Online Master's Degrees in Health Communication

The completely online master’s of science in health communication at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is part of the Department of Communication. As such, students will learn from top educators in communication studies.

Students will study communication practices from healthcare organizations and learn how to evaluate the consequences through asynchronous coursework. While students can complete their coursework on their schedule, there are weekly deadlines to ensure they stay on track to complete assignments by the end of each semester.

This program is designed for students looking to advance their healthcare careers or enter this field. Applicants come from diverse backgrounds and industries. Admission requirements include a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, a current CV, and all college transcripts.

• Location: Urbana, IL
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years
• Estimated Tuition: $712 per credit

In 16 months or more, students can earn a master’s of science in health communication at Boston University Metropolitan College. This degree is offered online, allowing students the flexibility to complete their degree without relocating. Graduates of this program are prepared to step into roles in healthcare marketing, digital and integrated health communication, public relations, promotion, education, and advocacy.

There are two optional concentrations in healthcare promotion, media, and marketing or
visual and digital health communication for students interested in further specializing. Applications for admission are reviewed on a rolling basis. To be considered for this program, students must have already completed a bachelor’s from an accredited institution and provide a resume, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

• Location: Boston, MA
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Expected Time to Completion: 16 to 18 months
• Estimated Tuition: $940 per credit

The nationally recognized Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University offers an online master’s of arts in health communication and promotion. Designed for professionals already working in the field, this master’s program will help those working in health communication update their skills and further their careers. With an emphasis on both new and traditional media, students will learn how to analyze information and create engaging health and public awareness campaigns.

To be considered for admission, applicants must have at least three years of work experience after completing their bachelor’s degree. This master’s is considered a terminal degree and spends very little instruction time on theory instead focusing on practical skills that students can put into practice immediately. This is not a program for students who want to pursue further education or work in academia.

• Location: Pullman, WA
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Expected Time to Completion: Minimum of five semesters
• Estimated Tuition: $630.80 per credit

Students can earn their master’s of art in communication with an emphasis in health communication entirely online through the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. Students in this program will learn research, strategy, technology, and writing for a variety of different careers in communication. The health communication concentration teaches students how to evaluate public health campaigns, manage the specialized demands of healthcare communication, and how to craft messages that can bring about behavior change.

To earn this degree, students must complete 30 credits. All students must take one required core class, three customizable core classes, and six elective classes. Graduates of this program have the advantage of a strong alumni network that can help facilitate job searches. To be considered for admission, students must have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, strong writing skills, and relevant coursework or professional experience.

• Location: Washington, DC
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 24 months
• Estimated Tuition: $4,506 per course

Students who aspire to work in healthcare communication leadership can complete an online master’s of information communication technology with a concentration in health at the University of Kentucky College of Communication and Information. This 30-credit degree prepares graduates to use technology to better deliver health care information. There is also a strong emphasis on how to research, apply, and manage technology tools to solve information and communication problems.

Courses students in the health concentration may complete include introduction to medical informatics, health information resource services, electronic information resources in the health sciences, and consumer health information resources. As part of this program, students can elect to complete a dual degree in communication and library sciences or a certificate of instructional communication.

• Location: Lexington, KY
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Expected Time to Completion: Two years
• Estimated Tuition: $700.50 per credit

While admission standards for online master’s in health communication degree programs can vary, here are a few of the most common application requirements:

• A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A competitive GPA (typically at least a 3.0 if not higher)
• A completed application
• Application fee
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• An up-to-date resume or CV
• GRE or GMAT scores, although increasingly waivers are available or test scores are not required at all
• Work experience
• Proof of English proficiency for international students