Academics»Master Applied Communication Research

Master of Applied Communication Research

Two students sit at the base of a staircase and look at a laptop together, while blurred figures pass and other students sit behind them.

You will develop research and analytical expertise to turn complex data into meaningful insights and informed communication operations and strategies.

Build advanced skills in quantitative and empirical methods, statistics and analysis, supported by AI, and applied to communication and media fields. Learn from USC Annenberg faculty with deep academic and industry expertise in Los Angeles, a global hub for communication, entertainment and technology.

As a STEM specialization drawn from the Master of Communication Management program, the MS in Applied Communication Research will prepare you to examine audiences, organizations, media platforms and algorithmic-driven social networks with agility and rigor. You will graduate equipped to translate data and evidence into analytic insights for strong operations and executable strategy, to build impact for your career, companies, and clients.

Program Information

Application Information

By the numbers

Top 5
school for studying communication and mediaIn 2026, QS World University Rankings named USC among the foremost schools for studying communication and media in the U.S.
In 2026, QS World University Rankings named USC among the foremost schools for studying communication and media in the U.S.
100% %
of our Class of 2025 employed within 12 months of graduationOur recent graduates have gone on to distinguished careers with employers such as Legendary Entertainment, Amazon and other major e-commerce operators, as well as companies like TikTok and POP MART.
Our recent graduates have gone on to distinguished careers with employers such as Legendary Entertainment, Amazon and other major e-commerce operators, as well as companies like TikTok and POP MART.
24
months to complete your master’s degreeStudents pursue the MS in Applied Communication Research on a full-time basis over two academic years.
Students pursue the MS in Applied Communication Research on a full-time basis over two academic years.
900+
on-campus studentsStudents across USC Annenberg’s master’s programs are from  top-tier institutions and represent multiple nationalities and cultures.
Students across USC Annenberg’s master’s programs are from  top-tier institutions and represent multiple nationalities and cultures.
Two students work on laptops in an atrium space against a background of a large digital screen displaying a colorful image.

STEM-designated degree program

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) designated programs provide the interdisciplinary skills needed to drive the future of communication and business. Our MS in Applied Communication Research qualifies as a STEM-designated degree program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and provides potential extension of employment opportunities in the U.S. for international graduates via application for a 24-month extension of a 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization.

Learn more

Next steps

  Attend a USC Annenberg event Engage with the speakers, artists, journalists and communicators of today.   Stay in touch Let us know if you’d like to receive more information about the Applied Communication Research program.   See our school Explore USC Annenberg at the heart of the USC campus in Los Angeles, California.   Get started on your application Take the first steps toward your unique USC Annenberg experience.