The University of North Texas (UNT) offers an online Master of Science in Digital Communication Analytics through its Mayborn School of Journalism. This program is offered entirely online and requires no visits to campus, enabling students to view lectures and complete assignments and exams from anywhere as long as they have an Internet connection and a computer that can access the online learning platform. UNT uses the Canvas learning management system, which enables students to view class lectures, participate in discussion forums, complete and submit assignments, and receive instructor support.
This program is designed to provide students with training in digital communication data gathering and analysis, as well as how to apply insights gained from this data to effective marketing, public relations, and advertising initiatives for diverse organizations. Examples of professions that this program is designed to prepare students for include marketing managers, marketing research analysts, public relations strategists, promotions managers, and public affairs analysts and strategists. Students can complete the program in as few as 14 months, although the general timeline for students taking two courses per term is between 14 and 18 months. Students can also spread their courses out over longer periods of time, if they prefer to take fewer courses per term.
The Master of Science in Digital Communication Analytics is comprised of 36 credit hours, which are divided between 24 credit hours (8 courses) of required core courses and 12 credit hours of elective courses. The required courses include Introduction of Digital Communications Analytics, Research Fundamentals in Digital Communication, Social Media Analytics, Large Data Visualization, Computer Graphics for Mediated Communication, and Cutting Edge Techniques in Digital Communication Analytics. The elective options include but are not limited to Data Visualization for Analytics, Web Authoring, Advanced Web and Media Development, Data Analysis and Knowledge Discovery, and Advanced Problems in Digital Communication Analytics. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of digital media analytics and communication technologies, the Master of Science in Digital Communication Analytics’ curriculum and courses are routinely reviewed and updated.
After completing their core courses and electives, students are required to complete a Capstone Project, which is an intensive research project that demonstrates students’ knowledge of digital communication analytics, media technologies, and communication strategies. In this project, students apply their knowledge of key communication theories and their training in research and analytics to a project on a topic of personal and professional significance. All students receive mentorship and support from a faculty instructor, and they also attend a Capstone Seminar in which they actively engage with classmates and provide project feedback to each other.
The University of North Texas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Online Master of Science in Digital Communication Analytics
Overview
Department: Mayborn School of Journalism
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 14 to 18 months taking two courses per term, but the program is self-paced so students can take longer if they choose
Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Capstone course/project
Credits Required: 36 credits (12 courses)
Example Courses: Introduction to Digital Communications Analytics; Social Media Analytics; Cutting Edge Techniques in Digital Communication Analytics; Research Fundamentals in Digital Communication I; Computer Graphics for Mediated Communication; Large Data Visualization
Application Requirements
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 3.0 (or 3.0 in last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework)
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Admission Requirements: Bachelor's degree; two letters of recommendation; resume/CV; personal statement
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$11,800.44 + fees (in-state); ~$16,200 + fees (out-of-state)
Cost per Credit Hour: $327.79 per credit hour (in-state); $450 per credit hour (out-of-state)
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
