Drake University’s online Master of Arts in Communication degree is designed for those looking to deepen their communication skills and propel their careers in the ever-changing media and communications field. The fully online program can be completed in just one year and offers students the opportunity to tailor their curriculum through a wide range of classes in business, law, marketing and multimedia, communication, and public policy.

Designed for busy professionals, the 33-credit hour degree program equips students with the tools needed to gain a competitive advantage. Students have the option to customize their experience by selecting elective courses that align with their career goals by choosing one of three unique tracks, including:

• Communication Leadership
• Brand Communication
• Public Affairs and Advocacy

Turn your leadership dreams into reality and build the future you envision with a Master of Arts in Communication degree from Drake University. Taught by the same dedicated faculty as Drake’s on-campus School of Journalism and Mass Communication programs, the 100% online degree educates strategic, global thinkers with diverse media and communication skills to respond to an evolving media culture.

Drake’s online degree program brings valuable learning to students around the globe.

• Develop the ability to effectively communicate and create message strategies that serve diverse and multicultural populations.
• Identify and understand the theoretical foundations of their chosen discipline and apply communication principles and practices to successfully lead and develop teams.
• Analyze the implications of ethical communication in a global society.

Founded in 1881, Drake University has been providing students with an exceptional learning experience for more than 130 years. Recognized as one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the Midwest, Drake offers a prestigious private education at an excellent value. In addition to highly respected on-campus programs, the University offers convenient online programs to fit the needs of busy professionals.

Drake University is recognized for its exceptional programs that prepare students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments, and responsible global citizenship.

As an online student at Drake, your experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students and faculty, and by Drake’s renowned history, accolades, and forward-thinking leaders. Drake has offered communication education for almost 100 years. The Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication experience is characterized by professionally oriented, hands-on education, and close personal relationships between faculty and students. We promise to be our students’ “mentors for life.”

• Programs that professionally prepare graduate students for the next step in their careers.
• Committed faculty who serve as mentors to guide the success of students.
• Flexible schedules that allow students to complete their studies as quickly or slowly as needed by fitting classes into busy schedules.
• The convenience of online learning, allowing students to experience a Drake education on their own timeline.
• A global network of more than 75,000 alumni, connecting you to opportunities all over the world.

Drake University works hard to provide financial assistance to help students attain the next level of success. We are committed to providing a high-quality education at an affordable cost. Based on the program you want to pursue and your life situation, there are several financial options to help you earn an advanced degree.

• Federal Stafford Loans: Online graduate students may qualify for subsidized and/or unsubsidized loans, which allows eligible students to borrow money to help cover tuition, living expenses, books and other costs.
• Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan: As a graduate student, you may be eligible for a Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan. This low-interest, credit-based federal loan provides funds to cover additional educational expenses not met by other types of aid.
• Employer Tuition Support Plan: If your employer reimburses you for all or part of your tuition costs after the end of each semester, you may be eligible for tuition deferment from Drake, allowing you to pay for your tuition upon receipt of funds.
• Veteran Benefits: Drake University is committed to providing our online veteran students with the same support and financial aid resources available to our on-campus students. Eligible students may qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation, Dependents Educational Assistance and the REAP Reserve Educational Assistance Program.

Drake University has been on the approved list of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1913. Since reorganization of the Association in 2000, Drake University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Drake was granted continuing accreditation in 2008.

Drake University has received numerous national rankings recognizing the University for strengths that range from academic quality to excellent value. Some of Drake’s recent accolades include:

Third in the Midwest for overall quality

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Drake third for overall quality among universities in the Midwest for eight years running.

College that pays you back

The Princeton Review included Drake in its 2017 listing of Colleges That Pay You Back, based on academics, cost, financial aid, graduation rates, and alumni salaries.

Top five in the nation among regional universities

U.S. News & World Report ranked Drake fifth in the nation among the 653 universities in Drake’s rankings category.

Best college value

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance ranked Drake among the top 40 best values in private education in the country in 2017, comparing cost/financial aid with academic quality.

Best colleges for military veterans

Drake ranked second in the Midwest region on U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 list of best colleges for veterans.

National recognition

The inaugural Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education ranking of U.S. colleges placed Drake University at 135 in a list of over 1,000 schools nationwide.