Communication is one of the most in-demand skill sets regardless of industry or occupation. In our online graduate program, students will learn theoretical and practical communication theory which can be applied to virtually any workplace. This master’s degree will also prepare students for the rigor of a doctoral communication program.
“Studying from a distance–a very long distance–I thought it would be very, very challenging but the support is amazing and it didn’t take me long to get used to it and feel like I’m part of it.”
The Master of Arts (MA) in Professional Communication is a graduate degree program designed for individuals who see a career path in nonprofit, higher education, health care and digital media.
Among hiring managers, communication management consistently ranks as integral for the workplace. Conflict management, interpersonal communication, public speaking, effective communication and team collaboration are just a few of the skills students will learn and apply to various communication fields including but not limited to:
Communication graduates from UAF work in industries and careers such as human resources, training & development, relationship management, science & environmental education, health communication, sustainability or policy development, public relations, media relations, social media marketing, advocacy and sports management.
Students choose between three areas of concentration: interpersonal interaction, public relations & organizational communication, and science & environmental communication. Students complete a minimum of 30 credit hours.
Students have additional focused development related to instructional design, facilitation, assessment, and student resource center administration.
Earn your master’s degree online at UAF and pay in-state tuition wherever you live. Emphasizing the unique experiences and challenges of Alaska and the circumpolar North, our eCampus programs connect you with leading faculty and researchers in a collaborative remote classroom designed for students on the go.
The estimated cost for the communication master’s degree program based on current rates is $18,725. The UAF Department of Communication has a limited number of virtual teaching assistant (TA) positions for highly qualified full-time students.
See what your dollars go toward on the UAF eCampus Tuition and Fees page.
You can also learn about scholarships and financial aid.
Students have opportunities to partner with faculty on innovative research projects. Our students have published book chapters, presented at regional, national, & international conferences, and published in top-tier journals. Students complete 6-9 elective credits based on personal interests and desired specializations.
Welcome to our UAF COM-unity! My name is Dr. Tori McDermott, and I am the Director of the Graduate Program in Professional Communication within the Department of Communication at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Troth Yeddha’. As a graduate of the MA in Professional Communication, I have seen the value of this degree in action. The faculty, curriculum, and research/development opportunities built the strong foundation I needed to earn my PhD from the University of Maryland College Park, helping me achieve my goal of becoming a tenure track professor. Our graduate program creates the space for students to explore the rich, diverse areas and theories the Communication discipline has to offer to master the areas of communication most relevant to their academic, personal, professional, and civic goals. The skill sets we teach remain some of the most in-demand among employers, and our students walk away with a more in-depth understanding of the theoretical foundations and practical skills to grow and refine their mastery of Communication – may it be through a full degree or electives. Our degree program offers 1.) flexible pathways toward degree completion for part-time and full-time students, 2.) asynchronous online classes that help students balance school with other work and personal obligations, 3.) opportunities to grow and develop your teaching, research, and service experience through Teaching Assistantships (TAs), committee work, conference presentations and publications, and 4. our interdisciplinary approach to supporting students encourages learners to partner with Arctic research initiatives, Indigenous based programming, and work with community leaders. I am always happy to meet in-person or online to chat about our degree program, as well as the many professional opportunities (e.g., teaching assistantships) we offer!
At UAF, online courses typically do not have set meeting times but do have weekly deadlines. While there are some standard practices, each course is designed by the instructor to best teach the material. Most courses run the full length of the 16-week semester.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
907-455-2060 or 800-277-8060
Physical Address:
1790 Tanana Loop
Bunnell Building, Suite 131
Mailing Address:
PO Box 756700
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK 99775-6700
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
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