Communication, BA/MSC

Overview

The Master of Science in Communication (MSC) is offered by the School of Professional Studies (SPS) at Clark University. The MSC curriculum 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, providing students highly sought-after skills that put them in a distinct advantage in the workplace.

Departmental Eligibility Requirements

The MSC is open to students in any Clark Bachelor of Arts major. Students should have an articulated interest in pursuing graduate studies and a career in Communications.  Students with fewer than three years of professional work experience are required to complete a one graduate semester credit bearing internship, which includes a required internship seminar.  (The internship course is taken the summer between undergraduate graduation and the fall graduate degree semester).

Students are required to meet with the MSC Accelerated Degree Program adviser as a formal part of the admissions process. This meeting is intended to assist prospective students in assessing the appropriateness of the degree to their professional aspirations. The student applies to the MSC program by completing the Online Application no later than May 1 of the junior year. Please note that application deadlines differ for students who are graduating off cycle (either a semester early or late) or who have advanced standing; such students should contact Graduate Admissions for alternative dates.

Program of Study

The MSC is comprised of 10 graduate courses, including required foundation courses (6) and electives (4) or concentration (3) plus an elective (1).

The required foundation courses are:

• 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  

See full program description and requirements for information on Concentrations and Electives.

Senior Year:
Students must take two MSC courses during their senior year. Selection of these courses are made in conjunction with the MSC Program Advisor.

Summer between Senior Year and Graduate/Fifth Year:
An internship is required for incoming students and a 2nd course is recommended in order to complete the remaining courses within the fifth year.

Graduate/Fifth Year:
The remaining courses should be completed during the Fifth Year. No more than eight of the required courses may be taken in the fifth year.

Fees

Students will pay a one­time program fee of $1,000 in the first semester of graduate study.  Students also pay a $20 activity fee in the fall and spring semesters as well as a one­time enrollment fee of $200. Students are responsible for paying for housing, food, books, and other personal items.

Program Adviser

Students are required to meet with the designated program adviser and have them sign the Accelerated Degree Program Adviser Form.  The signed form confirms the student and program adviser have discussed the requirements of the program. This form is available on the Graduate Admissions website.

The designated program adviser is:

Tara Mason
Jonas Clark Hall Room 111
School of Professional Studies
tmason@clarku.edu
508­-793­-7219

Once you have started your fifth year, you may be assigned a different academic adviser.

Any students considering applying to the Accelerated Degree Program should read and understand the Accelerated Degree Program Policies and Procedures .