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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.

Master of Science in Communication

The Northwestern Master of Science in Communication

Advance your career and enhance your leadership skills.

The Northwestern MSC degree program is a doorway. Those who choose to open it find the skills to transform into valued and effective leaders.

In your MSC program, you’ll learn to integrate communication theory with practical application and gain the skills essential for an immediate competitive advantage in the workplace.

Hear from two of our graduates on the transformative nature of the Northwestern MSC program.

Master Communication Frameworks Alongside Tomorrow’s Leaders

Your studies center on three fundamental 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 experiential curriculum that focuses on decision-making, networking, and diverse group management.

Elegant Communication

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

Northwestern Master of Science in Communication Programs

Earn your degree your way.

Explore the two paths to your Northwestern MSC degree, each customized to your busy schedule and executive experience.

Custom Leadership Program (CLP)

Build a customizable curriculum that matches your individual and work-related objectives:
  • Experience Level: All experience levels
  • 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)

Leaders experience a fully online program to balance career and academic priorities:
  • Experience Level: All experience levels
  • 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.

The MSC Degree Capstone Project

Your opportunity to define who you are - and what you've become - during the MSC program.

Over the course of the program, you’ll create a three-part cumulative deliverable. Your Capstone will serve as a collection of work you can be proud of, including brand collateral that defines you as a person, a professional, and a Northwestern MSC graduate.

Picture of working session

“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

Admissions Information

Explore program requirements and application details before applying.

MSC Degree Requirements

Apply at your own pace. The MSC does not require a GRE or GMAT score.

Tuition and Financial Aid

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

How to Apply

The MSC accepts applications on a rolling basis, and acceptance decisions are made once an application is received — so begin yours today.

faculty

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.

Master of Science in Communication

Find New Opportunities With The Northwestern MSC Program

Take part in the vast array of co-curricular activities, and work with the program’s support team to build your network, personal brand, and connect with new job opportunities.

Career Services

Receive 1-on-1 coaching, connect with faculty and students, and access career boards and support from the MSC Career Services team.

Student Experience

The MSC program is so much more than attending class. Explore a vast array of seminars and sign-up for guest speaker events.

Alumni Networks

Meet the Northwestern MSC graduates and connect with your cohort in the MSC Alumni Association.

International Applicants

Find out how you can apply to Northwestern’s MSC Custom Leadership Program (CLP) from international locations.

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.