USC Annenberg Academics
Explore our academic programs
Through its distinctive undergraduate majors and graduate degree programs, USC Annenberg is preparing the next generation of scholars and professionals to inquire, innovate, and lead at the global crossroads of media and culture.
Undergraduate majors
![Communication students attending a panel discussion in an auditorium with four panelists on the stage and one speaking on a wireless microphone](/sites/default/files/academics-1-comm.jpeg)
Communication (BA)
Gain a theoretical framework and critical understanding of how messages — from interpersonal to mass media — are informed, created, distributed, and consumed.
![Student reporter in the Media Center](/sites/default/files/academics-2-jour.jpeg)
Journalism (BA)
Guided by journalistic and ethical standards, you investigate, write, and produce news stories while innovating across platforms.
![Journalism student working at a desk at USC Annenberg](/sites/default/files/academics-3-pr.jpeg)
Public Relations and Advertising (BA)
From developing brand messages to establishing a content strategy to implementing social media campaigns, learn how to advocate on behalf of a person, brand, or organization.
Master’s programs
![Wallis Annenberg Hall exterior](/sites/default/files/academics-4-cds.jpeg)
Communication Data Science (MS)
Develop the skills to uniquely connect the communication, media, and technology industries by applying communication theory to “big data” projects.
![Student presenting at a whiteboard](/sites/default/files/academics-5-mcm.jpeg)
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.
![Students working together in the Media Center together at a computer](/sites/default/files/academics-6-dmm.jpeg)
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.
![Hands typing on a laptop](/sites/default/files/academics-7-dsm.jpeg)
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.
![Collage of Hollywood sign and Elizabeth Tower in London](/sites/default/files/academics-8-global.jpeg)
Global Media and Communication (MA) / Global Media (MSc)
Examine the transformational role of communication and media in our globalizing world from two media capitals — London and Los Angeles — while earning master’s degrees from USC and the London School of Economics.
![Two students working together in front of the Media Center at Wallis Annenberg Hall](/sites/default/files/academics-9-mj.jpeg)
Journalism (MS)
Develop into a deadline-driven multimedia journalist producing cross-platform stories in a converged news environment.
![Public diplomacy student speaking into a microphone in a forum](/sites/default/files/academics-10-mpd.jpeg)
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.
![Professor explaining data on a computer to a student](/sites/default/files/academics-11-pra.jpeg)
Public Relations and Advertising (MA)
Prepare to advocate on behalf of a person, brand, or organization by executing strategies informed by audience insights, and producing multiplatform storytelling grounded in ethical frameworks and data intelligence.
![Group working together at a table](/sites/default/files/msprism.jpg)
Public Relations Innovation, Strategy and Management (Online) (MS)
Build a foundation in critical thinking, ethics and data-driven decision-making to lead across the full spectrum of PR, marketing and advertising functions.
![Woman laughing, working within a group of people at a table](/sites/default/files/academics-12-sj.jpeg)
Specialized Journalism (MA)
Produce high-level, long-form reporting grounded in content-area expertise developed by taking courses across the university.
![Person with artwork projected onto them](/sites/default/files/academics-13-sja.jpeg)
Specialized Journalism (Arts and Culture) (MA)
Learn to report on and magnify the arts as a critical aspect of culture while building multi-media journalism skills.
PhD program
![Student receiving their doctorate](/sites/default/files/academics-14-phd-2.jpeg)
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.
Undergraduate Minors
Our undergraduate minors allow students to learn across a broad range of disciplines.