Master of Arts in Communication

Shape messages that move people and organizations forward. Drake’s MAC helps you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and adapt across industries.

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School of Journalism & Mass Communication | Online

What You'll Learn

Ready to take your career further? The online Master of Arts in Communication (MAC) from Drake University is built for professionals like you—driven, curious, and ready to lead. This program doesn’t just check the boxes; it gives you real-world skills you can put to work right away.

Explore the interdisciplinary nature of the MAC program by taking courses in business, law, marketing, and public policy. This diverse curriculum equips you with the expertise to navigate complex challenges, craft compelling messages, and lead meaningful change whether you work in corporate communications, public relations, digital media, government, nonprofits, or advocacy.

Our program is taught completely by full-time faculty members who are dedicated to giving you thorough insight into the field of communication and helping you feel a strong sense of community inside the fully online program. With a degree from one of the Midwest’s most respected universities, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to stand out and make an impact.

Communication Courses That Foster Success in Numerous Fields

Drake's online Master of Arts in Communication gives you the tools to thrive in a fast-changing world. You'll build expertise that applies across industries, preparing you to:

Understand the history, evolution, ethics, and application of various communication disciplines.
Identify and understand the theoretical foundations of the discipline, evaluate their effectiveness in communication practice, and apply them to real-world clients/issues.
Analyze the implications of ethical communication in a global society, develop the ability to communicate in an increasingly global society, develop message strategies that serve diverse and multicultural constituencies, and understand and demonstrate ethical policy.
Develop critical thinking skills through the analysis and evaluation of message strategies for diverse audiences.
Create, present, and defend a fully realized original research project or a communication project with a community partner.

Program Facts

Program Length: 1-2 Years to Complete • $678/Credit • 33 Credit Hours • 3 Tracks
Start Dates: 6 Start Dates a Year • No GRE/GMAT • FREE Domestic Applications
College or School: School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Next Application Deadline: 06/29/2026

With no GRE or GMAT requirements, and no application fee for domestic students, we invite you to get started on your application today! Have a specific question? Email us at drakeonline@drake.edu.

Brand Communication

Learn how to reach a target audience strategically, creatively, and effectively by building your digital media marketing skill set. Take foundational classes in research, professional ethics, advanced writing, innovation, digital strategies, and visual communication, then choose from a menu of electives to further specialize your degree in digital storytelling, business, law and public policy, leadership, or health and science.

Communication Leadership

This concentration sharpens your leadership and multimedia communication skills, while allowing you to tailor electives to suit your career goals. Take foundational classes in research, professional ethics, advanced writing, innovation, digital strategies, and visual communication, then choose from a menu of electives to further specialize your degree in digital storytelling, business, law and public policy, leadership, or health and science.

Public Affairs & Advocacy

Prepare yourself for professional leadership by learning how to navigate the world of politics, legislation, public policy, and advocacy. Take foundational classes in research, professional ethics, advanced writing, innovation, digital strategies, and visual communication, then choose from a menu of electives to further specialize your degree in digital storytelling, business, law and public policy, leadership, or health and science.

Networking Opportunities

You’ll connect with classmates from across the country, bringing a range of professional backgrounds and perspectives. These connections can expand your network, spark new ideas, and support you during your program and beyond.

Dedicated Enrollment Specialists

An Enrollment Management Specialist will be assigned to help you throughout your journey with Drake. They will assist you with advising, registration, and any other questions you have.

Immediate Career Skills

Courses are designed with real-world application in mind. You’ll gain skills you can use right away, helping you grow in your role and take the next step in your career.

Ryan Stoldt

Assistant Professor, Advertising

Kelly Bruhn, APR, Fellow PRSA

Associate Dean; Professor, Public Relations

Eric Kwame Adae

Assistant Professor, Public Relations

Jennifer Glover Konfrst

Associate Professor, Public Relations

Amy Lorentzen McCoy

Assistant Professor, Strategic Political Communication and Public Relations

Chris Snider

Associate Professor, Multimedia Journalism and Sports Media and Communication

Lakshmi Tirumala

Associate Professor, Digital Media Production

Jennifer Wilson

Peggy Fisher and Larry Stelter Chair, Magazine and Brand Media; Associate Professor, Journalism

Careers & Skills

With Drake's communication master’s program, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to take on leadership roles. Whether you're looking to advance your career or make a greater impact, this program prepares you to stand out in a growing field—where an estimated 114,300 new media and communication job openings are projected each year between 2022 and 2032.

