Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication — Online
The Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the digital age of communication.
Take a Quick Look
We’re committed to creating an education as unique as your career path. So, whether your goal is a new career or moving up in your field, our innovative programs will get you going your way.
01
Customize your plan
We work with you to map your path to your goal.
02
Learn from experience
From real-world case studies to employer-based projects, we prepare you to manage what comes next.
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Choose your focus
Whatever you’re passionate about, you’ll find the classes to sharpen your specialty.
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Study anywhere, on your time
Part-time or full-time, we move at your speed, to get you where you’re going.
Overview
With the Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication, you'll build in-demand skills as you learn to craft strategic approaches to complex communication challenges. Our instructors—communications leaders in the business and nonprofit sectors—will offer you an inside look not only at how best to design and deliver compelling messaging but also at how to measure the impact of your strategies. You’ll also create an ePortfolio that synthesizes learning across the curriculum and promotes your professional brand. Through co-ops and consulting assignments that culminate in a capstone project, you’ll learn the art of effective communication with employees, customers, investors, and other audiences as you hone your skills with a new set of tools to persuade, inform, and inspire.
This is an online program.
Featured Concentrations
Public and Media Relations
The PR concentration features a virtual public relations firm enabling you to work on assignments for a real-world client using the HubSpot marketing platform. Read our Q&A with concentration lead Ed Powers and watch the video below for more information.
PRNEWS recently named this program to their Education A-List. Learn more
Cross-Cultural Communication
The cross-cultural communication concentration offers practical tools to successfully navigate cultural fields of interest and gain skills to develop a cultural audit.
Read our blog post from Professor Patty Goodman about insights on cross-cultural awareness in the workplace.
Social Media
Select from courses in interactive marketing, digital branding, SEO, online customer behavior, digital marketing analytics, and social media strategy. Offered both online and on-location.
Unique Features
- Seven concentrations that align with in-demand skills needed in this profession
- A variety of experiential learning opportunities, from co-ops to consulting projects, and a capstone project for professionals
- Transfer credit is offered for up to 20% of total tuition if you have an APR, CMP, SCMP, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or HubSpot Academy certification
- Design an ePortfolio to create a personal and professional brand and synthesize learning across the curriculum
- Faculty bring real-world experience to the in-person and online classroom
This is an online program.
More Details
Transfer Credit Opportunities for Certifications from Professional Associations
About the transfer credit opportunities:
Why consider a Northeastern master’s degree in corporate and organizational communication? We recognize the knowledge and competencies you have demonstrated by earning the following certifications – APR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, CMP, SCMP, PHR, SPHR, or HubSpot Academy Certification. As a result, credentials holders have the unique opportunity to accelerate through our program by applying their credentials in exchange for transfer credit.
- Successful applications with the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR):
- Will receive 9 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 20% saving in tuition
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 12 courses, rather than 15
- Will enjoy the convenience of a totally online, interactive curriculum
- Successful applicants with their SHRM-CP or PHR:
- Will receive 3 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 6% savings in tuition
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 14 courses, rather than 15
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following course: HRM 6015 Introduction to Human Resources Management
- Successful applicants with their SHRM-SCP or SPHR:
- Will receive 6 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 13% savings in tuition
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 13 courses, rather than 15
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following courses: HRM 6015 Introduction to Human Resources Management and HRM 6005 Creating a High-Performance Organization
- Successful applicants with these 5 HubSpot Academy certifications – Inbound, Social Media, Inbound Marketing, Content Marketing, and Email Marketing:
- Will receive 4 quarter hours of transfer credit, a 9% savings in tuition for a master’s degree – online or on-ground at our Boston campus
- Will accelerate through the degree program with one less course to complete
- Select a more advanced course aligned with the student’s career objectives
- Successful applicants who are Communication Management Professionals (CMP):
- Will receive 3 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 6% savings in tuition
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 14 courses, rather than 15
- Will enjoy the convenience of a totally online, interactive curriculum
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following course: CMN 6000 Introduction to Organizational Communication
- Successful applicants who are Senior Communication Management Professionals (SCMP):
- Will receive 6 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 13% savings in tuition
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 13 courses, rather than 15
- Will enjoy the convenience of a totally online, interactive curriculum
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following courses: CMN 6000 Introduction to Organizational Communication and CMN 6010 Strategic Communication Management
- Successful applicants for a master's degree program in the Project Management concentration with their PMP from Project Management Institute (PMI):
- Will receive 3 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 7% savings in tuition
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 14 courses, rather than 15
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following course: PJM 6000 Project Management Practices
Program Objectives
- Design a strategic approach to a wide range of communication challenges based on stakeholder analysis and a systematic planning methodology.
- Craft and deliver messages—with a heavy emphasis on digital media—that can influence the attitudes and behaviors of internal and external audiences in a wide range of organizational scenarios.
- Measure and assess the impact of communication methods and channels to help achieve organizational performance objectives.
- Apply key course concepts and communication skills gained through the curriculum to real-world projects.
Career Outlook
According to the Burning Glass Labor Insight database, the value of a graduate degree in organizational communication is very clear: 37% of hiring employers prefer or require candidates for many communication roles to have a graduate degree. Additionally, there are over 345,000 open job listings related to corporate and organizational communications.
Student Portfolios
Curious to see the work of MS in Corporate and Organizational Communication students? Click below to view two recent student portfolios that include their learning journey and how the program impacted their professional growth:
Check out your career prospects
Beginning your journey with us is a big decision. But it's a smart one. Your field is evolving rapidly. That's why we're constantly innovating our programs to anticipate your industry's needs. So, no matter where your field goes, you can lead the way.
Growth in demand
For PR managers, 2018-2028, US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Hiring managers who prefer or require a graduate degree
For many communications roles - Burning Glass Labor Insight
Experiential / Co-op Opportunities
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace.
