School of Communication
Why study communication at USC Annenberg
At the root of all communication is a belief that we have something in common, that the ideas and stories of one person, community, or organization can be connected to the ideas and stories of others. To study communication is to study what we share and how we share it. At USC Annenberg, we believe communication is essential for enabling more just and equitable worlds of culture, media, politics, technology and data.
As innovations in information and communication technologies continue to change the way we live, work, play and learn, USC Annenberg remains at the forefront of efforts to explore these social, cultural, rhetorical and organizational processes. Our faculty inventively fuse their scholarship, public-facing practice, and expertise in communication studies with disciplines such as political science, psychology, sociology, computer science, information sciences, media studies, and cultural studies.
This intellectual diversity serves as the foundation for how we seek to transform the future in meaningful ways. It’s also how we prepare our students to understand and manage — and directly shape — the communication revolution.
PhD
Communication (PhD)
Learn cutting-edge theory and research methodologies through rigorous classes and independent and collaborative research projects as you prepare for careers in academia, industry, government and NGOs.
Master’s
Communication Data Science (MS)
Develop the skills to uniquely connect the communication, media and technology industries by applying communication theory to “big data” projects.
Communication Management (MCG)
Build a foundation in theory and applied research to design and execute effective communication strategies and tactics across a range of business functions.
Digital Media Management (Online) (MS)
Become a leader who understands the evolving media landscape, makes ethical, data-informed decisions and builds a more equitable future by managing diverse teams.
Digital Social Media (MS)
Learn the theory, practice and strategic mindset that are essential for developing and managing social media platforms, digital media, apps and online communities.
Global Media and Communication (MA) / Global Media and Communications (MSc)
(dual degree with the London School of Economics)
Examine the transformational role of communication and media in an increasingly interconnected world from two media capitals — London and Los Angeles.
Public Diplomacy (MPD)
Understand how governments and non-state actors use media and communication to shape public opinion, international relations and public diplomacy for domestic and global audiences.
Undergraduate
Communication (BA)
Gain a theoretical framework and critical understanding for how messages — from interpersonal to mass media — are informed, created, distributed and consumed.
Our PhD program is among the world’s best.
Doctoral students at USC Annenberg are at the scholarly forefront of the communication revolution. They learn innovative theory and research methodologies through rigorous courses and independent and collaborative research projects as they prepare for careers in academia, industry, government and NGOs.
Student and alumni work
Seeing yourself in the story
Communication management alumna Charlene Riofrio reflects on her path from USC to Fox Deportes and the importance of opening doors for students who want to work in media.
Decoding the digital disruption
Professor and alumnus Paolo Sigismondi offers a keen-eyed survey of tech-driven tumult in the media industry.
Three scholars, three journeys
Soyun Ahn, Essence Wilson and Nicole Bush reflect on the personal and intellectual journeys behind their dissertations — spanning digital mapping, mental health interventions for Black teens and care-based activism.