Communication, MSC

Master of Science in Communication Overview

The Master of Science in Communication (MSC) is designed to enhance communication skills and managerial techniques for entry to mid-level communication professionals. Classes are intentionally small, fostering discussion and interactivity.

This professional degree is structured to provide skills essential in marketing, public relations, digital media and strategic communications management.  The fundamental learning themes in our Master of Science in Communication degree program center around strategy and planning, consumer behavior and insights, contents marketing, ethics and technological tools of the trade.  Our focus on experiential learning enables students to apply their skills in simulated and real situations.  Students are encouraged to complete an internship as part of their studies to broaden their professional experience.  All these components provide students highly sought-after skills that put them in a distinct advantage in the workplace. 

The School of Professional Studies offers Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) credit for up to two (2) graduate courses.  APL credit is awarded for both demonstrated learning and experience. APL is offered to adult learners with three (3) or more years of work experience. It is the student’s responsibility to apply for and create a portfolio with the necessary documentation to demonstrate proficiency in the subject matter.  APL credit can be applied to a core or elective degree requirement, depending on the program.  Admitted SPS graduate students interested in APL should review the APL policy and process and consult with their academic advisor before the end of their first term in the program.  There is an administrative fee associated with the APL process.

Course of Study

The Master of Science in Communication requires 6 (six) foundation courses and 4 (four) electives. Students who elect to pursue a concentration will take the 3 courses for the concentration plus an additional graduate elective course.  Students with less than three years of professional work experience are strongly encouraged to take MSPC 3940 - Internship , as one of their electives.

Required Core Courses:

• MSPC 3211 - Communicating Responsibly
• MSPC 3212 - Marketing and Communication Strategies
• MSPC 3313 - Multi Channel Communications
• MSPC 3999 - Capstone Practicum

• Choose 1 of the following 2 courses:

• MSPC 3620 - Cultural Diversity And Intercultural Communication
• MPA 3050 - Cultural Competence

• Choose 1 of the following 2 courses:

• MSPC 3217 - PR in the Digital Age
• MSPC 3226 - The Art of Stakeholder Management

Electives

We offer many electives in the MSC program focused on the communication, marketing and public relations skills that are in high demand in the marketplace (Any MPA elective can be substituted for a MSC elective).

List of Concentrations

While concentrations are optional, students may choose to pursue one to focus their studies in a particular area as part of the program.  Students interested in declaring a concentration must consult with their academic advisor.

Each concentration requires three (3) courses.  Students who elect to complete a concentration must also take an additional graduate elective course to fulfill the 10-course requirement for the degree.

Learning Outcomes

The Master of Science in Communication offers students the opportunity to develop proficiency in written, oral, visual, and new media communication, learning to manage teams and to work in groups. A graduate of this program acquires the skills not just to promote an organization’s messages, ideas, and services, but also to advance to a leadership position and transform an organization.  Expertise in communication is essential to build a successful career in marketing, human resources, public relations, advertising, consulting, or any other chosen field. As students progress in the program, they are introduced to leadership styles, take on leadership roles in project development, and develop strategies for dealing with conflict. Through a combination of group and individual projects, students are encouraged to develop expertise in their area of interest.  This program offers students the opportunity to develop operational competencies in 5 foundational areas.

1. Organizational Systems:  MSPC 3313 - Multi Channel Communications  
2. Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility:  MSPC 3211 - Communicating Responsibly  
3. Workplace Dynamics, Communication, and Career Management -  MSPC 3213 - Strategic Marketing Tools and Applications   
4. Applied Research -  MSPC 3900 - Research and Marketing Analytics  
5. Theoretical Grounding -  MSPC 3212 - Marketing and Communication Strategies  

More detailed information about the Core Competencies and Learning Outcomes can be found on the MSC Webpage.

Courses

• MSPC 3010 - Visual Communication Design
• MSPC 3030 - Freelance Writing and Strategy
• MSPC 3050 - Social Media and Marketing Communication
• MSPC 3090 - Public Relations
• MSPC 3100 - Marketing Communication
• MSPC 3114 - Crisis Communication
• MSPC 3130 - Principles of Marketing
• MSPC 3213 - Strategic Marketing Tools and Applications
• MSPC 3216 - Journalism in an Age of Social Media
• MSPC 3217 - PR in the Digital Age
• MSPC 3218 - Brand Journalism
• MSPC 3219 - Communicating Sustainability
• MSPC 3220 - Effective Communication
• MSPC 3221 - Communication and Social Media in a Rapidly Changing World
• MSPC 3222 - Digital Citizenship
• MSPC 3223 - Ethics in the Digital World
• MSPC 3224 - Socio-Digital Engineering
• MSPC 3225 - The Information Society
• MSPC 3226 - The Art of Stakeholder Management
• MSPC 3280 - Global Talent Development
• MSPC 3300 - Professional Communication Seminar
• MSPC 3440 - Special Topics: Communication
• MSPC 3450 - Global Marketing and Advertising
• MSPC 3460 - Emotional Intelligence in Workplace Communication
• MSPC 3620 - Cultural Diversity And Intercultural Communication
• MSPC 3750 - Advertising Theory and Practice
• MSPC 3760 - Contemporary Issues in Communication
• MSPC 3770 - Political Communication
• MSPC 3800 - Global Communication Strategy
• MSPC 3900 - Research and Marketing Analytics
• MSPC 3940 - Internship