This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Get Set With a Custom Course Plan
Please note: The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
General Requirements
Required Courses
Note: Introduction to Organizational Communication (CMN 6000) is required for students who do not have any professional experience in communication. Students with professional communication experience begin the program with Strategic Communication Management (CMN 6010) and complete an additional elective to satisfy the program credit requirement.
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Complete two of the following:
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| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Capstone
| 4.00 |
The remaining quarter hours may be completed by a combination of completing a concentration and additional electives or selecting any courses in the concentrations and elective lists.
Concentrations
- Human Resource Management
- Public and Media Relations
- Leadership
- Project Management
- Social Media
- Cross-Cultural Communication
Elective Courses
Note: Students who take Introduction to Organizational Communication (CMN 6000) are only required to take two courses in this section.
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| 3.00 | 4.00 | |
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| 3.00 | 4.00 | |
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| 1.00 |
Program Credit/GPA Requirements
45 total quarter hours required
Minimum 3.000 GPA required
Concentrations
Human Resources Management
Required Courses
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| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
HRM Concentration Electives
Choose from the following:
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| 3.00 |
Public and Media Relations
Required Courses
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Public and Media Relations Electives
Choose from the following:
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| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 1.00 | ||
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| 3.00 | ||
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Leadership
Required Courses
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Leadership Electives
Choose from the following:
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| 3.00 | ||
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| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Project Management
Required Courses
Note: Students with project management experience are not required to take PJM 5900 and complete an additional concentration elective.
| 4.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Project Management Elective
Choose from the following:
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Social Media
Required Course
| 3.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 |
Electives
Choose from the following:
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 1.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 1.00 |
Cross-Cultural Communication
Required Courses
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 |
Concentration Electives
Choose from the following:
| 1.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 4.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | 4.00 | |
| 3.00 | ||
| 3.00 | ||
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Follow our leaders
Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and fields. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.
"The field of communication is incredibly dynamic in this era of digital disruption, and you have to commit yourself to lifelong learning to stay current -- this is where curiosity plays such a critical role. This spirit of curiosity is something we emphasize in the learning experience we provide our students. We encourage them to act on their curiosity, their passion." Carl Zangerl, PhD
A lot of the professors had knowledge of different industries...certain stuff you can’t get out of a textbook. People forget that a lot of professors haven’t been professors their whole life. They have a vast amount of experience, so just talking to them, you can learn so much.
Kathleen A. Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication, 2016
Now Let's Talk Admissions
You know where you are headed and you've seen how our program will lead you there. So let's get going. Here's what you need to know before you enroll.
Application Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): Identify your educational goals and expectations of the program. Please be aware that Northeastern University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose.
- Professional resumé
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
- English language proficiency proof. Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores
International Requirements
Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.
Financing Requirements
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Prior Learning Assessment/Transfer Credits
Transfer Credit Opportunities for Certifications from Professional Associations
We recognize the knowledge and competencies you have demonstrated by earning the following certifications – APR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, CMP, SCMP, PHR, SPHR, or HubSpot Academy Certification. As a result, you have the unique opportunity to accelerate through our program by applying your credentials in exchange for transfer credit.
- Successful applications with the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR):
- Will receive 9 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 20% saving in tuition
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 12 courses, rather than 15
- Will enjoy the convenience of a totally online, interactive curriculum
- Successful applicants with their SHRM-CP or PHR:
- Will receive 3 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 6% savings in tuition
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 14 courses, rather than 15
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following course: HRM 6015 Introduction to Human Resources Management
- Successful applicants with their SHRM-SCP or SPHR:
- Will receive 6 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 13% savings in tuition
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 13 courses, rather than 15
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following courses: HRM 6015 Introduction to Human Resources Management and HRM 6005 Creating a High-Performance Organization
- Successful applicants with these 5 HubSpot Academy certifications – Inbound, Social Media, Inbound Marketing, Content Marketing, and Email Marketing:
- Will receive 4 quarter hours of transfer credit, a 9% savings in tuition for a master’s degree – online or on-ground at our Boston campus
- Will accelerate through the degree program with one less course to complete
- Select a more advanced course aligned with the student’s career objectives
- Successful applicants who are Communication Management Professionals (CMP):
- Will receive 3 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 6% savings in tuition
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 14 courses, rather than 15
- Will enjoy the convenience of a totally online, interactive curriculum
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following course: CMN 6000 Introduction to Organizational Communication
- Successful applicants who are Senior Communication Management Professionals (SCMP):
- Will receive 6 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 13% savings in tuition
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 13 courses, rather than 15
- Will enjoy the convenience of a totally online, interactive curriculum
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following courses: CMN 6000 Introduction to Organizational Communication and CMN 6010 Strategic Communication Management
- Successful applicants for a master's degree program in the Project Management concentration with their PMP from Project Management Institute (PMI):
- Will receive 3 quarter hours of transfer credit – a 7% savings in tuition
- Will be able to earn a master’s degree by completing 14 courses, rather than 15
- Transfer credit is awarded for the following course: PJM 6000 Project Management Practices
View the full list of eligible certifications and transfer credits.
Stackable Certificates
You can stack the following graduate certificates into this degree: Cross-Cultural Communication, Human Resources Management, Leadership, Project Management, Public and Media Relations, and Social Media and Online Communities.
Cost and Tuition
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2023-2024 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
Student Body Profile
Below is a look at where our Communications & Journalism alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- Boston Globe Media
- Fidelity Investments
- Harvard University
- TechTarget
- MIT
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What They Do
- Media and Communication
- Marketing
- Business Development
- Education
- Art and Design
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What They're Skilled At
- Social Media
- Editing
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Public Speaking
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.