Clark University offers an online Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication through its School of Professional Studies. The program is entirely online, without any required visits to campus, and utilizes the Moodle learning management system to facilitate online course delivery. Through Moodle, students can access their class materials and syllabi, submit assignments, communicate with instructors, and participate in class discussions with other students.
The M.S. in Communication is a 10-course program designed to be completed in one and a half to two years. The curriculum is divided between five core courses and five electives. Course selections emphasize digital marketing and media relations, organizational leadership, multimedia and multichannel communication campaign development, and the use of strategic marketing tools to innovate and iterate on marketing and PR communication strategies. There are no formal concentrations in this program, which enables students to select electives that align with their specific interests and professional aspirations. However, both the core curriculum and the elective offerings emphasize strategic communication principles and how to implement them across media platforms, the use of data gathering and analysis to inform communication initiatives, and effective management and leadership skills through competent and compelling communication.
The five core courses that students take are Leading Responsibly, Marketing and Communication Strategies, Strategic Marketing Tools and Applications, Multi-Channel Communications, and the culminating experience, the Capstone Practicum. Electives that students can take to craft their personalized program of study cover areas such as journalism in the social media age, global talent cultivation, social media marketing, advanced visual communication and multimedia design, global marketing, political communication, sustainability and environmental communication, and brand journalism. Students can also complete a communication-related internship for course credit (pending approval from their faculty advisor and program director), and/or a communication practicum wherein they receive one-on-one mentorship and attend guest lectures hosted by professionals across the communication industry, from corporate communication and business development to political advocacy, marketing and advertising, research and grant writing, social media, and literature and the arts.
The culminating experience for all students in the program is the Capstone Practicum course. The practicum brings together concepts and topics from throughout the master’s program, and applies them to the completion of a comprehensive project. Students work in groups with a supervising faculty instructor to tackle a real-world organizational problem or challenge, conducting research, reviewing industry patterns and trends, and finally, creating a written and oral presentation of their recommendations to solve the problem.
Clark University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Online Master of Science in Communication
Overview
Department: School of Professional Studies
Specializations/Concentrations: Focus on Leadership, Marketing, and Public Relations
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses asynchronous instruction
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in 1.5 to 2 years
Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admission (rolling admission)
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Capstone practicum project
Credits Required: 10 courses
Example Courses: Leading Responsibly; Marketing and Communication Strategies; Strategic Marketing Tools and Applications; Multi Channel Communications; Social Media and Marketing Communication; Public Relations; Marketing Communication
Application Requirements
GPA Requirements: No minimum GPA to apply
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; personal statement; letters of recommendation
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$28,350 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $2,835 per course
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
