Online Master’s in Organizational Communication
Build the research-based communication skills to strengthen teams, navigate conflict, guide organizational change and lead more effectively across roles, departments and cultures.
Why earn a master’s in organizational communication?
A master’s in organizational communication helps professionals understand how communication shapes workplace culture, teamwork, employee engagement and organizational change. KU’s 30-credit online program combines research-based theory with applied coursework in conflict, team development, inclusive communication and communication across remote and hybrid teams.
Designed for early- and mid-career professionals across industries, the program develops the skills to analyze workplace communication challenges, create messages for different audiences and develop ethical strategies that can be applied in current and future leadership roles.
The program is offered by the University of Kansas, the state’s flagship university. KU is also one of only 38 public members of the Association of American Universities and a Carnegie R1 research institution. That means you can choose the flexibility of an online program without giving up the credibility of a degree from a nationally respected public research university.
Online master’s in organizational communication at a glance
- Degree: Master of Arts in Organizational Communication
- Credit hours: 30
- Format: 100% online
- Course length: Eight weeks
- Time to completion: About two years
- Enrollment options: Full time or part time
- Start terms: Fall, spring or summer
- Curriculum: 12 elective credit hours and a capstone project
What can you do with a master’s in organizational communication?
A master’s in organizational communication can prepare you for roles focused on communication, leadership, workplace culture and organizational change. KU’s online program develops skills that can be applied across corporate, government, nonprofit, higher education and other professional environments.
Organizational Communication Career Outlook
Occupations associated with organizational communication represent a substantial national employment market.
- 320,581 jobs nationwide in 2024
- 28,847 annual job openings
- $83,985 median annual earnings
- 4.2% projected job growth from 2024 to 2030
Organizational Communication Career Paths
Organizational communication skills can support a wide range of career options. Relevant roles include:
- Director of Communications
- Public Relations Manager
- Marketing Communications Manager
- Change Management Consultant
Skills Employers Seek
Employers hiring for related occupations frequently seek skills that are central to KU’s organizational communication curriculum.
- Communication appeared in 59.9% of postings
- Management appeared in 44.3% of postings
- Leadership appeared in 39.4% of postings
- Planning appeared in 28.1% of postings
Communication Skills Growing in Demand
Demand is growing for for skills that help professionals lead teams, influence decisions and move organizational priorities forward.
- Program management: 29.1% projected growth
- Presentation skills: 21.2% projected growth
- Influencing skills: 20.2% projected growth
- Team leadership: 18.9% projected growth
Source: Lightcast Q3 2026 Program Overview for Organizational Communication, General. Employment data are national and reflect occupations associated with the field, not outcomes specific to KU graduates. Employment and earnings are not guaranteed.
What will you learn in an organizational communication master’s program?
KU’s online master’s in organizational communication prepares you to identify workplace communication challenges and develop practical, research-based strategies to address them. Through applied coursework, you will learn to:
- Strengthen trust, collaboration and employee engagement
- Navigate workplace conflict and organizational change
- Communicate across teams, departments and workplace cultures
- Create inclusive communication strategies for diverse workforces
- Turn research and employee feedback into clear recommendations
- Communicate effectively as a manager, leader or trusted adviser