Communications, MS

Contact:

Joel Kaplan
Interim Director
(315) 443-1429
jkkaplan@syr.edu

Kelly Lux

Associate Director

(315) 443-2366

kalux@syr.edu

Faculty:

Shelvia Dancy, Beth Egan, Kelly Gaggin, Seth Gitner, Carolyn Hedges, Hua Jiang, Dennis Kinsey, Elliot Lewis, Kevin O’Neill, Dan Pacheco, Adam Peruta,Brian Sheehan, Corey Takahashi, James Tsao

Description:

The online M.S. in Communications offers an in-depth study and experience with digital systems, strategies, and emergent trends critical, along with foundational knowledge in media law, applied research, theory and practice essential for successful leadership in the changing media industry. The program is intended for students with bachelor’s degrees and/or backgrounds in media and communications, journalism, public relations, advertising, media business management, and related fields. Students may choose from four secondary focus tracks: Advertising, Journalism Innovation, Media Management, and Public Relations.

Part-time study:

This is an online program that may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

Student Learning Outcomes in Communications

Students in the Communications Master’s program are expected to achieve the following educational goals:

Identify the principles and laws associated with free speech and press for the US, as well as compare the American system of freedom of expression with others around the world, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances.
Apply theories and concepts of design and visual communication to the use and presentation of images and information.
Conduct research and/or evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions.
Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve.
Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communications professions in which they work.
Demonstrate proficiency in tactical application of insights driven by research.

Requirements: Core Courses (18 Credits)

The online M.S. in Communications is a 33-credit hour program (ten 3-credit online courses and 3 credit hours of residency).

COM 617 - Multimedia Storytelling 3 credit(s)
COM 627 - Social Media for Communicators 3 credit(s)
COM 698 - Media Law 3 credit(s)
ICC 602 - Introduction to Digital Communications 3 credit(s)
ICC 606 - Applied Research in Content Management 3 credit(s) or
ADV 609 - Advertising and Public Relations Research Design 3 credit(s) or
PRL 609 - Advertising and Public Relations Research Design 3 credit(s)
ICC 612 - Digital Communications Systems 3 credit(s)

Secondary Tracks (Choose One Track, 9 Credits)

Courses are listed in the order they should be taken.

Advertising

ADV 523 - Digital Branding and Strategy 3 credit(s)
ADV 610 - Topics in Specialized Practice 3 credit(s)
ADV 611 - Strategic Principles and Practices 3 credit(s)

Journalism Innovation

MND 611 - Web & Mobile Story Production 3 credit(s)
MND 612 - Data-Driven Journalism 3 credit(s)
MND 613 - Emerging Media Platforms 3 credit(s)

Media Management

COM 643 - Diversity, Inclusion and Leadership in Communications 3 credit(s)
Choice of 2 from the approved list below offered from Whitman
EEE 620 - Foundations of Entrepreneurship 3 credit(s)
Or
MAR 745 - Strategic Brand Management 3 credit(s)
*Please note that if you choose to take MAR 745, you must take MBC 636 first. MBC 636 is a pre-requisite for MAR 745.
Or
MBC 636 - Marketing Management 3 credit(s)
Or
MBC 645 - Strategic Management 3 credit(s)
Or
SCM 651 - Business Analytics 3 credit(s)