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Master of Science in Communication

Study The Science Of Communication & Embark On A Transformative Journey

Organizational Leadership and Strategic Communication courses are available online or in person. Secure your spot and apply today.

Apply for Fall 2026 today!

Northwestern University’s Master of Science in Communication (MSC) program is an accelerated, career-focused degree designed to equip professionals with the communication and leadership skills needed to succeed across industries.

Emphasizing the practical application of communication theory, the MSC program prepares students to manage complexity, lead collaboratively, and communicate effectively. Offered both in person and online, the program equips students with the tools to translate theory into practice and gain a competitive edge in the workplace. 

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Graduates of the MSC program return to campus to discuss their experiences and how their transformation has shaped their lives.

Master Communication Frameworks Alongside Tomorrow’s Leaders

Your studies center on core curricular learning themes.

Your classmates will be curious and driven, just like you. Together, you’ll study communication frameworks in the context of the program’s themes to learn and leverage highly sought-after skills into a distinct advantage in the workplace.

Along the way you will partner with our world-class instructors who possess extensive hands-on experience as leading academics and industry experts, building your post-graduate network.

Managing Complexity

Proactively embrace complexity while learning to assess and navigate intricate organizational structures in the service of your broader communication goals.

Collaborative Leadership

Discover how to lead collaboratively through an experiential curriculum that focuses on decision-making, networking, and group management.

Effective Communication

Learn to critically analyze and deliver effective messages — appropriate to your audience, purpose, and context — and evolve your strategic communication planning practice.

MSC Delivery Models: Earn your degree your way

Custom Leadership Program (CLP)

Build a customizable curriculum that matches your individual and work-related objectives:

  • Schedule: Students attend a mix of weekday and weekend courses. Courses last for 10 weeks each.
  • Visa Eligibility: Eligible for visa sponsorship.
  • Specializations Available: Strategic Communication or Organizational Leadership.

Online Leadership Program (OLP)

MSC students experience a fully online program to balance career and academic priorities:

  • Schedule: Asynchronous online courses last for 5 weeks each.
  • Visa Eligibility: International students are welcome to study from abroad, however, OLP is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
  • Live Virtuals: Three (3) live virtual practicums focused on key components of strategic communication or leadership.

Admissions Information

Explore program requirements and application details before applying.

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MSC Admissions

Visit the Admissions page to view upcoming deadlines and application requirements.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Learn more about costs and financing options available for the MSC program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit our FAQ page and review answers to commonly asked admissions and application questions.

International Applicants

Students from abroad are welcome. Visit the International Admissions page to view upcoming deadlines and application requirements.​

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Master of Science in Communication

Meet The MSC Program Faculty

World-Class Instructors Are Now In-Network

Learn from leading academics and industry experts who are experienced leaders in business, government, and non-profit foundations.

The MSC Program’s professors choose to teach these classes — it’s not in their regular course load. Your instructors teach because they believe in the importance of this program and want to connect with you.

“I can’t underscore it enough. The Northwestern Master of Science in Communication program was truly transformative. I entered wanting to transform a team; I graduated having transformed myself.”

Lara Hamsher

Communications Manager, AES Clean Energy
Northwestern MSC Alumnus

Embark On A Journey Of Transformative Leadership

Apply to the Northwestern Master of Science in Communication program today and learn the skills needed to advance your career and transform organizations wherever you go.