Students in the Doctor of Philosophy in Communication learn theories that guide research into communication processes and effects and into institutions and technologies that lend pattern to communication.

Anne Marie Campian
Senior Graduate Adviser
School of Communication
campian@usc.edu
(213) 740-0903
FAX: (213) 740-8036
Administers the PhD in Communication program

Your Orientation Program PhD

PhD students will be sent information regarding Orientation via e-mail.

PhD Resources​

• Academic Integrity
• PhD Handbooks
• Other useful

The Master of Communication Management (MCG) program teaches concepts and skills relevant to today’s communication professional. You will learn how to design and execute effective communication strategies and tactics across a range of settings, such as supporting a corporation in crisis to regain credibility, or crafting a compelling story for a non-profit organization, or researching new markets for an emerging brand. Throughout the program, you will enhance your critical thinking, presentation and writing skills, to be persuasive to colleagues and clients. USC Annenberg offers two delivery methods for this degree.

You may complete the degree program at your own pace. The fastest pace is four terms (fall, spring, summer and fall) taking two courses in the first term and up to three courses (with faculty approval) in subsequent terms. The slowest pace is one course per term (with or without summer sessions).  However, most students complete the degree program in two years (without summer sessions).  International students on an F-1 visa must enroll in a minimum of 8 units (two courses) each Fall and Spring semester.

The Master of Communication Management (MCG) requires 32 units of coursework to graduate.  Each MCG course is 4 units. Required courses include:

• CMGT 540:  Uses of Communication Research (taken in the student's first fall semester).
• CMGT 501:  Communication Management Pro-Seminar (taken in the student's first spring semester).
• CMGT 597a and CMGT 597b: Communication Research Practicum (taken in the student's penultimate and final semesters respectively).

Communication Management is a broad field that encompasses many different specialties and disciplines.  In the on-campus program, you may strategically hone in on a focus for depth and choose another area or two to develop breadth in your studies.  Each area has its associated courses that are organized into five areas of focus below:

• Marketing Communication
• Entertainment Management
• Health and Social Change
• International and Intercultural
• Organizational and Strategic Communication

Your Orientation Program Master of Communication Management

Information regarding the orientation program will be sent by email to all incoming students.

We look forward to seeing you at orientation!

The Digital Social Media (MS) teaches you leadership and management of social media, digital media and online communities. You will develop expertise in the practice, theory and strategies that are essential for success in today’s business and social landscape. Topics include design and management of social media sites and apps, game development and theory, entrepreneurship, innovative uses of emerging technologies, and creation of content and strategy, as well as the science of persuasion and affiliation.  

You will gain a broad understanding about the underlying social science theories and the human behaviors that underpin human activity in the digital sector. Overall, you will develop expertise in the leadership and management of digital social media, whether focused on a business, nonprofit, activity, product, service or opportunity.  

The Digital Social Media (MS) requires 32 units of graduate study. It is a full-time program that is completed in one calendar year, January to December.

Your Orientation Program Digital Social Media (MS)

Information regarding the orientation program will be emailed to all incoming students.

We look forward to seeing you at orientation!

The Master of Public Diplomacy (MPD) combines the resources of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and USC College’s School of International Relations. This program is designed for students who already have a substantial undergraduate background in social sciences or relevant professional experience in subjects such as communications, film and media studies, journalism, political science, public relations, and international relations. Students in the program may decided to emphasize public diplomacy training most appropriately for a career in public service, the corporate world or in a non-govermental organization (NGO) working the ever-expanding global civil society.

Requirements for the completion of this degree program are 49 units, including the required substantive paper or alternative project. Students must complete each class with a grade of “C” or better and must maintain a 3.0 grade point average.

Your Orientation Program Master of Public Diplomacy (MPD)

Information regarding the orientation program will be emailed to all incoming students.

We look forward to seeing you at orientation!

The Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism is a program focusing on experienced professionals who are choosing to specialize in a field of journalism that requires advanced reporting skills and subject matter expertise. The program is also open to recent journalism school graduates with records of excellence in their university classes and internships and to other outstanding applicants with demonstrated aptitude and experience in journalism.

Your Orientation Program Specialized Journalism (MS)

Orientation will be integrated into the Summer Digital News Immersion. Information regarding the Summer Digital News Immersion will be emailed to all incoming students in summer.

The Global Communication (MA) requires 42 units to graduate; 18 units earned at the London School of Economics (LSE) and 24 units earned at USC.

Year at LSE: The LSE academic year has three terms. Students will complete classes approved by faculty at the LSE. Students must earn at least 3 units at LSE, which articulates as 18 units at USC.

Year at USC: Students must complete COMM 598 as well as 20 elective units from the School of Communication graduate curriculum. Students may choose one of their elective courses from a department outside Annenberg with the approval of their adviser.

Students will produce a final research project on global communication that will be the product of work done at the LSE and Annenberg. Students complete a research project during the summer after their year at the LSE for which grades are awarded by LSE faculty. A passing grade is required. They will continue to develop this project during their year at Annenberg in COMM 598 and must earn a grade of B- or higher.

Students will be awarded a Global Communication (MA) by USC as well as a Master of Science (MSc) in Global Media and Communications by the LSE.

Your Orientation Program Global Communication (MA)

Information regarding the orientation program will be emailed to all incoming students.

We look forward to seeing you at orientation!

The Specialized Journalism (The Arts) (MA) is a program for journalists as well as recent graduates holding bachelor’s degrees in journalism or one of the arts or experienced practitioners with a background in the arts who seek to specialize in coverage of the arts and culture. Students will complete 18 units of specialized journalism course work, including a master’s professional project, taken within USC Annenberg and 16 units of approved elective course work from faculty-recommended lists in at least two arts schools with at least 8 units from one school. The arts schools are Architecture, Cinematic Arts, Fine Arts, Music and Theatre.

Your Orientation Program Specialized Journalism (The Arts) (MA)

The orientation program will be integrated into the Summer Digital News Immersion. Information regarding the Summer Digital News Immersion will be emailed to all incoming students in summer