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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!

The MSC program at Northwestern University prepares students to turn ideas into action and communication into leadership. With world-class faculty, a curriculum integrating theory, analytics, and application, and a powerful alumni network, the MSC graduate leaves ready to move into the next phase of their career, thrive amidst change, and take up the responsibilities of leadership.

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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)

A unique in-person experience tailored to your  interests and goals:

  • Schedule: In-person courses (weekdays/weekends), 10 weeks each.
  • Visa Eligibility: Eligible for visa sponsorship.
  • Concentration Options:  Artificial Intelligence, Strategic Communication, and Organizational Leadership. Students may pursue the dual-concentration pathway.
  • Career Support: 1:1 coaching and alumni mentoring via EPICS

Online Leadership

A fully virtual program designed for flexibility and work-life balance.

  • Schedule: Asynchronous online courses, 5 weeks each.
  • Visa Eligibility: International students can study from abroad. However, Online Leadership is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
  • Live Virtual Seminars: Three (3) live virtual seminars focused on key components of strategic communication and organizational leadership.
  • Career Support: 1:1 coaching and alumni mentoring via EPICS

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.