs
- Apply journalistic ethics and media law to health content
- Use print, broadcast, social and digital media strategically
- Understand mass and interpersonal communication theories
- Lead communication teams and develop organizational media strategy
Career paths graduates pursue
Media Relations Manager
Hospital systems, health agencies
Health Journalist
Publications, broadcasting, digital
Public Health Campaign Lead
Government agencies, nonprofits
Corporate Communications
Pharma, biotech, health systems
Admissions
Ready when you are
These programs are designed for professionals already in the field. If you have a bachelor’s degree and real-world experience in journalism or communications, you’re likely a strong candidate.
3.0 GPA
Required for the last 60 credit hours of your bachelor’s degree
3 Years Professional Experience
In journalism and/or communication — this degree is built for working pros
Application Materials
Essays, letters of recommendation, and transcripts — we’ll walk you through it
International Students Welcome
TOEFL/IELTS results required for non-native English speakers
The next chapter of your career starts with one conversation. Let’s talk
Or call us at 573-882-4852
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