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
- 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.
Admissions Requirements
Minimum qualifications or prerequisites for applicants:
- At least a 3.0 grade point average
- If you're an international student, you will need to take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 90 or score a 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Those with a degree from an English-speaking institution are eligible for an exemption from this requirement. Exceptions may be made for those who have 2.5 gpa and at least two years of relevant work experience.
Application materials:
- Two letters of recommendation, including at least one from an academic source. Letters of recommendation should not come from friends or family members.
- Your official academic transcript.
- Your résumé.
- Your statement of purpose, which explains why you are applying.
The GRE is not required. If you have current scores and would like to submit them with the application, we will review them with the other application materials. If you choose to submit a test score, you’ll need your official score from the GRE (the USC institution code is 5818).
Degree Requirements (30 hours)
Core Courses
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ICOM 709 | Fundamentals of Data and Digital Communication I 1 | 3 |
| or ISCI 534 | Knowledge Discovery Techniques | |
| ICOM 710 | Fundamentals of Data and Communication II 2 | 3 |
| or ISCI 770 | Design and Management of Databases | |
| JOUR 701 | Research Methods in Mass Communication | 3 |
| JOUR 705 | Strategic Communications Principles | 3 |
| ISCI 560 | Data Visualization | 3 |
| ICOM 788 | Implementing Data and Digital Communications | 3 |
| Select one of the following Digital Law and Ethics courses: | 3 | |
| Media Law | ||
| Information Policy and Ethics | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 21 | |
- 1
ICOM 709 is required unless a student accelerated from the BS, Information Science or equivalent program. Students may choose ICOM 709 or ISCI 534 in this case.
- 2
ICOM 710 is required unless a student accelerated from the BS, Information Science or equivalent program. Students may choose ICOM 710 or ISCI 770 in this case.
Electives (9 hours)
9 elective credits are required for this degree. Electives must be approved by an advisor. Electives can be any ISCI, JOUR, or ICOM course. Courses outside of the CIC must be approved by an advisor. Common elective includes:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ISCI 529 | Special Topics in Library and Information Studies | 3 |
| ISCI 534 | Knowledge Discovery Techniques | 3 |
| ISCI 770 | Design and Management of Databases | 3 |
| ISCI 780 | Information Networks | 3 |
| ISCI 794 | Internship in Library and Information Science | 3 |
| ICOM 795 | Special Topics in Information and Communications | 3 |
At least half of the program of study must be at the 700 level or above.