Lasell College's Graduate and Professional Studies - Online Master of Science Programs in Communication and Integrated Marketing Communication

Lasell College offers two online master’s programs in communication that are designed to prepare students for career advancement in professional communication disciplines. Lasell’s Master of Science in Communication and Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication are offered through its School of Communication & the Arts as part of its Graduate and Professional Studies programs. Both programs can be completed entirely online without any visits to campus. Students also have the option to complete these programs in a blended format if they live near the campus in Newton, MA. Lasell College uses the Canvas learning management platform for its online education offerings. Through Canvas, students can access their course materials and lectures, submit assignments and projects, communicate with instructors, participate in class discussions, access tutoring services, search library and online databases including journals, and more.

The Master of Science in Communication requires 36 credit hours of study, which can be completed in 12 to 24 months. Each class is capped at 23 students to ensure that each student has sufficient support from his or her instructors. Students can choose from one of six academic concentrations: Health Communication, Corporate Communication, Public Relations, Digital Media, Strategic Communication, and Negotiations and Conflict Resolution. The program’s curriculum is divided between core program classes that all students take (six courses for 18 credits), concentration coursework (three courses for 9 credits), electives (two courses for 6 credits), and a capstone project (3 credits).

The six core courses in this program cover key theories, concepts, and principles of effective communication, including communication research methods, organizational communication, negotiations and conflict resolution, persuasion and public opinion, media relations, and communication ethics. After completing their core curriculum, students can progress to one of the following concentration options:

• Health Communication Concentration: This concentration is an interdisciplinary program of study, blending key concepts and training in public health, organizational communication, public policy, and marketing within the healthcare field. Courses explore topics such as health communication ethics, developing strategic communication campaigns, budgeting and communication planning, and understanding international health policies.
• Corporate Communication Concentration: This concentration explores effective organizational and public-facing communication for individuals interested in leading corporate communication strategies that combine strong communication ethics and stakeholder relationship management with the latest digital communication technologies. Students of this concentration take courses in corporate social responsibility, strategic communication for leadership, and principles of corporate and public relations communication.
• Public Relations Concentration: This concentration introduces students to the essential theories of public relations, teaching them how to translate theoretical concepts into professional applications within the public relations field. Through targeted courses in public relations writing, media management, crisis communication, and other key elements of external-facing communications for organizations, students are empowered to serve as liaisons between organizations (e.g. businesses, non-profits, government agencies, etc.), stakeholders, and the greater public.
• Digital Media Concentration: This concentration focuses on the key aspects of digital media creation, dissemination, and evaluation. Students take courses in digital storytelling across various media, as well as a social media course and a course on digital media analytics, which delves into how data can inform future communication strategies.
• Strategic Communication Concentration: This concentration prepares students to designing and implement effective media campaigns and other communication initiatives using the latest media technologies. Students also learn how to assess the efficacy of campaigns through data gathering and analysis. Concentration coursework covers communication innovation, strategic communication campaigns, and communication for leadership.
• Negotiations and Conflict Resolution Concentration: This concentration focuses specifically on small group and organizational mediation and conflict resolution. In their concentration courses, students learn how to both intervene in cases of contention, as well as influence individuals, groups, and organizations such that communal goals are met. Students also learn important negotiation tactics to employ in different situations.

In addition to their concentration coursework, students take two electives to further personalize their course of study. They can choose from courses in digital media analytics and storytelling, intercultural communication, governmental relations, international corporate communication, and communication law. To satisfy graduation requirements, students must complete a final culminating experience, for which they can choose between four different options: the Comprehensive Examination, the Thesis, the Special Study Project, and the Professional Internship. While the Thesis is a traditional academic research project, the Special Study Project can take different forms, such as a video or a multimedia presentation. The Comprehensive Examination option tests students on key case studies within their chosen area of concentration, while the Professional Internship is a 150-hour minimum practicum placement in a real setting that is relevant to students’ chosen course of study. Regardless of which option they choose, students receive guidance from a faculty advisor.

Lasell College’s online Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication

Lasell College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.