MS in Corporate and Public Communication

The Master of Science (MS) in Corporate and Public Communication at Florida State University (FSU) is a professionally oriented graduate programme designed to prepare students for communication leadership roles across businesses, government agencies, nonprofit organisations, and educational institutions. Offered through the College of Applied Studies at FSU's Panama City campus, the programme combines organisational communication, marketing communication, public relations, crisis management, conflict resolution, and research analytics to help students manage complex communication challenges and develop effective strategies for engaging stakeholders.

Curriculum Structure

The programme requires 33 graduate-level credit hours, consisting of 24 credits of core coursework, 6 credits of electives, and a 3-credit capstone course. Students study communication theory and principles, research methods, and practical applications, before completing an applied professional communication project and defending it during their final semester. The programme is available online and in person, and can be completed in approximately two years when students take courses during summer sessions.

Core Coursework – Theory and Principles: Students develop an understanding of organisational communication and persuasive communication through courses such as Organizational Communication Theory and Practice (COM 5126) and Studies in Persuasion (SPC 5545). These subjects explore communication theories, persuasion techniques, and how organisations can use communication to address workplace and stakeholder challenges.

Core Coursework – Research and Methods: Students strengthen their ability to evaluate communication practices and conduct applied research through Communication Research and Analytics (COM 5319) and Assessing Organizational Communication (COM 5127). They learn research design, data collection, analytical methods, surveys, and communication assessment techniques to evaluate organisational effectiveness.

Core Coursework – Applications: Students apply their knowledge through Corporate and Strategic Communication (COM 5525), Group Dynamics and Leadership (SPC 5442), Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Resolution (COM 5807), and Crisis Communication Management (COM 5236). These courses develop practical skills in strategic messaging, leadership, conflict management, and organisational crisis response.

Electives and Capstone: Students select two electives, such as Consumer Behavior in Corporate Communication (COM 5576), New Communication Technology (RTV 5423), Statistical Methods in Communication Research (COM 5316), and Strategic Global and Cross-Cultural Communication (COM 5435). In the final semester, students complete Capstone Course in Corporate Communication (COM 5947), an applied project that demonstrates their ability to use communication theories and professional research methods to address a real-world communication situation.

Focus Areas

Corporate Communication, Public Communication, Organisational Communication, Strategic Communication, Marketing Communication, Public Relations, Crisis Communication, Conflict Resolution, Persuasion, Public Affairs, Public Information, Issue Management, Communication Research, Research Analytics, Communication Assessment, Consumer Behaviour, Group Dynamics, Leadership, Cross-Cultural Communication, Stakeholder Engagement, Communication Planning.

Learning Outcomes

Apply communication theories and principles to corporate and public communication challenges; plan and implement marketing, advertising, and public relations campaigns; develop strategic communication plans for organisations and stakeholders; conduct qualitative and quantitative communication research; collect, analyse, and interpret organisational communication data; assess communication practices and organisational effectiveness; use persuasion techniques to influence audiences and stakeholders; manage interpersonal and organisational conflicts; develop communication strategies for crisis situations; demonstrate effective leadership and group communication skills; deliver professional presentations and communicate research findings; address communication challenges across business, government, nonprofit, and educational environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme provides applied professional training in corporate communication, public affairs, public information, strategic communication, and issue management. Florida State University does not identify a specific external professional accreditation for the MS in Corporate and Public Communication on its official programme page. The curriculum focuses on developing practical communication, research, leadership, and problem-solving competencies for professional careers.

Reputation (Employability and Career Opportunities)

Florida State University designs this terminal master's degree for students who are currently employed or seeking professional advancement in communication-related positions. The programme develops practical experience in planning marketing communication campaigns, resolving organisational conflicts, assessing communication practices, managing crises, applying persuasion techniques, and analysing research data. Students also have access to FSU's Career Center and its NoleNetwork employment platform, which connects students and alumni with employers and career opportunities.

Potential career opportunities include Corporate Communications Manager, Public Relations Manager, Public Affairs Specialist, Strategic Communications Specialist, Marketing Communications Manager, Communications Director, Crisis Communications Manager, Internal Communications Specialist, Organisational Communication Consultant, Media Relations Specialist, Government Communications Officer, and Nonprofit Communications Manager.