Round 1 Priority Admission | Feb 01 Deadline
START YOUR CAREER WITH REAL EXPERIENCE
Work on real client projects, build strategic and AI skills, and graduate with a portfolio.
Today’s early career job market has evolved drastically. Entry-level roles now ask for more strategy — employers value professionals who can pair AI fluency with communication skills and strategic decision-making.
That is what you will build at the University of Washington’s Communication Leadership Master’s Program.
Our AI-ready curriculum, designed by industry leaders, helps prepare graduates to succeed with skills in content strategy, UX, marketing, and strategic storytelling.
With an applied learning focus, you will put these skills to work on real-world challenges, and you’ll graduate with work you can show.
Apply by Feb 01 to be automatically considered for a $5,000 scholarship.
Up to 10 merit scholarships are available, with no extra application required.
What You’ll Graduate With
With 8 specialized tracks and 3 unique degrees to choose from, you’ll build strategic expertise in the areas that matter most to you.
Work on real client projects in class or our student consultancy
Strategy, judgment, ethics, and communication skills valued by employers
Applied learning curriculum with built-in internships
Of peers, industry mentors, and a 1,400+ alumni network across industries
Finish in as little as 12 months full-time, with your degree
Our Edge
Top-value ROI for nearly half the cost of comparable degrees at $887 per credit
STEM-designated degrees with an AI-ready curriculum
Intimate cohorts for focused learning with a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio
Testimonials
Our students are as diverse as the job opportunities they unlock — whether you just launched your career or are about to graduate, we can help kick-start your professional journey.
Brittany Martin
Strategic Inclusion Leader
Netflix
“Joining the Comm Lead program was the best decision I made in starting my career. I was young, ambitious, and ready for the challenges to come, but I didn’t have a solid direction. Be prepared to find yourself, question what you know, and make connections that will last well beyond this program.”
SABRINA HO
Cohort 25,
MCDM Track
“As a writer, I initially joined Comm Lead to gain practical skills and build my portfolio. What I found was an inspiring community that gave me the confidence to step into leadership roles, and a curriculum that reshaped how I approach authentic, data-driven storytelling. I now draw on that exact strategic foundation every day as the program’s Content Writer and Strategist.”
Join A Professional Community
Our graduates work at the world’s top companies — an alumni network of 1,400+ professionals.
Common Questions Before Applying
No. Work experience isn’t required for any of the three degrees, though it’s welcome. The GRE and GMAT aren’t required either.
The Communication Leadership degree (MCCL) is designed for recent graduates who want a structured path into the field. It’s 60 credits, takes 21 months full-time, and includes a capstone project. The Digital Media degree (MCDM) focuses on marketing, content, and media, and takes 12–18 months full-time. All degrees include a curriculum with built-in internships.
You can switch degrees once after starting, so your first choice doesn’t lock you in.
Compare degrees.
Applications submitted by February 1, 11:59 pm PT are reviewed first, and you’ll have a decision by March 31. All admitted Round 1 applicants are automatically considered for up to 10 merit scholarships of about $5,000 each, with no extra materials. Rounds 2 and 3 have limited spots.
Classes are held in person on the Seattle campus, with some scheduled in the evenings or on weekends so you can keep working while you study — the program is designed to be flexible for working professionals through its curriculum and how it is offered.
If you still don’t find what you are looking for on our website, email commlead@uw.edu.
You can also Book A Meeting with one of our student advisors to hear about what it is like to be in the program. Or attend one of our Admissions Events.
University of Washington
Department of Communication