2024-2025 Graduate Course Catalog 
    
    Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Course Catalog

Communications, MS


Contact:

Carolyn Hedges
Director
(315) 443-9255
cdhedges@syr.edu

Kelly Lux
Associate Director

Faculty:

Nina Brown, Rafael Concepcion, Anthony D’Angelo, Shelvia Dancy, Beth Egan, Barbara Fought, Kelly Gaggin, Jon Glass, Carolyn Hedges, Soo Yeon Hong, Brad Horn, Hua Jiang, Joel Kaplan, Dennis Kinsey, Elliot Lewis, Dan Pacheco, Adam Peruta, Ed Russell, Olivia Stomski, Corey Takahashi, James Tsao, Jodi Upton 

Description:

The M.S. in Communications online 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 three secondary focus tracks: Journalism Innovation, Media Management, and Strategic Communication.

Part-time study:

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

Student Learning Outcomes


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).

Tracks (Choose One Track, 9 Credits)


Residencies (3 Credits)


  • 1.5 credit(s) Taken twice.
  • Variable topics: Topics can include (but are not limited to):

    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Business Analytics
    • Crisis Communicaitons
    • Diversity and Inclusion
    • Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Resolution and Negotiations
    • Ethics
    • Leading at the Next Level
    • Reputation Management
    • Storytelling
    • Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality

Total Credits: 33