
Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication — Online
The Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication is designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and experiential learning opportunities required to succeed in a dynamic field.
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Overview
Northeastern’s Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication, enables you to build in-demand skills as you learn to craft strategic approaches to complex communication challenges for employees, customers, investors, and other organization-based audiences.
This graduate degree program features an emphasis on creative problem-solving skills, enabling you to tackle complex communication challenges. There is also the option to choose from multiple targeted concentration tracks to customize your studies and build the skills and experience for your unique passion and interests.
Through co-ops and consulting assignments that culminate in a capstone project, you’ll learn the ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and drive positive change - while also mastering techniques to measure the impact of those strategies.
Before graduating from the program, students also create a showcase ePortfolio that synthesizes their learning across the curriculum and promotes their professional brand showcasing their ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences and drive positive change.
Faculty for this degree are leaders in the private and nonprofit sectors, who deliver an inside look on how to best design and deliver compelling messaging. They do so by incorporating the case method, research into the latest communication trends, interactive learning formats, and experiential learning opportunities.
Program Objectives
- Be able to design a strategic approach to a wide range of communication challenges based on stakeholder analysis and a systematic planning methodology.
- Build the skills to craft and deliver messages—with a heavy emphasis on digital media and the use of Generative AI tools—that can influence internal and external audiences in a wide range of organizational scenarios.
- Master the analytical ability to measure and assess the impact of communication methods and channels to help achieve organizational performance objectives.
- Be ready to apply key course concepts and communication skills gained through the curriculum to real-world projects.
Unique Features
- Six concentrations that align with in-demand skills needed in this profession
- A variety of experiential learning opportunities, from co-ops to consulting projects in our unique digital communication agency, the Husky Media Lab, and a capstone project in which students assist a wide range of nonprofits and companies.
- 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. (See below.)
- Design of a digital portfolio that highlights your professional brand.
- Scan the portfolios of two recent alumni, Scarlett Graham, who entered the program with professional communication experience, and Corey Ortiz, who was seeking a career change, to learn about their experiences in the program.
About the transfer credit opportunities:
Northeastern recognizes 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
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
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.
Experiential Learning and Co-ops
Apply classroom learning to real-world professional settings during experiential project execution inside of coursework.

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.
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.
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 1.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Complete two of the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Capstone
Credits 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.
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 1.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
3.00 | Credits 4.00 | |
Credits 2.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 1.00 | ||
Credits 1.00 |
Program Credit/GPA Requirements
45 total quarter hours required
Minimum 3.000 GPA required
Concentrations
Required Courses
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
HRM Concentration Electives
Choose from the following:
Credits 1.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Required Courses
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Public and Media Relations Electives
Choose from the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 1.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Required Courses
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Leadership Electives
Choose from the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Required Courses
Note: Students with project management experience are not required to take PJM 5900 and complete an additional concentration elective.
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Project Management Elective
Choose from the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Required Course
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 |
Electives
Choose from the following:
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 1.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 1.00 |
Required Courses
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Concentration Electives
Choose from the following:
Credits 1.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 4.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 | ||
Credits 3.00 |
Distinguished Faculty
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, associate teaching professor, corporate & organizational communication
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Patty Goodman Hayward
Faculty for Graduate Corporate and Organizational Communication, Faculty Lead for Cross-cultural CommunicationFull bio -
Carl Zangerl
Veteran communicator and educator, passionate about teaching communication strategy and skills to graduate and undergraduate students.Full bio -
Ed Powers
Professor of Practice in M.S. in Corporate and Organizational Communication program. Helping build two concentrations: Public and Media Relations and Leading Communication Strategy.Full bio
Cost and Tuition
Tuition
Avg Institutional Aid
% Receiving Aid
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024-2025 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. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. 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 the 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.
Did you know?
Below is a look at where our Communications & Journalism alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
-
Where They Work
- Boston Globe Media
- Fidelity Investments
- Harvard University
- TechTarget
- MIT
-
What They Do
- Media and Communication
- Marketing
- Business Development
- Education
- Art and Design
-
What They're Skilled At
- Social Media
- Editing
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Public Speaking
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.
Related Programs
Admissions
- 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
- The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
- 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
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.
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Let’s Find Your Path Forward
Our enrollment representatives can walk you through the application process and help you explore your program options.
Call Toll Free: 877.668.7727