College of Professional Studies

Corporate & Organizational Communication

Master's: Boston
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Master's : Online
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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.

Boston
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
12-18 months
Duration of Program
Yes *
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
Overview

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.

Unique Features

  • Six concentrations that align with in-demand skills needed in this profession
  • A variety of experiential learning opportunities, from co-ops to consulting projects, and a capstone project for professionals
  • Transfer credit is offered for up to 20% of total tuition if you have an APR, CMP, SCMP, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or HubSpot Academy certification
  • Design an ePortfolio to create a personal and professional brand and synthesize learning across the curriculum
  • Faculty bring real-world experience to the in-person and online classroom

 

Featured Concentrations

Public and Media Relations

The PR concentration features a virtual public relations firm enabling you to work on assignments for a real-world client using the HubSpot marketing platform. Read our Q&A with concentration lead Ed Powers and watch the video below for more information!

Cross-Cultural Communication

The cross-cultural communication concentration offers practical tools to successfully navigate cultural fields of interest, and gain skills to develop a cultural audit.

Read our blog post from Professor Patty Goodman about insights on cross-cultural awareness in the workplace.

Social Media

Select from courses in interactive marketing, digital branding, SEO, online customer behavior, digital marketing analytics, and social media strategy. Offered both online and on-location.

 

More Details

Transfer Credit Opportunities for Certifications from Professional Associations

About the transfer credit opportunities:

Why consider a Northeastern master’s degree in corporate and organizational communication? We recognize the knowledge and competencies you have demonstrated by earning the following certifications – APR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, CMP, SCMP, PHR, SPHR, or HubSpot Academy Certification. As a result, credentials holders have the unique opportunity to accelerate through our program by applying their credentials in exchange for transfer credit.

  • Successful applications with the Accreditation in Public Relations (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
  • Successful applicants 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 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
  • Successful applicants with these 5 HubSpot Academy certifications – Inbound, Social Media, Inbound Marketing, Content Marketing, and Email Marketing:
    • Will receive 4 quarter hours of transfer credit, a 9% savings in tuition for a master’s degree – online or on-ground at our Boston campus
    • Will accelerate through the degree program with one less course to complete
    • Select a more advanced course aligned with the student’s career objectives
  • Successful applicants who are Communication Management Professionals (CMP):
    • 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
    • Will enjoy the convenience of a totally online, interactive curriculum
    • Transfer credit is awarded for the following course: CMN 6000 Introduction to Organizational Communication
  • Successful applicants who are Senior Communication Management Professionals (SCMP):  
    • 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
    • Will enjoy the convenience of a totally online, interactive curriculum
    • Transfer credit is awarded for the following courses: CMN 6000 Introduction to Organizational Communication and CMN 6010 Strategic Communication Management
  • Successful applicants for a master's degree program in the Project Management concentration with their PMP from Project Management Institute (PMI):
    • Will receive 3 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 7% 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: PJM 6000 Project Management Practices

 

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

"Our goal is to provide students with the communications skills and strategic perspective required to have an impact on organizational performance."

Carl Zangerl, Program Director

"The capstone class really helped me improve my writing skills, think about the words I use, and think about how to communicate with people."

Kathleen A., Program Graduate

"The Leadership concentration overall offered a great deal of reflection and introspection, and I'm very appreciative of that. I have always been a quiet, timid person but aspired to be a leader. This course was aptly named, as I feel it truly helped develop my leadership capabilities."

Jillian Porazzo, Program Graduate

"Intercultural Communication was a very valuable course, as I learned about cultural differences in communication and how to adapt my communication approach to communicate more effectively with people from other cultures."

Sarah Riggs, Program Graduate

"Overall, I feel that the Developing Cultural Awareness course has opened my eyes to see the reality as well as the excitement of cultural differences. Through the cultural intelligence assessment, case studies, and cultural audit, I was able to learn and gain insight into new ways of thinking and new methods of learning, that can provide a jumpstart to my interactions with new and diverse cultures. I also learned about the difficulties that come with being unprepared when working with a different culture and the value, for a company, of spending time and resources developing cultural audits. I believe that my takeaways from this course will have a significant impact on my future in human resources, and I am excited to see where the next step in my cultural journey will take me."

Rebekah S., reflection of Developing Cultural Awareness course

Looking for something different?

View more Communications & Journalism programs
Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-50 university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$35.3K *
Tuition
$4K
Avg Institutional Aid
12%
% Receiving Aid

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

  • Online application
  • Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): Identify your educational goals and expectations of the program. Please be aware that Northeastern University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose.
  • Professional resumé
  • 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, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.

