2024-2025 Academic Catalog 
    
    Nov 07, 2024  
2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Communication, MSC


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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:

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.

Digital Literacy


Students undertaking this concentration will be uniquely poised as thought leaders in digital literacy and ethics within digital contexts, an area of expertise that is applicable across varied industries and sectors and is growing in demand as digital channels dominate daily life. This concentration will help MSC students enter forward-thinking organizations as digital ethicists, digital strategists, and other pivotal positions shaping business practices and outcomes that support a triple bottom line prioritizing people, profit, and the planet via a healthy digital society.  

Choose 3 of the following courses:

MSC 3222 - Digital Citizenship  

MSC 3223 - Ethics in the Digital World  

MSC 3224 - Socio-Digital Engineering  

MSC 3225 - The Information Society  

Public Relations


A concentration in Public Relations prepares MSC students with actionable skills and strategies needed to lead all aspects of strategic communications in today’s global marketplace. With a focus on storytelling, branding and managing internal and external stakeholders whether it is a new innovation or managing a crisis, this concentration equips students with the necessary skills and tools to make a positive impact in the workplace.

Choose 3 of the following courses:

MSC 3114 - Crisis Communication  

MSC 3217 - PR in the Digital Age  

MSC 3218 - Brand Journalism  

MSC 3220 - Effective Communications  

MSC 3226 - The Art of Stakeholder Management  

 

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.

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