Purdue University's Brian Lamb School of Communication - Online Master of Science in Communication Program

Purdue University Online offers a Master of Science in Communication that can be completed in as few as 20 months. It is a fully online program with the majority of classes using asynchronous instruction, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule instead of attending live online classes at a specific time. Students use an online course management platform to interact with peers via discussion boards and chat, as well as complete assignments and access class emails. The program allows for open access to instructional materials, however, students must submit their coursework by assigned deadlines.

Coursework introduces students to advanced concepts in strategic communication, branding, and marketing theory. There are four academic concentration options to choose from: strategic communication/public relations, integrated communication and advertising, communication and leadership, and health communication. The strategic communication specialization is designed for public relations professionals seeking to develop skills in audience-based communication, gain an understanding of how to establish and maintain relationships with public and private stakeholders, and create effective communication initiatives. The integrated communication and advertising specialization is designed for both marketing and communication professionals looking to gain knowledge of contemporary advertising and persuasion theories used to build targeted and creative messaging and branding strategies across industries. The communication and leadership, and health communication concentrations are new to the program.

Curriculum is divided between 30 credits of core coursework, academic concentration classes, and electives. Core courses cover topics in communication research methods, strategic communication, and strategic communication and ethics. After satisfying core curriculum requirements, students transition into nine credit hours (three classes) of academic specialization study. The strategic communication/public relations curriculum is comprised of courses in global strategic communication, crisis communication, and strategic public relations. Within the integrated marketing track, course topics include advertising, integrated marketing communication, and persuasive communication. To complete the program, students must also take four elective courses, with available subjects ranging from healthcare communication to financial and investor relations. A thesis is not required to graduate. The Master of Science in Communication at Purdue also allows for students to create customized curriculum paths. Instead of academic concentration courses, students complete the three core classes and seven elective classes.

For admission, the program does not require GRE scores, but does recommend them for students who apply with a baccalaureate GPA below 3.0. The MS in communication is considered an applied learning program and is not intended for doctoral studies preparation. The degree is offered through the Brian Lamb School of Communication, which was established by the founder and retired CEO of C-SPAN Networks. Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.