Corporate & Organizational Communication
The Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication is designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and experiential learning opportunities required to succeed in a dynamic field.
Part-Time
Incorporating the case method, research into the latest communication trends, interactive learning formats, and experiential learning opportunities, this program addresses complex communication challenges—providing students with a distinct advantage in today’s competitive marketplace. The curriculum also reflects the transformational impact of social technologies on the communication patterns of employees, customers, investors, and other audiences. Your instructors have "real-world" communication experience in the private and nonprofit sectors—they have practiced what they teach.
The Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication has three components: Core required courses, concentrations, and electives. Core required courses focus on foundational communication skills and knowledge, crafting impactful messages using a wide range of media, and a strategic perspective on the way communication supports organizational performance. There are six concentrations—Social Media, Public Relations, Human Resource Management, Usability/User Experience, Project Management, Leadership—that align with skills in demand in the profession. Whether you are a full- or part-time student, on-campus or online, you will apply the knowledge and skills you gain in the program in an unparalleled variety of experiential learning opportunities—the hallmark of a Northeastern University educational experience.
More Details
Unique Features
- Multiple opportunities to apply learning in real-world situations
- Courses taught by communication practitioners
- Six concentrations with career-focused knowledge and skills
- Capstone courses focused on integrative, applied learning
Unique Opportunity for PR Professionals with an Accreditation in Public Relations
Why consider a Northeastern master’s degree in corporate and organizational communication? Because we recognize the knowledge and competencies you have demonstrated by earning the APR. As a result, APR holders have the unique opportunity to accelerate through the Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication program by applying this credential in exchange for transfer credit.
Successful applicants with the APR:
- Will receive 9 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 20% saving in tuition
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 12 courses, rather than 15
- Will enjoy the convenience of a totally online, interactive curriculum
Contact us today for more information by completing the form on our page.
Program Objectives
- Design a strategic approach to a wide range of communication challenges based on stakeholder analysis and a systematic planning methodology.
- Craft and deliver messages–with a heavy emphasis on digital media–that can influence the attitudes and behaviors of internal and external audiences in a wide range of organizational scenarios.
- Measure and assess the impact of communication methods and channels to help achieve organizational performance objectives.
- Apply key course concepts and communication skills gained through the curriculum to real-world projects.
Career Outlook
According to the Burning Glass Labor Insight database, the value of a graduate degree in organizational communication is very clear: 37% of hiring employers prefer or require candidates for many communication roles to have a graduate degree. Additionally, there are over 345,000 open job listings related to corporate and organizational communications.
Testimonials
Carl Zangerl, Program Director
Kathleen A., Program Graduate
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Admissions Dates
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis, however we do recommend following the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term. If you are an international applicant, please view our international application deadlines.
Fall Term A:
Start date: September 18
Recommended Admissions Deadline: September 8
Fall Term B:
Start date: October 30
Recommended Admissions Deadline: September 18
Winter Term A:
Start date: January 9
Recommended Admissions Deadline: November 28
Winter Term B:
Start date: February 21
Recommended Admissions Deadline: January 9
Spring Term A:
Start date: April 10
Recommended Admissions Deadline: February 27
Spring Term B:
Start date: May 22
Recommended Admissions Deadline: April 10
Summer Term A:
Start date: July 10
Recommended Admissions Deadline: May 29
Summer Term B:
Start date: August 7
Recommended Admissions Deadline: June 26
Program Costs
Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): identifies your educational goals and expectations of the program; please be aware that the University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose
- Professional resume
- Official undergraduate transcripts: must be provided in a stamped and sealed envelope from the institution(s), stating degree conferral and date
- Two letters of recommendation: from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
- English Language Proficiency Proof: students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S, stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, or NU Global Exam scores
General Requirements
Note: Introduction to Organizational Communication (CMN 6000) is required for students who do not have any professional experience in communication. Students with professional communication experience should begin the program with Strategic Communication Management (CMN 6010):
Capstone Course Options
Complete one of the following:
CMN 6943
Elective Courses
Note: Students who take Introduction to Organizational Communication (CMN 6000) are only required to take two courses in this section.
Complete three of the following:
INPS 5184 Interdisciplinary Professional Foundations
Concentrations
Choose one from the following:
Required Courses
Public and Media Relations Electives
Complete two of the following:
Required Courses
Leadership Elective
Complete one of the following:
Required Courses
Note: Students with project management experience are not required to take PJM 5900:
Project Management Electives
Note: Students who take PJM 5900 are required to take only one course in this section.
Complete two of the following:
Complete five of the following (CMN 6025, 6045, and 6065 are required):
Note: Students may waiver CMN 6015 if they have social media experience. Please consult with your academic advisor.
Complete one (or two, if CMN 6015 has been waived) of the following:
Required Courses
CMN 6082
Complete 12 quarter hours from one of the following:
Social Justice Track (suggested)
International Track (suggested)
Required Courses
Complete 9 quarter hours:
Northeastern's signature experiential learning model combines academics with professional practice to help students acquire relevant, real-world skills they can apply to their desired industry. Each program offers its own unique experiential learning opportunities, but they might include:
- Experiential Learning at Work — Working professionals collaborate with their employer to develop a project that addresses a key business need their company has in an area they want familiarity with.
- Experiential Network (XN) — Students work virtually with a sponsoring organization on a short-term project over a six-week period.
- Full-Time Co-op Opportunities — Students on co-op work in a paid position in their field of study for three to six months.
Our Faculty
Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and in fields ranging from finance to education to biomedical science to management to the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors, and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.
By enrolling in Northeastern, you gain access to a network of more than 230,000 alumni and 3,000 employer partners, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and global NGOs. Our current students and faculty across strategically located regional campuses further foster that lifelong global community of learning and mentoring.
Below is a look at where our Communications & Journalism alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
Where They Work
- Boston Globe Media
- Fidelity Investments
- Harvard University
- TechTarget
- MIT
What They Do
- Media and Communication
- Marketing
- Business Development
- Education
- Art and Design
What They're Skilled At
- Social Media
- Editing
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Public Speaking
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.