Data driven decisions, data-based strategies, and digital storytelling are essential skills for communication professionals. This program combines courses from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication with the School of Information Science. This flexible online program was created for professionals who want to update their skills or those seeking to enter their career with the most up-to-date skills.

Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation students will be able to:

1. Understand data and information gathering techniques, multiple data analysis approaches and master tools for data interpretation. 
2. Develop systems for data mining, selection, collection, regression, classification, clustering, and storytelling, integrating information and using theoretical and technical resources to design solutions. 
3. Understand and strategically respond to communication and ethical challenges in the digital domain. 
4. Apply theory and research methods to develop data-based strategy and gain insights for desired communication outcomes.
5. Describe strategic planning processes and the various steps involved in developing, managing, implementing, and managing strategic communications. 

Degree Requirements (30 hours)

Core Courses

Course List

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
JOUR 706	Media Law
ISCI 805	Information Policy and Ethics
Select one of the following Research Methods courses:		3
ISCI 705	Research Design and Evaluation
JOUR 701	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