Northwestern University offers an online Master of Science in Communication (MSC) with a focus on Online Leadership through its School of Communication. Delivered entirely online, this program features flexible, 5-week classes that students can take one at a time, completing the program in 1 to 5 years of study, depending on their schedule. The curriculum for this program consists of content coursework coupled with virtual practicums that give students the chance to apply what they have learned to real-world communication challenges.
The MSC consists of 11 courses, divided between eight content courses and three virtual practicums. Students take classes that cover collaborative leadership, the foundations of strategic communication, data-informed decision-making, information design, persuasive message design, leveraging and leading networks, AI’s applications in media development and dissemination, and public persuasion. These courses integrate case studies, interactive activities, and individual and group projects to explore topics such as effective team design and management, stakeholder identification and evaluation, corporate and social responsibility, media analytics, survey methods, data visualization and representation, effective messaging, generative AI innovations, and rhetorical theory and tactics.
From there, students take practicums in cultivating cross-cultural engagement, strategies and practice for conflict negotiation, and organizational change management. Through these practicum experiences, students apply what they have learned to real-world organizational communication challenges and delve into seminar discussions about cultural humility, social identity construction, conflict development and mediation, and persuasion, and negotiation.
During their enrollment in the program, students can receive support from the MSC Career Services team, which provides professional support for students in advancing their careers or beginning a new field of work.
Northwestern University is regionally accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Master of Science in Communication - Online Leadership Program
Overview
Department: School of Communication
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program utilizes both asynchronous and synchronous instruction with three virtual practicums are that held live for online students
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program is designed to be completed in one year
Start Dates: Fall admission only (applications are reviewed on a rolling basis)
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 9 courses (students who need full-time status complete 11 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Final capstone project
Example Courses: Foundations of Strategic Communication; Leading Collaboration; Using Data to Make Informed Decisions; Information Design; Persuasive Message Design; Leading and Leveraging Networks; Public Persuasion
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; resume; two references for recommendations; admissions essay; virtual interview
GPA Requirements: No minimum GPA required (program uses a holistic admissions approach)
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Work Experience: Program is designed for applicants with professional management experience
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$62,604 + fees (based on completing nine courses)
Cost per Credit Hour: $6,956 per course
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
