Data and Communication, M.S.
Data driven decisions, data-based strategies, and digital storytelling are essential skills for communication professionals. This flexible online program is aimed at professionals who want to enhance their career with skills needed to analyze, understand, and communicate data using current and future technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make meaningful impact in their workplaces and society.
Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation students will be able to:
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of the strategic planning processes and the various steps involved in managing, implementing, and managing strategic communications.
- Students will evaluate systems for data mining and analysis for optimal communication and storytelling solutions.
- Students will apply data and information gathering techniques, multiple data analysis approaches and master tools for data interpretation.
- Students will evaluate ethical challenges in the digital domain and create appropriate strategic communication responses.
- Students will critically analyze AI generated output.
Degree Requirements (30 hours)
Core Courses
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ISCI/JOUR 709 | Fundamentals of Data and Digital Communications | 3 |
| ISCI 534 | Knowledge Discovery Techniques | 3 |
| Select one of the following Digital Law and Ethics courses: | 3 | |
| Media Law | ||
| Information Policy and Ethics | ||
| Select one of the following Research Methods courses: | 3 | |
| Research Design and Evaluation | ||
| Research Methods in Mass Communication | ||
| JOUR 705 | Strategic Communications Principles | 3 |
| ISCI 560 | Data Visualization | 3 |
| ISCI/JOUR 788 | Implementing Data and Digital Communications | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 21 | |
Electives (9 hours)
9 credits of electives are required for this degree. Electives must be approved by an advisor.
At least half of the program of study must be at the 700 level or above