MASTER OF COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT ONLINE

Strategic Organizational Communication

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Strategic Communications Focus Area Overview

Strengthen the Inner Voice of Your Organization

Communication and business efficiency have one thing in common: both work best when tied to strategy. By focusing your MCM in strategic and organizational communication, you can learn the critical assessment models, social contexts and risk mitigation tactics necessary to solve organizational problems — and enhance communication functions for organizations across industries.

How Has USC’s Online Master of Communication Management Benefited Our Graduates?

Earning an online Master of Communication Management from USC can be a launching point to the next phase of your career, whether that means moving into a management position, changing companies or taking on a more strategic role.

According to Annenberg’s 2024 Career Placement survey, 97% of respondents report that they were employed within one year of graduation.

Here’s a sample of some of their titles and employers:

  • Atlas Clean Energy, Co-Chief Executive Officer
  • Bank of America, Officer; Project Operations
  • California Baptist University, VP, Marketing and Communications
  • Creative Artists Agency, Assistant, Music Marketing
  • Evergreen Trading, Senior Media Buyer
  • General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Regional Marketing Lead
  • Intuit, Customer Experience Group Manager
  • Ketchum, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Food and Cultivate
  • Lionsgate, Senior Sales Coordinator
  • Spurs Sports & Entertainment, Senior Employee Experience Manager
  • U.S. Department of State, Program Analyst
  • US Navy, Public Affairs Manager
  • Wieden + Kennedy, Account Executive

Organizational Communication Careers

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of media and communication occupations is projected to grow 4% from 2018 to 2028 — and is a direct result of organizations integrating their multigenerational, multicultural workforces with digital platforms.

MCM strategic and corporate communications graduates have parlayed their degree into key roles at various professional levels.

Strategic Communication Courses

The online Master of Communication Management program consists of eight courses, totaling 32 credits hours. This includes two required core courses; two required cognate courses; four courses specific to the area of focus; and a capstone course.

Core Courses

CMGT 500

Managing Communication

CMGT 540

Uses of Communication Research

Cognate Courses

CMGT 575

Communicating in Crisis

CMGT 587

Audience Analysis

Focus-Area Courses

CMGT 502

Strategic Organizational Communication

CMGT 505

Communication in Work Settings

CMGT 508

Communicating Strategy and Change

Capstone Theory-Practice Integration Course

Choose one

CMGT 510

Communication and Persuasion

CMGT 597

A & B Communication Research Practicum

For your specific course plan, please contact an enrollment advisor.

Who Can Benefit from the MCM Strategic Organizational Communication Focus Area?

Modern professionals must be well-versed in organizational communication strategies, new media tactics, emerging tools and best practices to enhance businesses and organizations.

 

Expertise areas for MCM graduates include:

  • Human resource management
  • Corporate communication
  • Strategic planning
  • Operations management
  • Communication consulting
  • Other general management functions

Where can you work with an MCM degree?

  • Corporations
  • Marketing and communication organizations
  • Professional, scientific and technical firms
  • Colleges and universities
  • Finance and insurance groups
  • Health care organizations
  • Local, state and federal government departments

Sources: Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Insight 2020 and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Benefit from the USC Annenberg Experience

When you become an online MCM student, you are granted access to the renowned USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and its resources. That means all of our digital libraries, professional networks and accomplished faculty are available to develop your strategic communication expertise and build your confidence to put it into action.

Broaden your skill set with professional growth opportunities:

  • Access a multitude of creative workshops, digital tools and events through the USC Annenberg Digital Lounge, an official Adobe Certification Center
  • Learn from a world-class faculty of leading experts in marketing, new and social media, change management, research and corporate communication
  • Solve real-world problems with experiential learning opportunities
  • Engage with diverse, multidisciplinary professionals across industries
  • Connect with more than 15,000 USC Annenberg alumni worldwide