Corporate & Organizational Communication
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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 eight concentrations—Social Media and Online Communities, Public Relations, Human Resource Management, Usability/User Experience, Project Management, Leadership, Cross-Cultural Communication, and Leading Communication Strategy and Development—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.
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Unique Features
- Multiple opportunities to apply learning in real-world situations
- Courses taught by communication practitioners
- Eight concentrations with career-focused knowledge and skills
- Capstone courses focused on integrative, applied learning
Transfer Credit Opportunities
About the APR Opportunity:
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
About the SHRM and HRCI Certification Transfer Credit Opportunities:
Why consider a graduate degree from Northeastern University? We recognize the knowledge and HR competencies demonstrated by those who have earned their SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certifications. As a result, credential-holders have the unique opportunity to accelerate through a Northeastern University degree.
Successful applicants for a master's degree program with their SHRM-CP or PHR:
- Will receive 3 quarter hours of transfer credit - a 6% savings in tuition.
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 14 courses, rather than 15.
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following course: HRM 6015 Introduction to Human Resources Management.
Successful applicants for a master's degree program with their SHRM-SCP or SPHR:
- Will receive 6 quarter hours of transfer credit - a 13% savings in tuition.
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 13 courses, rather than 15
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following courses: HRM 6015 Introduction to Human Resources Management and HRM 6005 Creating a High-Performance Organization.
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.
Student Portfolios
Curious to see the work of MS in Corporate and Organizational Communication students? Click below to view two recent student portfolios that include their learning journey and how the program impacted their professional growth:
Testimonials
Carl Zangerl, Program Director
Kathleen A., Program Graduate
Jillian Porazzo, Program Graduate
Sarah Riggs, Program Graduate
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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
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts (Official transcripts required at the time of admission)
- 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
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.
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| July 9 | June 29 |
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| September 17 | September 7 |
| October 29 | October 19 |
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| January 7 | December 21 |
| February 19 | February 8 |
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):
Note: CMN 6000 is a 12-week course and is a prerequisite for other CMN core and concentration courses. Students register for CMN 6000 and INT 6000 concurrently.
Capstone Course
Elective Courses
Note: Students who take Introduction to Organizational Communication (CMN 6000) are only required to take two courses in this section.
Note: Foundations of Professional Communication (CMN 6005) is recommended for students seeking to strengthen communications skills.
Complete three of the following:
Concentrations
Choose one from the following:
Required Courses
HRM Concentration Electives
Students must take five courses -- the two required courses and their choice of three electives. Students with HR experience who waive HRM 6015 can take an additional elective. Those with SHRM-CP or HRCI-PHR certifications receive credit for HRM 6015 and must take 6025 and three elective courses; those with SHRM-SCP or HRCI-SPHR certifications receive credit for HRM 6015 and HRM 6005, must take 6025 and two elective courses.
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 not required to take a course in this section.
Complete one 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
Complete 12 quarter hours from one of the following:
Social Justice Track
International Track
Required Courses
Electives
Complete nine quarter hours:
Experiential learning opportunities include:
A choice of two 12-week experiential learning capstone courses:
- An online "co-op at work" experience in which you can design a project initiative in your own workplace.
- An opportunity to engage in a virtual consulting project with a sponsor in the private or nonprofit sectors and that is overseen by a faculty member.
Two elective courses: A "traditional" Northeastern co-op placement for full-time students in the Boston area and an International field study course involving interdisciplinary teams collaborating on trans-national projects. Students also have the option to work virtually on 6-week projects through Northeastern's Experiential Network on a not-for-credit basis.
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 245,000 alumni and 3,200+ 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.
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Where They Work
- Boston Globe Media
- Fidelity Investments
- Harvard University
- TechTarget
- MIT
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What They Do
- Media and Communication
- Marketing
- Business Development
- Education
- Art and Design
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What They're Skilled At
- Social Media
- Editing
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Public Speaking
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.