Learn to Lead in an Evolving
Industry With an Online Master’s
in Communications Management

Earn Your Degree in as Few as 18 Months

Empowering Communications Leaders for Over 25 Years

Since 1995, the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications has been committed to delivering an M.S. in Communications Management degree that empowers leaders in communications roles across the globe. Now in 2020, we are proud to relaunch the program in a new flexible online format that creates a more collaborative learning environment for our students.

The online M.S. in Communications Management program continues the Newhouse School’s commitment to experienced communications professionals by blending communications and business courses that prepare them to become leaders in an industry experiencing global disruption from technology.

Gain Expertise From Multiple Syracuse University Schools

In the program, you will experience a holistic curriculum that blends communications, business management and leadership courses delivered by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, the Martin J. Whitman School of Management and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. This unique fusion of courses prepares you to effectively manage communications strategy for your organization and puts you at the forefront of emerging trends and technologies.

Lead Teams Amid Emerging Trends

Be prepared to motivate a diverse team in an evolving communications field.

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A Curriculum That Blends Communications and Business

The 36-credit curriculum can be completed in as few as 18 months and focuses on the intersection of communications and business with topics that include strategic communications, business management, digital and social media, and inclusion and leadership. These courses, delivered through multiple schools at Syracuse University, give you the opportunity to learn from faculty who have years of industry experience across these disciplines.

To finish the program, you will attend two in-person immersions and complete the capstone in which you undertake an independent project focused on a strategic communications problem that will add value for stakeholders.

4
core courses
6
specialized courses
2
immersions
1
capstone

Core Courses

Our curriculum provides a unique blend of communications and business courses that provide students with an interdisciplinary background to inform their decision making and leadership in their careers. Required courses include six courses through the Newhouse School and four courses through the Whitman School of Management, as well as a three-credit capstone project.

Digital Strategic Communications Management:

This course introduces students to strategic communications theories applicable to professional practice, and orients them to effective strategies that are required in an increasingly digital and social media–driven working environment.

Applied Research in Content Management or Advertising and Public Relations Research Design:

Students have the option to pick a research course that will teach them to apply critical thinking skills when using research and analytical tools to solve strategic communications challenges.

Financial Accounting:

This course provides students with an understanding of the theory, concepts, principles and practices needed to prepare and interpret financial statements.

Finance for Non-Financial Managers:

This course equips communications leaders with the ability to understand and interpret financial information in order to better understand the health of their company, make better decisions for their organization, and advance their career.

Explore our communications management curriculum.

Prepare for the Next Big Thing in Communications

Learn how the online M.S. in Communications Management keeps you up-to-date on the latest communications trends.

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Careers in Communications Management

The online M.S. in Communications Management program provides you with the advanced master’s degree you need to compete for leadership roles in the communications field. You’ll also gain access to our Newhouse Network, which includes over 28,000 professionals who work for some of the world’s leading companies.

Meet Our Innovative Alumni

Here at Newhouse, we are proud of the innovative spirit and leadership abilities of our diverse student body. That’s why we’ve highlighted just a few of the success stories from our alumni below.

Stacey Hajdak

Stacey Hajdak

Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Affiliated Distributors, G’14
Location: PA

A former commissioned officer in the United States Army Reserve, Stacey Hajdak graduated from the M.S. in Communications Management program in 2014 while both working full time and having a family. Speaking about her peers, she says “my fellow classmates’ perspectives and experiences added to the richness of the academic material—the faculty was incredibly smart and knowledgeable, and tough but caring—and the diverse curriculum covering public relations, business and strategy, and public affairs all are making me a better practitioner.”

James Patry

James Patry

Systems Marketing Director, North Country Healthcare, G’13
Location: NH

Combining his M.S. in Communications Management from Newhouse with an MBA, James Patry sees limitless potential in his future. He’s worked in marketing and public relations for more than 20 years and has advanced his role within his current organization since earning his degree with Newhouse.

What Positions Can M.S. in Communications Management Graduates Pursue?

  • CEO/President/Owner
  • Chief Communications Officer
  • Crisis Communications
    Consultant
  • Director of Communications
  • Director of Communications & Digital
    Engagement
  • Manager of Content Creation
  • Public Information Officer
  • Senior Director of Marketing & Communications
  • VP of Communications
  • VP of Public Relations

The Online Student Experience

Developed through research on how students actually learn best online, the online M.S. in Communications Management program is designed to be delivered in a flexible format so you can earn your degree on the go while working full time. Live, face-to-face classes are hosted via Zoom, where most sessions are capped at 15 students to promote collaboration and discussion.

In-Person Immersions

Our program is delivered entirely online except for two in-person immersions. These weekend-long excursions—which take place on the Syracuse campus and in select domestic and international cities—give you the opportunity to develop hands-on skills and meet peers, faculty and industry leaders in person.

Explore the immersion experience.

Capstone

As a CommsManagement@Syracuse student, you will take a capstone course during your final term. In the course, you will complete an independent project focused on strategic communications innovation as well as managerial and leadership strategies that impact an organization's bottom line.

World-Class Faculty

Our Newhouse communications management faculty are renowned experts in their fields who bring real-world expertise to the classroom. Their years of industry experience in communications management helps students stay plugged in to the evolution of the field across the corporate, agency, government and not-for-profit sectors.

Our faculty will work alongside you throughout the program, both in class and in one-on-one sessions, to ensure you receive the academic attention and career guidance you need.

Learn more about our faculty.

Admissions and Application Requirements

Applicants for the online M.S. in Communications Management program must have at least three years of work experience as well as a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution to apply.

Since all students are experienced working professionals, GRE/GMAT scores are not required for our online master’s in communications management program. However, if you feel that your scores add to your application, please include them.

You must submit:

  • an online application,
  • your resume and a 500-word personal statement,
  • transcripts from all institutions attended,
  • three letters of recommendation, and
  • an online video interview.

The fee to apply to the program is $75, however some students may qualify for a fee waiver. If you’d like to waive the application fee, or have questions about any application items, contact an admissions counselor at Phone Number: +1-844-797-2666 or admissions@communications.syr.edu.

Become a Recognized Leader in the Communications Field