Master's In Corporate and Public Communication

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Florida State University

Program Overview

The Master's in Corporate and Public Communication at Florida State University prepares students to manage communication challenges across businesses, government organisations, non-profits and public institutions. The programme combines communication theory, research methods and practical professional training, helping students develop the skills to plan strategic campaigns, manage organisational relationships, resolve conflicts and communicate effectively during challenging situations.

Curriculum Structure

The programme requires 33 graduate-level credit hours, including 24 credits of core coursework, 6 credits of electives and a 3-credit capstone. Students can complete the programme in approximately two years, including summer coursework. The university does not prescribe a fixed year-by-year course sequence, so the following is an illustrative progression.

Year 1: Communication Theory, Research and Professional Foundations

Students develop a foundation in organisational communication, persuasion and research methods. Courses introduce the theories behind communication in professional environments and teach students how to assess communication practices and analyse research findings.

Key courses:

Organizational Communication Theory and Practice
Studies in Persuasion
Communication Research and Analytics
Assessing Organizational Communication

Year 2: Strategic Applications, Leadership and Capstone

Students build practical expertise in corporate communication, crisis management, leadership and conflict resolution. They can also select electives aligned with their professional interests before completing an applied capstone project that demonstrates their ability to address a real-world communication challenge.

Key courses:

Corporate and Strategic Communication
Group Dynamics and Leadership
Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Resolution
Crisis Communication Management
Capstone Course in Corporate Communication

Elective Courses:

Consumer Behavior in Corporate Communication, New Communication Technology, Contemporary Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, Statistical Methods in Communication Research, Strategic Global and Cross-Cultural Communication.

Focus Areas

Corporate Communication, Public Communication, Strategic Communication, Organisational Communication, Marketing Communication, Public Relations, Persuasion, Crisis Communication, Conflict Resolution, Leadership, Communication Research and Analytics, Cross-Cultural Communication, Consumer Behaviour, Communication Technology.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to plan and implement strategic marketing and public relations campaigns, assess organisational communication practices, analyse communication research and data, apply communication theories to professional situations, manage conflicts and crisis situations, lead groups and individuals, deliver effective professional presentations, and develop communication strategies for internal and external audiences.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Florida State University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award master's degrees. The Corporate and Public Communication programme does not list a separate programme-specific professional accreditation on its official programme page.

Reputation and Employability

The programme is designed for working professionals and graduates seeking career advancement in corporate, public-sector and non-profit communication roles. Its applied curriculum includes campaign planning, organisational communication assessment, conflict resolution, crisis management and research analysis.

Florida State University provides students with access to its Career Center and NoleNetwork, an employment resource that connects students and alumni with potential employers. The university reports that students have identified the Career Center as their number-one employment resource for eight consecutive years. This is a university-wide career-services outcome rather than a programme-specific employment statistic.

Potential Career Opportunities:

Corporate Communications Manager, Public Relations Manager, Communications Director, Strategic Communications Specialist, Marketing Communications Manager, Internal Communications Manager, Crisis Communications Manager, Public Affairs Specialist, Media Relations Manager, Community Outreach Coordinator, Communication Research Analyst, Digital Communications Manager.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Florida State University, the Master's in Corporate and Public Communication program is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences that translate theory into practice. Students engage in a variety of experiential learning opportunities that enhance their practical skills and prepare them for successful careers in communication. The program emphasizes real-world applications through collaborative projects, internships, and access to state-of-the-art facilities and tools.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in this program:

- Internships: Students have the chance to participate in internships with local businesses, non-profits, and government agencies, allowing them to gain valuable industry experience and build professional networks.

- Group Projects: Collaborative projects are a core component of the curriculum, encouraging teamwork and the application of communication strategies in real-world scenarios.

- Digital Tools: The program incorporates the use of industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite for design and content creation, as well as analytics tools for measuring communication effectiveness.

- Field Trips: Students often engage in field trips to local organizations and communication agencies, providing insights into the industry and networking opportunities with professionals.

- Research Facilities: Access to dedicated research labs and resources, including the FSU Communication Research Center, allows students to conduct studies and gain hands-on experience in communication research methodologies.

- Libraries and Resources: The FSU Libraries offer extensive resources, including databases and archives, that support research and learning in corporate and public communication.

- Communication Institute: The program is affiliated with the FSU Institute for Communication Research, which provides additional opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research and projects.

These experiential learning components not only enhance your academic experience but also equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the dynamic field of corporate and public communication.

Consider applying to the Master's in Corporate and Public Communication at Florida State University to take advantage of these incredible opportunities!

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master's in Corporate and Public Communication at Florida State University equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various communication roles. Alumni often find themselves in positions such as Corporate Communications Manager, Public Relations Specialist, and Marketing Strategist. With a strong foundation in both corporate and public communication, graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of today’s communication landscape:

- University Services: FSU offers dedicated career services, including resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events that connect students with industry professionals.
- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to recent data, graduates from this program have a high employment rate, with many securing positions within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for alumni in communication roles is around $60,000, with potential for growth as experience increases.
- University–Industry Partnerships: FSU has established partnerships with leading organizations such as the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and various media outlets, providing students with internship opportunities and real-world experience.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), ensuring that the education you receive meets high standards and is recognized by employers.
- Graduation Outcomes: Graduates report high levels of satisfaction with their education and career readiness, with many advancing to leadership roles within their organizations.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Master's in Corporate and Public Communication, you may choose to pursue a Ph.D. in Communication or a related field, which can open doors to academic positions, research opportunities, or specialized roles in corporate training and development. This advanced study can further enhance your expertise and career prospects in the ever-evolving communication landscape.

Choosing FSU for your Master's program means investing in a future filled with opportunities and growth. Your journey in corporate and public communication starts here!