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Best Online Communications Bachelor's Degree Programs In Massachusetts 2025

By CommunicationsOnlineBachelorsDegree Editorial Team
Published March 15, 2025
5 min readUpdated March 15, 2025

Top Communications Degree Programs In Massachusetts

Massachusetts offers a dynamic environment for communication professionals, blending historic media hubs with cutting-edge tech innovation. As industries from healthcare to finance expand their digital presence, skilled communicators who can craft messages across platforms are in high demand. Whether you’re shaping brand narratives, managing crisis communications, or driving social media strategy, opportunities here span startups, Fortune 500 companies, and nonprofit organizations. The state’s median salary for communication roles exceeds $72,000 annually, with specialized positions in public relations or digital marketing often reaching six figures as you gain experience.

Pursuing an online communications degree lets you build expertise while staying connected to Massachusetts’ thriving job market. You’ll find flexibility to collaborate on projects with peers across time zones or complete internships at local firms like Liberty Mutual, Wayfair, or Mass General Brigham without pausing your current job. Over 15% projected job growth in media and communication occupations statewide through 2032 means your skills will stay relevant as industries evolve.

Massachusetts’ unique ecosystem also connects you to global thought leaders through events like Boston’s annual Content Marketing Summit and innovation hubs like Cambridge’s Kendall Square. With remote work expanding access to New England’s top employers, an online degree positions you to advance without relocating, keeping you rooted in one of the nation’s most intellectually vibrant regions while preparing for tomorrow’s communication challenges.

Best Online Communications Degree Programs in Massachusetts

Below are the top-ranked Online Communications programs in Massachusetts, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.

$66,410 in-state tuition per year
4 years
Online

Key Highlights

  • The program develops spoken and written communication skills.
  • Students will gain skills in digital media production, research, and analysis.
  • The curriculum covers theories of interpersonal, group, organizational, and mass communication.
  • Students apply social scientific research methods to case studies.
  • The program considers the ethical implications of mass communication in society.
  • Coursework includes Data Analysis and Probability.
  • Coursework includes Digital Marketing Strategy.
  • Coursework includes Corporate Communication.
  • Coursework includes Strategic Leadership.
  • Students can study interpersonal communication to mass communication techniques used in advertising, political campaigns, and media.

Program Description

The Bachelor of Arts in Digital Communications program is designed to hone students' spoken and written communication skills while examining theories of interpersonal, group, organizational, and mass communication. Students apply social scientific research methods to case studies and consider the ethical implications of mass communication in society. The program equips students to analyze information across several facets of life, ranging from interpersonal communication to mass communication techniques used in advertising, political campaigns, and media.

Program Features

  • Transfer Credits: Accepted

Skills You'll Gain

Communication, Research, Analysis, Ethical reasoning, Digital media production

Tuition & Costs

  • In-State Tuition: $66,410/year
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $66,410/year
  • Additional Cost Information:

    Tuition for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

    • $2,520 per course (4 credits)
    • $1,890 per course (3 credits) during the summer session.

    A student taking the majority of courses during the academic year (e.g., 108 credits in fall/spring, 12 credits in summer) could earn a bachelor's degree from the Woods College at Boston College for under $76,000.

Contact Information

Sample Courses

College Writing, Literary Works, Principles of Economics, Data Analysis and Probability, Digital Marketing Strategy...

Visit Program Website

Why Massachusetts is a Smart Choice for Your Communications Degree

Massachusetts positions you at the forefront of communication career growth, with O*NET projecting a 27% increase in media and communication roles through 2030—nearly triple the national average growth rate for these professions. This surge reflects the state’s expanding tech corridors, healthcare innovation networks, and education leadership, all requiring communicators who can translate complex ideas into clear digital strategies. You’ll benefit from direct access to employers driving this demand: Boston’s Route 128 tech cluster needs storytellers for AI startups, while Longwood Medical Area institutions seek professionals skilled in public health messaging. Online programs integrate data analytics and multimedia production training precisely aligned with these regional priorities, letting you build portfolios through virtual collaborations with peers tackling real-world projects for Massachusetts-based organizations.

The state’s salary trajectory reinforces its strategic advantage—while entry-level roles offer competitive pay, mid-career communicators here earn 12-18% more than counterparts in states without concentrated industry hubs. Remote work options further amplify opportunities, letting you engage with Cambridge’s biotech firms or Springfield’s nonprofit networks without geographic constraints. Professional organizations like the Public Relations Society of America’s New England chapter host hybrid events connecting online students directly to hiring managers at companies like Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Boston Scientific. With Massachusetts allocating $2.8 billion annually to workforce development initiatives, you may qualify for state-sponsored scholarships or employer tuition partnerships that reduce education costs while locking in post-graduation roles.

As industries statewide accelerate digital transformation, your ability to design cross-platform campaigns or analyze audience metrics becomes critical—skills honed through asynchronous coursework and virtual internships. By 2030, over 140 new specialized communication roles will emerge across Massachusetts each year, many in hybrid settings blending remote creativity with quarterly in-person strategy sessions. With demand outpacing supply for communicators who understand both New England’s corporate culture and global digital trends, there’s never been a better time to earn your degree while embedded in this innovation-rich ecosystem. Secure your place in a field where Massachusetts isn’t just keeping pace—it’s setting the standard.

