Georgetown University's School of Continuing Studies - Master of Professional Studies in Communications Programs

Georgetown University offers a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Public Relations & Corporate Communications, an MPS in Integrated Marketing Communications, and an online-only MPS in Design Management & Communications through its School of Continuing Studies (SCS). Each program can be completed entirely online, without any required visits to campus.

SCS uses Canvas, a learning management system, for its online programs. Students log in to Canvas to access course materials, watch lectures, submit assignments, communicate with instructors and participate in class discussions.

For each program, students can choose to enroll full-time or part-time. Full-time students typically take eight classes per year (three classes in the fall and spring semesters and two during the summer semester), while part-time students take three to six classes per year (one to two classes per semester). Students have the flexibility to take up to 9 credits (3 courses) per semester for each of these programs. While the Online MPS in Public Relations & Corporate Communications can be completed in as few as 12 months of full-time study and up to 5 years of part-time study, both the Online MPS in Integrated Marketing Communications and the Online MPS in Design Management & Communications can be completed in as little as 15 months of full-time study and up to 5 years of part-time study. Five years is the maximum time students can take to complete each of these programs.

Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations & Corporate Communications

Available both on-campus and online, the MPS in Public Relations & Corporate Communications is a 30-credit graduate program that emphasizes applied skill development, introducing students to contemporary communication trends and practices and equipping them with skills in strategic planning, research, and writing. The curriculum requires ten total courses divided across two required core courses, three required foundation courses, and five electives that allow students to strengthen areas of their choosing.

Core classes include a course in ethics and a capstone. The foundation courses include Public Relations Writing, Communication Research and Elements of Communications Planning. Through these courses students learn how to conduct situational and audience analyses, develop appropriate messaging goals and objectives, and execute effective strategic communication plans. Students will also enhance their writing skills in public relations, learning how to draft media advisories, fact sheets, press releases and more. Electives allow students to select additional classes that augment their foundation courses and advance their skill sets in their desired professional areas.

Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Marketing Communications

Available both on-campus and online, the MPS in Integrated Marketing Communications is a 33-credit graduate program with an interdisciplinary curriculum, combining the study of various communication disciplines, including digital marketing, social media, advertising, and word-of-mouth marketing. Through applied coursework, students learn how to design and synthesize strategic initiatives utilizing each of the aforementioned (and other) communication disciplines to drive consumer engagement and brand experiences through digital media, content marketing, social media campaigns, direct marketing, and more. The total curriculum requires 11 courses that are divided across two required core classes, three required foundation classes, and six electives that allow students to strengthen areas of their choosing.

Core courses introduce students to foundational practices as an ethical communicator and marketere. Students also complete three foundation courses in which they learn how to translate audience and market analytics into strategic campaigns, build strategies that drive brand experiences, and adapt as an IMC marketer in an ever-changing media landscape. The six elective courses vary by topic, allowing students to self-select classes that align with their professional backgrounds or skill development needs.

Master of Professional Studies in Design Management & Communications

The online-only MPS in Design Management & Communications is a 33-credit graduate degree program that emphasizes applied learning, teaching students to think critically and plan strategically to develop innovative designs that produce results for organizations and their products, services, and brands. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, bringing together concepts and practices from design thinking, creative management, and business strategy. This approach provides students with a well-rounded understanding of design processes and introduces them to leadership and managerial concepts they can apply to achieve professional and business outcomes.

The 11-class curriculum is divided across two required core classes, four required foundation courses, and five electives that allow students to strengthen areas of their choosing. Core courses include an introduction to ethical communication practices and a final capstone experience. Foundation coursework includes four classes in design and communications that explore major areas of practice and theory within design creativity, thinking, and processes. Through this coursework, students learn how to solve challenging business problems by using an innovative method of design that integrates ideation, marketing, development, and execution. They develop skills in team leadership, creative strategy, client relations, and visual communication. In addition to foundation classes, students also complete five electives. Electives vary, allowing students to choose course subjects that best meet their professional development needs.

Georgetown University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

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