Skip to main content

MSC: 3 Pathways. 1 Degree.

Earn your Master of Science in Communication (MSC) degree through the learning experience that best fits your goals, schedule, and stage of life.

Find the MSC Experience That's Right For You

Whether you’re ready to focus on graduate school full-time, want to continue working while learning in person, or need maximum flexibility through an online format, MSC offers three pathways designed to help you develop expert communication and leadership skills while moving toward your professional goals.

Every pathway leads to the same Northwestern Master of Science in Communication degree. The difference is how you learn and how MSC fits into your life. 

Discover how the Master of Science in Communication from Northwestern transformed CEO Diana Hernandez’s organization.

Which Pathway is Right for You?

Choose the learning experience that aligns with your goals, professional responsibilities, and stage of life.

IMMERSIVE

MSC Immersive

One focused year. Lasting Value.

A full-time, campus-based experience designed for recent graduates, early-career professionals, and career changers who want to build experience, develop practical skills, and prepare for what’s next.

Highlights: 

  • Full-time, in-person experience 
  • Weekday and Saturday courses
  • Applied learning courses
  • Internship opportunities
  • Highest elective flexibility
  • Concentration options
  • Dedicated career coach
WEEKEND

MSC Weekend

Advance your career while learning in person

A part-time, in-person experience for working professionals who want to continue advancing their careers while benefiting from classroom collaboration, professional networking, and customizable academic pathways.

Highlights: 

  • Continue working while earning your degree
  • Options for weekend-only class schedule
  • In-person learning and collaboration
  • Elective and concentration options
ONLINE

MSC Online

Continue growing without pausing your career

A fully online experience designed for working professionals seeking maximum flexibility while developing the skills needed to stay relevant in a changing workplace.  

Highlights:

  • Fully online and asynchronous
  • Opportunities to connect with faculty live online
  • Learn from anywhere
  • Continue working full-time
  • One course at a time every five weeks
  • Structure cohort experience
  • Dedicated career coach

Meet the MSC Program Faculty​

Learn from Experts in Communication and Leadership

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 tenure load. Your instructors teach because they believe in the importance of this program and want to connect with you.

Meet Our MSC Program Faculty >>

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Explore admission requirements, tuition information, and application details for all three MSC pathways before applying.

MSC Degree Requirements

Find out what you need to submit an application to the MSC program.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Learn more about the MSC program tuition and financial aid. 

How to Apply

Begin your online application, save your progress, and return to complete at any time.

Three pathways. One degree. Your next step starts here.

Apply to the Master of Science in Communication program at Northwestern today and choose the pathway that fits your goals, schedule, and stage of life.