The University of South Carolina (USC) has an online Master of Mass Communication program through its College of Information and Communications. This program combines coursework on integrated strategic communication with practicum experiences to prepare students for impactful roles in fields such as journalism, sports broadcasting, marketing, corporate communication, non-profit and philanthropy work, and more. Students can complete the program in as little as two years.
The Master of Mass Communication features 36 credit hours, divided between core courses, a practicum experience, and electives. The 21 credit hours of core courses cover mass communication research methods, media law, strategic communication principles and strategies, issues in mass communication management, and strategic communication campaigns. The final required course is the practicum course wherein students complete real professional work in an organization or agency in a field relevant to their career goals.
Students can select 15 credits of electives in areas such as marketing management, PR management and theory, international mass communication, public opinion and persuasion, health and science media, and mass media technologies. They are also allowed to take courses outside of the College of Information and Communications, selecting form courses from other USC colleges or departments with advisor approval.
The practicum experience is a central part of the program, with students completing 300 hours of hands-on work at an organization that is relevant to their professional interests. The 300 hours of practicum are divided into 20 hours per week over the course of 15 weeks, and are designed to serve as a springboard into students’ future careers. Finally, students must take a four-hour written examination that tests them on their knowledge of the core course content.
The University of South Carolina is regionally accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Online Master of Mass Communication
Overview
Department: School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Specializations/Concentrations: Emphasis in Strategic and Integrated Communication
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses synchronous and asynchronous instruction
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in 2 years
Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 36 credits (12 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Practicum and written examination
Example Courses: Research Methods in Mass Communication; Media Law; Strategic Communication Principles; Strategic Communication Strategies; Strategic Communication Campaigns; Organizational Communication; Marketing Management; PR Management; Crisis Communications
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; three letters of recommendation; resume; statement of objectives
GPA Requirements: Typically students who are admitted have a minimum undergraduate GPA greater than 3.0
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$20,601 + fees (resident); ~$44,640 + fees (non-resident)
Cost per Credit Hour: $572.25 per credit hour (resident); $1,240 per credit hour (non-resident)
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
Online Master of Science in Data and Communication
Overview
Department: School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses synchronous and asynchronous instruction
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in 2 years
Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 30 credits (10 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Capstone project
Example Courses: Data and Digital Communication Fundamentals; Knowledge Discovery Techniques (Data Science); Digital Law and Ethics; Strategic Communication; Data Visualization
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; two letters of recommendation; resume; statement of objectives
GPA Requirements: Typically students who are admitted have a minimum undergraduate GPA greater than 3.0
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$17,168 + fees (resident); ~$37,200 + fees (non-resident)
Cost per Credit Hour: $572.25 per credit hour (resident); $1,240 per credit hour (non-resident)
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
