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.  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 demonstrated learning and experience that satisfy specific Clark course outcomes. 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.  An APL application requires a student portfolio with documentation/artifacts as evidence to demonstrate their proficiency in the subject matter.  There is an administrative fee associated with the APL process. 

Internship

Completion of an approved non-credit internship is required. Exceptions are available for those who qualify.  Please refer to our academic policies and visit a member of our Experiential Learning team for more information.

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.

Required Core Courses:

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

• Choose 1 of the following 2 courses:

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

• Choose 1 of the following 2 courses:

• MSC 3217 - PR in the Digital Age
• MSC 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:  MSC 3313 - Multi Channel Communications  
2. Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility:  MSC 3211 - Communicating Responsibly  
3. Workplace Dynamics, Communication, and Career Management -  MSC 3213 - Strategic Marketing Tools and Applications   
4. Applied Research -  MSC 3900 - Research and Marketing Analytics  
5. Theoretical Grounding -  MSC 3212 - Marketing and Communication Strategies  

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

Courses

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