Professional and Executive Programs
Acquire the new knowledge and communication skills you need to adapt, innovate and lead in a rapidly evolving global business landscape.
USC Annenberg builds bridges between academe and industry by delivering relevant and dynamic curricula for professionals and lifelong learners. Step outside your day-to-day as our faculty immerses you in the research, scholarship, technology and tactics that are reshaping the contours of media and communication and transforming the future of work.
Our distinguished faculty tailor instruction to your organization’s needs.
Our faculty cultivate a rigorous academic environment that positions you at the forefront of best practice, thought leadership and emerging research. Guided by their industry-leading expertise, and aided by our staff’s unparalleled support, our professors design programs that build new knowledge, enable leadership to drive organizational change, and advance careers in communication, journalism, public relations and public diplomacy.
Learn in state-of-the-art facilities with technology built for the future of communication and media.
USC Annenberg’s leading-edge facilities are located at the heart of USC’s University Park campus in Los Angeles, California. Our Media Center is a unique newsroom, classroom and incubator built for experiential learning. Combine theory and practice with hands-on media production experience by customizing programs in areas such as digital media or data analytics.
Thoughtfully crafted programs answer real-world challenges.
USC Annenberg offers professional development programs at the intersection of communication’s most urgent touchpoints such as navigating global markets, advocating on behalf of a cause, and fostering transformational change in diverse work environments. Choose one of our existing offers below if you or your organization would benefit from an established curriculum with a history of participant success.
Skills-Building in Public Diplomacy
For nearly 20 years, the USC Center on Public Diplomacy has been the go-to space for public diplomats and international communicators to sharpen their skills through their Summer Institute and four-day mini courses.
Climate Journalism and Communication Training
USC Annenberg’s Center for Climate Journalism and Communication partners with individuals and media organizations to enable climate communicators of all kinds to tell the biggest story of our time.
Managing Complexity in Diverse Organizations
A professional skills-building program that addresses a critical competency for 21st-century professionals — the ability to create, sustain and thrive within diverse work environments.
World Bank-USC Annenberg Summer Institute
Hosted by USC Annenberg’s Center for Third Space Thinking, the annual two-week institute explores pressing communication and political issues through a global lens.
Lead On!: Women in Communication Leadership Forum
This public relations leadership forum is designed for and by women to equip future leaders with real-world skills, insight and practical tools for success.
Media Academy
Our media bootcamps ignite athletes’ post-sports careers in broadcasting, media and business. Collaborative programs include our Broadcaster University with the National Basketball Players Association or our Player Plus Media Academy with Major League Soccer and the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association.
Skills-Building in Public Diplomacy
For nearly 20 years, the USC Center on Public Diplomacy has been the go-to space for public diplomats and international communicators to sharpen their skills through their Summer Institute and four-day mini courses.
Climate Journalism and Communication Training
USC Annenberg’s Center for Climate Journalism and Communication partners with individuals and media organizations to enable climate communicators of all kinds to tell the biggest story of our time.
Managing Complexity in Diverse Organizations
A professional skills-building program that addresses a critical competency for 21st-century professionals — the ability to create, sustain and thrive within diverse work environments.
World Bank-USC Annenberg Summer Institute
Hosted by USC Annenberg’s Center for Third Space Thinking, the annual two-week institute explores pressing communication and political issues through a global lens.
Lead On!: Women in Communication Leadership Forum
This public relations leadership forum is designed for and by women to equip future leaders with real-world skills, insight and practical tools for success.
Media Academy
Our media bootcamps ignite athletes’ post-sports careers in broadcasting, media and business. Collaborative programs include our Broadcaster University with the National Basketball Players Association or our Player Plus Media Academy with Major League Soccer and the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association.
Bespoke programs answer your organization’s unique needs.
Through a close analysis of your organization’s needs and leadership priorities, our faculty and staff will create high-impact educational offerings that explore new methods, tools and ideas to tackle a world in flux. Focus on professional growth, team building and networking with our industry-leading faculty and guest speakers — or tailor your team’s learning to find meaningful solutions to your organization’s biggest obstacles through hands-on problem solving.
Examples of our bespoke programs include Microsoft CommsU, a four-day intensive course that leverages the breadth and depth of USC Annenberg’s expertise, networks and master’s-level curricula to equip executives from all over the world with the practice and leadership skills they need to address this era of transformational change in global communication and culture.
Similarly, our Fanatics Immersion Program is designed to accelerate professional athletes’ shift into business careers. While USC Annenberg and USC Marshall faculty develop a specialized curriculum for participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of business fundamentals, brand strategy, sales and marketing, and storytelling, Fanatics offers athletes exposure to the entirety of its wide-ranging portfolio, including access to top executives in these various divisions.
In-person courses, hybrid programs or online-only lessons allow you to gain an advantage in the modality that works for your team. Connect with us today to develop a program that will meet your organization’s goals.
Take advantage of our online certificate programs
Try one of our online micro-certificates, which allow you to study a 6-course (12-unit) or 3-course (6-unit) curriculum geared toward data-driven, brand communication, digital media, crisis management and more. Examples include certifications in “Data-Driven Brand Communication and Crisis Response” and “Digital Media Fundamentals.” Completed courses may count toward a future USC Annenberg master’s degree.
Set your team apart today
Connect with our staff to explore the right fit for your organization, and to get started on your team’s professional development journey at USC Annenberg.