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.

Winter 2022
Spring 2022
Summer 2022
Fall 2022
Recommended Admissions Deadline
International out-of-country application complete (start date: January 10, 2022) November 8, 2021
International in-country application complete (start date: January 10, 2022) December 13, 2021
Domestic application complete (first half start: January 10, 2022) December 20, 2021
Domestic application complete (second half start: February 22, 2022) February 8, 2022
Recommended Admissions Deadline
International out-of-country application complete (start date: April 11, 2022) February 7, 2022
International in-country application complete (start date: April 11, 2022) March 14, 2022
Domestic application complete (first half start: April 11, 2022) March 28, 2022
Domestic application complete (second half start: May 23, 2022) May 9, 2022
Recommended Admissions Deadline
International out-of-country application complete (start date: July 11, 2022) May 9, 2022
International in-country application complete (start date: July 11, 2022) June 13, 2022
Domestic application complete (first half start: July 11, 2022) June 27, 2022
Domestic application complete (second half start: August 8, 2022) July 25, 2022
Recommended Admissions Deadline:
International out-of-country application complete (start date: September 19, 2022) July 18, 2022
International in-country application complete (start date: September 19, 2022) August 22, 2022
Domestic application complete (first half start: September 19, 2022) September 6, 2022
Domestic application complete (second half start: October 31, 2022) October 17, 2022
Curriculum

General Requirements

Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication General Requirements

Required Courses

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): 

CMN 6000 - Introduction to Organizational Communication 
3.00 
INT 6000 - Writing Lab 
1.00 
CMN 6010 - Strategic Communication Management 
3.00 
CMN 6020 - Ethical Issues in Organizational Communication 
3.00 
CMN 6910 - Organizational Communication Assessment 
3.00 
 

Complete two of the following:

CMN 6100 - Communication Networks and Managing Information 
3.00 
CMN 6080 - Intercultural Communication  
3.00 
CMN 6090 - Organizational Culture, Climate, and Communication 
3.00 

Capstone

CMN 6940 - Projects for Professionals 
4.00 

Elective Courses

Note: Students who take Introduction to Organizational Communication (CMN 6000) are only required to take two courses in this section. 

Complete at least two courses:

ALY 6010 - Probability Theory and Introductory Statistics 
3.00 
ALY 6070 - Communication and Visualization for Data Analytics 
3.00 
CMN 6005 - Foundations of Professional Communication 
4.00 
CMN 6025 - Digital Era Skills: Platforms, Tools, and Techniques 
3.00 
CMN 6050 - Crisis Communication 
3.00 
CMN 6110 - Group Dynamics and Interpersonal Conflict: Meeting Management 
3.00 
CMN 6060 - Negotiation, Mediation, and Facilitation 
3.00 
CMN 6095 - Foundations of Developing Cultural Awareness 
3.00 
CMN 6085 - Strategies for Cross-Cultural Facilitation and Negotiation 
3.00 
COP 6940 - Personal and Career Development 
3.00 - 4.00 
DGM 6501 - Web Creation Boot Camp 
2.00 
DGM 6521 - Web Creation for Content Management Systems 
2.00 
INT 6900 - International Field Study Experience 
3.00 - 4.00 
EDU 6184 - Interdisciplinary Foundations 
2.00 

 

Concentrations

Choose one from the following:

Human Resources Management

Required Courses

HRM 6015 - Introduction to Human Resources Management 
3.00 
HRM 6025 - Workforce Analytics 
3.00 
 

HRM Concentration Electives

Note: Students who take HRM 6015 select three elective courses; students waived from HRM 6015 select four elective courses: 

HRM 6005 - Creating a High-Performance Organization: Strategic Organizational and HRM Choices 
3.00 
HRM 6010 - Compensation and Benefits 
3.00 
HRM 6020 - Talent Acquisition and Onboarding 
3.00 
HRM 6030 - The Employment Contract 
3.00 
HRM 6042 - Strategic Workforce Planning 
3.00 
HRM 6047 - Managing the Employee Life Cycle 
3.00 
HRM 6050 - Employee Engagement 
3.00 
HRM 6060 - Organizational Design 
3.00 
HRM 6070 - Global Human Resources Management 
3.00 
 

Public and Media Relations

Required Courses

PBR 6100 - Introduction to Public Relations 
3.00 
PBR 6135 - Public Relations Strategy and Planning 
3.00 
PBR 6710 - Public Relations Research: Understanding External Audiences 
3.00 