Where Can You Work After Graduating?

After graduating with an Online Communications degree in Massachusetts, you’ll find diverse opportunities across established corporations, healthcare systems, and tech-driven organizations. Companies like Raytheon Technologies actively seek communications specialists to manage internal messaging and public-facing content, particularly in defense and aerospace sectors. Their roles often involve collaborating with technical teams to simplify complex projects for broader audiences, and they emphasize professional development through mentorship programs as noted in Regis College’s employer list. Schneider Electric, another major employer in the Merrimack Valley, hires professionals for sustainability-focused communications, blending environmental advocacy with corporate storytelling. Their hybrid work model and global projects appeal to graduates interested in green tech.

Healthcare networks like Lawrence General Hospital also offer roles in community outreach and patient education, ideal for those passionate about public health. These positions often involve creating digital campaigns to promote services or public health initiatives, with a focus on local impact. Beyond large employers, startups in Boston’s Seaport District and Cambridge’s tech hubs frequently need communications talent to build brand presence. Platforms like Built In Boston list roles at growing tech firms specializing in AI, biotech, and edtech, where you might craft content for niche audiences or manage social media for innovative products.

Job boards like Indeed show over 200 openings statewide, including hybrid and remote positions at mid-sized companies in education, finance, and nonprofit sectors. To stand out, attend Boston-based industry meetups or join groups like the Public Relations Society of America’s New England chapter. Many local employers value candidates who demonstrate familiarity with Massachusetts’ regional industries—think tech in Route 128, healthcare in Longwood, or education in Greater Boston. Leverage alumni networks from local universities or internships to connect with hiring managers directly, as referrals often carry weight in this tight-knit professional community.

What Can You Earn as a Communications Specialist in Massachusetts?

If you're considering a communications specialist career in Massachusetts, salary expectations vary significantly with experience and location. Entry-level professionals in Boston can expect to earn between $48,000 and $52,000 annually according to Entry Level Communications Specialist Salary data from Boston. These starting salaries often reflect roles focused on content creation and social media management, with variations depending on industry sector and employer size.

Statewide averages rise to $55,177 per year based on salary surveys from Indeed, representing mid-career professionals with 3-7 years of experience. At this level, you might manage full campaign cycles or oversee internal communications, with higher pay in industries like healthcare or technology. Boston salaries outpace many other regions, with experienced specialists (8+ years) earning $72,795 annually according to Boston-specific salary reports. This 30% premium over entry-level pay reflects leadership roles requiring crisis management expertise or multi-channel strategy development.

Massachusetts communications specialists typically earn 5-10% more than the national average of $52,000. Geographic location creates sharp contrasts—urban professionals in Boston or Cambridge often earn 15-20% more than those in western Massachusetts rural areas. Specializations like data analytics integration or corporate reputation management can increase salaries by $6,000-$8,000 annually. Certifications such as the Accredited Business Communicator credential or HubSpot content marketing certification demonstrate advanced skills that employers frequently reward with higher compensation.

Salary growth projections remain positive as organizations expand digital communication needs. Professionals combining traditional writing skills with technical abilities in SEO optimization or email marketing automation are likely to see the strongest earnings trajectory. Hybrid work models may slightly compress urban salary premiums but could broaden access to Massachusetts-based roles for out-of-state candidates, maintaining competitive wage levels across the field.

FAQs About Online Communications Degree Programs in Massachusetts

Common Questions About Communications Degrees in Massachusetts

Q: How long does it take to complete an online communications degree?
A: Most full-time students finish in 4 years, but accelerated options exist. Boston College’s program structure allows completing 120 credits in 4 years by taking 12 summer credits at reduced tuition. Part-time students may take 5-6 years, depending on course load.

Q: Are there financial aid options for online programs?
A: Yes—federal aid, state grants, and institutional scholarships apply to accredited programs. Boston College offers lower summer rates ($1,890 per 3-credit course), reducing total costs. Some employers provide tuition reimbursement for working professionals.

Q: Can you work while completing an online degree?
A: Absolutely. Online programs like Boston College’s Woods College courses use asynchronous formats, letting you complete assignments outside standard hours. Many students balance 1-2 courses per term with full-time jobs.

Q: What skills do Massachusetts employers look for?
A: Top demands include digital content creation, data-driven audience analysis, and multi-platform campaign management. Boston-area tech and healthcare sectors particularly value SEO optimization and crisis communication skills.

Q: Do online programs offer career placement support?
A: Many provide virtual career coaching, resume reviews, and employer networking. Programs often connect you to Massachusetts-based internships and alumni in industries like finance (Fidelity) or tech (Wayfair).

Q: How do online classes handle group projects or presentations?
A: Courses use tools like Zoom breakout rooms and shared Google Workspace folders. Some programs schedule optional evening collaboration slots, while others let groups self-organize across time zones.

Q: Are internships available for online students?
A: Yes—Boston College and similar programs partner with local employers. Online students often intern remotely at Massachusetts companies like Liberty Mutual or secure hybrid roles in Greater Boston.

Q: What makes Massachusetts programs different from other states?
A: Programs integrate regional industry needs, like healthcare comms for Longwood Medical Area employers or tech storytelling for Route 128 startups. Boston College’s cost structure ($76k total for degree) undercuts many national competitors.