Communications Graduate Programs Address Demands
Throughout my process of researching graduate schools, I have come across several articles indicating that programs and curricula in Communications departments continue to evolve due to developments in new media. Traditionally, concentrations are added or graduate degrees are intergrated into undergraduate departments, but, in general, it isn’t all too frequent that completely new degrees are constructed. This has changed…
Northwestern’s Medill was a pioneer in the creation of the IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications) program. It was definitely innovative. Graduates receive a Masters of Science rather than a Masters of Arts, which was traditionally the norm in Communications and Journalism schools. There is a strong emphasis placed on data analysis, database management and integrated approaches to marketing communications.
In addition, USC’s Annenberg School for Communication offers a Masters in Communications 
Management. Areas of focus include Marketing Communications, Organizational & Strategic Communications, Communication Law & Policy, Online Communities and Entertainment Management. Students are also given the option to take courses outside of the department. Popular interdisciplinary areas include Business, Psychology, Technology and Public Policy.
This is great news for anyone who has been teetering on the idea of returning to school. When I received my BA, I looked into a few programs. The challenge I encountered was finding a program that offered both applicable and theoretical coursework. Innovative programs, including the IMC and MCM, definitely satisfy business needs, while providing valuable background in theory and rhetoric by offering such courses:
Theory:
Interpreting Popular Culture & Society
Communication, Values, Attitudes and Behavior
Theories of Creating Organizational Identity: Meaning Through Messages
Communications & Persuasive Messages
Business Centric:
Business Management Strategies for New Technologies
Creating and Implementing Campaigns to Measure Communication Efforts
Audience Analysis
Communications Research (surveys, experimental tests campaigns and formative evaluations)
Alas, the best of both worlds!
Tags: Communications, education, Marketing, northwestern, usc
Communications, Experiences & Observations | Rachel Rusnak July 19, 2009 | 
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