Public and Media Relations Electives

Complete two of the following:

CMN 6025 - Digital Era Skills: Platforms, Tools, and Techniques 
3.00 
CMN 6035 - Legal, Policy, and Ethical Issues in the Digital Era 
3.00 
CMN 6045 - Leveraging Digital Technologies: Strategy, Assessment, and Governance 
3.00 
CMN 6050 - Crisis Communication 
3.00 
DGM 6290 - Social Media and Brand Strategy Implementation 
4.00 
PBR 6125 - Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility 
3.00 
PBR 6130 - Public Relations Content Development 
3.00 
PBR 6140 - Advanced Public Relations Content Development 
3.00 
Leadership

Required Courses 

CMN 6200 - Strategic Communications Advisor: Roles and Responsibilities 
3.00 
LDR 6100 - Developing Your Leadership Capability 
3.00 
LDR 6101 - Professional Leadership Lab/Core LDR Experience 
1.00 

Leadership Electives

Complete three of the following:

CMN 6201 - Managing Communication Resources 
3.00 
CMN 6202 - Management Symposium 
3.00 
LDR 6110 - Leading Teams 
3.00 
LDR 6145 - Developing Sustainable Global Leadership 
3.00 
LDR 6150 - Innovation and Organizational Transformation 
3.00 
Project Management

Required Courses

Note: Students with project management experience are not required to take PJM 5900:

PJM 5900 - Foundations of Project Management 
4.00 
PJM 6000 - Project Management Practices 
3.00 
PJM 6005 - Project Scope Management 
3.00 
PJM 6025 - Project Scheduling and Cost Planning 
3.00 
PJM 6015 - Project Risk Management 
3.00 

Project Management Elective

Note: Students who take PJM 5900 are not required to take a course in this section.

Complete one of the following: 

PJM 6125 - Project Evaluation and Assessment 
3.00 
PJM 6135 - Project Quality Management 
3.00 
PJM 6140 - Managing Troubled Projects 
3.00 
PJM 6210 - Communication Skills for Project Managers 
3.00 
PJM 6710 - Introduction to Program and Portfolio Management 
3.00 
 

Social Media

Required Course

DGM 6285 - Interactive Marketing Fundamentals 
4.00 

Electives

Complete 12-16 quarter hours from the following:

CMN 6040 - Consumer Behaviors in the Online Environment 
3.00 
CMN 6045 - Leveraging Digital Technologies: Strategy, Assessment, and Governance 
3.00 
CMN 6065 - Implementation and Management of Social Media Channels and Online Communities 
3.00 
CMN 6075 - Digital Marketing Analytics 
3.00 
DGM 6290 - Social Media and Brand Strategy Implementation 
4.00 
DGM 6525 - Research Methods for Global User Experiences 
4.00 
DGM 6550 - Search Engine Optimization: Strategy and Implementation 
4.00 
Cross-Cultural Communication

Required Courses

CMN 6085 - Strategies for Cross-Cultural Facilitation and Negotiation 
3.00 
CMN 6095 - Foundations of Developing Cultural Awareness 
3.00 
 

Complete 9 quarter hours from one of the following: 

Social Justice Track 

PBR 6100 - Introduction to Public Relations 
3.00 
HSV 6120 - Social Inequality, Social Change, and Community Building 
3.00 
ITC 6045 - Information Technology Policy, Ethics, and Social Responsibility 
3.00 
HRM 6070 - Global Human Resources Management 
3.00 
 

International Track

GST 6100 - Globalization and Global Politics and Economics 
4.00 
GST 6101 - Global Literacy, Culture, and Community 
4.00 
LDR 6145 - Developing Sustainable Global Leadership 
3.00 
INT 6900 - International Field Study Experience 
3.00 - 4.00 
 

Please note: This curriculum is for marketing purposes only and is subject to change. Official curriculum can be found within the course catalog.



Experiential Learning

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 six-week projects through Northeastern's Experiential Network on a not-for-credit basis.

Faculty

Our Faculty

Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and 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.

Patricia Goodman

Patricia Goodman

Assistant Teaching Professor
Ed Powers, PhD

Ed Powers, PhD

Professor of the Practice
Carl Zangerl, PhD

Carl Zangerl, PhD

Assistant Teaching Professor & Faculty Director of Graduate Communication Programs
Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you gain access to a network of more than 275,000 alumni and 3,350+ employer partners, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and global nongovernmental organizations. Our current students and faculty across strategically located regional locations further foster a 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.

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