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College of Professional Studies

Corporate & Organizational Communication

Master's: Online
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Master's : Boston, MA
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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.

Online
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
12-18 months
Duration of Program
Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Entry Terms
No
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
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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

  • Seven 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-ranked 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

$38.3K *
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 the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines*

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Curriculum

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.


For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

 

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, 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

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

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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