Careers

Chief Marketing Officer
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager
Public Relations Manager
Managing Editor
Media Planner

Skills

Communications
Leadership
Project Management
Marketing Strategies

You will find the basic steps for applying below. Information for international students and where to send your transcripts can be found in the next drop-down.

Click here to open the graduate application portal.
Create or log in to an existing account.
Fill out the information required on the application. Please be prepared to provide information such as basic personal details, previous institutions attended, and your most current employment.
Submit copies of transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities. Upon acceptance, applicants that were admitted with unofficial transcripts will need to request official transcripts be sent to Drake University directly from previously attended colleges or universities. Official electronic transcripts may be sent to drakeonline@drake.edu. Official paper transcripts may be sent to the following:
Drake University
Attn: Office of Admissions
2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50311
Submit an electronic copy of your résumé or curriculum vitae.
Submit an essay specific to your track focus. Details can be found in the drop down below.
Submit contact information for two professional recommendations.

Essay Options

Communication Leadership Track: Discuss how your own personal and professional experiences inform your understanding of communication leadership. In your response, additionally discuss the applicability of communication leadership and our program to both your short and long term goals.
Brand Communication Track: Identify a brand you believe has been, and continues to be effectively communicated in today’s marketplace. Persuasively explain what makes the brand effective in terms of communication practices.
Public Affairs and Advocacy Track:
- Option 1: Explain what cause and or advocacy organization you would most like to work for or support and why. In your response, consider how our program in Public Affairs and Advocacy would apply to your support of that organization/cause.
- Option 2: Select a pressing issue facing society and persuasively advocate for a solution to that issue.Submit a short statement of purpose based on the following prompts. Respond to the prompt that aligns with the communications track you would like to pursue.

Transcript Information

Please note: Official transcripts must come directly from the institution in question. Transcripts received from the student applying are not official.

Mail transcripts to:

Drake University
Attn: Drake Online & Continuing Education
2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50311

Or email:

drakeonline@drake.edu

Transfer Credits

Students may transfer a maximum of nine credit hours in graduate coursework from another accredited institution or from another Drake academic unit. All transfer credits must be earned with a grade of at least a “B-” and within five years prior to completing the Master of Arts in Communication degree. Common transfer credits could include core MBA courses or graduate English courses.

International Students

If a student earned her/his undergraduate degree outside of the United States, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required. Scores dated within the last two years are acceptable and must be reported directly from the testing agency. Minimum acceptable TOEFL score is 213 on the computer-based exam, 550 on the paper-based exam, or 79-80 on the Internet-based exam. Minimum acceptable IELTS score is 6.5. Minimum scores on each section of reading, writing, speaking and listening may be required. Duolingo test also accepted (minimum score of 110).

International applicants will have an application fee of $100.

Some countries are ineligible for online education. Please reference our Sanctioned Countries page for more information.

Our program has 6 intakes per year, making it easy to start as soon as you're ready. See our upcoming dates below so you can plan accordingly.

**MAC Admission Dates**
Semester	Start Date	Application Deadline	Registration Deadline
Summer Term 2	07/06/2026	06/29/2026	07/02/2026
Fall Term 1	08/24/2026	08/17/2026	08/20/2026
Fall Term 2	10/19/2026	10/12/2026	10/15/2026
Spring Term 1	01/25/2027	01/18/2027	01/21/2027
Spring Term 2	03/22/2027	03/15/2027	03/18/2027

"MAC 201: Communication Leadership Strategies was a stimulating course. It provided exposure to materials and strategies that caused me to make immediate changes in my business and personal life. I grew tremendously by making informed decisions about how I can better lead."

Alisa - MAC Student

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Master of Public Administration, MPA

Drake’s online Master of Public Administration prepares you to lead and create meaningful impact in your community. Build practical skills, analyze policy, and solve complex challenges across public, nonprofit, and private sectors.

Take the Next Step.

Move forward with a graduate degree that builds practical skills you can use right away. Apply today or connect with our team to get started.

Contact

Drake Online & Continuing Education
drakeonline@drake.edu

Apply Now Contact Us

Master of Arts in Communication

What You'll Learn