MS in Communication Degree Concentrations
Below you will find the different concentrations for the MS in Communications Degree. To get more information on these concentrations, click one below to expand.
Given the growth and specialization of the communications industry, Purdue’s 100% online Master of Science in Communication speaks directly to the topics critical for advancement and provides a deeper focus with concentrations in four areas.
By selecting a concentration or customizing your degree, you’ll graduate with the expertise to take your career to new heights. You’ll complete the degree in just 12-20 months using what you learn to establish yourself—or cement your status—as a communication expert.
Strategic Communication/Public Relations Concentration
Branding and Marketing Communication Concentration
Digital Media and Communication Technologies Concentration
Management Communication and Leadership Concentration
Health Communication Concentration
![Purdue Online Students studying](https://cla.purdue.edu/communication/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2022_JU18024-1.jpg)
Plan of Study
If you do not select a concentration, the degree plan of study is as below:
PLAN OF STUDY BY AREA |
CREDITS |
Core | 9 |
Electives | 21 |
Total |
30 |
If you select a concentration, the degree plan of study is as below:
PLAN OF STUDY BY AREA |
CREDITS |
Core | 9 |
Electives | 12 |
Concentration | 9 |
Total |
30 |
Below is a sample student plan of study.
AREA |
COURSE |
COURSE TITLE |
CREDITS |
Core | COM 60111 | Seminar in Strategic Communication | 3 |
Core | COM 60411 | Seminar in Communication Research Methods | 3 |
Core | COM 61011 | Strategic Communications and Ethics | 3 |
Elective | COM 60911 | Strategic Public Relations | 3 |
Elective | COM 64400 | Strategic Personal Branding | 3 |
Elective | COM 64600 | Strategic Corporate Branding | 3 |
Elective | COM 65100 | Organizational Culture and Internal Communication Course | 3 |
Brand and Marketing Communication Concentration | COM 64011 | Seminar in Advertising | 3 |
Brand and Marketing Communication Concentration | COM 64100 | Introduction to Brand and Marketing Communication | 3 |
Brand and Marketing Communication Concentration | COM 62111 | Strategic Communication and Social Media | 3 |
Courses and Curriculum
The selected coursework ensures you achieve a heightened understanding of communication and the tools needed to leverage effective messaging across any medium.
Students who wish to customize a learning track to meet their career goals with the 30 credit hour MS in Communication take three core courses and choose seven elective courses. If you opt to study a concentration, you’ll take three core courses, three concentration courses, and select four elective courses. Courses cannot be counted twice. Up to two concentrations are possible.
![Leading the planning process people in office standing in front of white board discussing something](https://cla.purdue.edu/communication/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GettyImages-629296762.jpg)
![Young man sitting in coffee shop and using laptop Man working on laptop outside](https://cla.purdue.edu/communication/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/GettyImages-946573920.jpg)
Consider These Points When Selecting a Concentration
- Your Natural Strengths and Interests. Note where work seems to “fit” you best. Where do you connect easily to information and generate ideas? What projects are you excited to work on? Conversely, what tasks do you find you drag your feet on? Make note of the “buckets” these fit into and look for commonalities that align to a concentration.
- Social Media/Job Sites. Use LinkedIn and Indeed to further research roles, and find the ones that excite you the most. Look at the qualifications needed, and see how coursework can fulfill those qualifications.