Communication, MSC Accelerated 4+1

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 4+1 Accelerated Master of Science in Communication (MSC) Program is open to Clark undergraduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the College of Arts & Sciences. The MSC is intended for individuals with an articulated interest in pursuing graduate studies and a career in Communications.

As part of the admissions process, all applicants must meet with the 4+1 Accelerated MPA Program advisor to discuss how the intended degree aligns with their professional aspirations. They then must complete an online application no later than April 15 of their 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.

A minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.4 is required for eligibility to this program. 

Internship

Completing an internship is a requirement in this graduate program.  Students are responsible for securing their own internship.  While students will gain valuable experience, they will not earn academic credit for their internship.

Internship requirements:

• Must include a minimum of 120 hours
• Must be directly related to the student’s program of study
• Must be approved by the Director of Career and Professional Development

Exceptions:

• Students who have seven (7) or more years of professional work experience directly related to their program of study may seek to waive the internship requirement.
• Students who currently work full-time in a field/industry directly related to their program of study.

Students seeking to waive the internship requirement must receive permission from the Director of Career and Professional Development by the end of their second semester in the master’s program.

Review the Internship Handbook for more information. Please connect with your academic advisor to plan your studies accordingly.

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:

• 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  

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

This program is eligible for up to 100% tuition remission rate for a student’s fifth year graduate program.  There is a one-time program fee in the first semester of graduate study.  The student continues to be responsible for paying other enrollment and activity fees as well as their housing, books and personal items.  Tuition and fees are set annually by the Board of Trustees.

Program Advisor

Students are required to meet with the designated program advisor prior to submitting their application.

The designated program advisor is:

Tara Mason
Jonas Clark Hall
School of Professional Studies

tmason@clarku.edu
508-793-7219

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

Any students considering applying to the 4+1 Accelerated MPA should read and understand the Accelerated Master’s Degree Program Policies and Procedures .