Corporate & Organizational Communication

Incorporating the case method, research into the latest communication trends, interactive learning formats, and experiential learning opportunities, this program addresses complex communication challenges—providing students with a distinct advantage in today’s competitive marketplace. The curriculum also reflects the transformational impact of social technologies on the communication patterns of employees, customers, investors, and other audiences. Your instructors have real-world communication experience in the private and nonprofit sectors—they have practiced what they teach.

Unique Features

• Six concentrations that align with in-demand skills needed in this profession
• A variety of experiential learning opportunities, from co-ops to consulting projects, and a capstone project for professionals
• Transfer credit is offered for up to 20% of total tuition if you have an APR, CMP, SCMP, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or HubSpot Academy certification
• Design an ePortfolio to create a personal and professional brand and synthesize learning across the curriculum
• Faculty bring real-world experience to the in-person and online classroom

Featured Concentrations

Public and Media Relations

The PR concentration features a virtual public relations firm enabling you to work on assignments for a real-world client using the HubSpot marketing platform. Read our Q&A with concentration lead Ed Powers and watch the video below for more information!

Cross-Cultural Communication

The cross-cultural communication concentration offers practical tools to successfully navigate cultural fields of interest, and gain skills to develop a cultural audit.

Read our blog post from Professor Patty Goodman about insights on cross-cultural awareness in the workplace.

Social Media

Select from courses in interactive marketing, digital branding, SEO, online customer behavior, digital marketing analytics, and social media strategy. Offered both online and on-location.

More Details

The Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication is designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and experiential learning opportunities required to succeed in a dynamic field.

• Online application
• Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): Identify your educational goals and expectations of the program. Please be aware that Northeastern University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose.
• Professional resumé
• Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
• English language proficiency proof. Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
  • Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
  • TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores

Once your application is submitted, received, and processed, you will be able to access your Application Status Check. If you are required to provide further information regarding your proficiency in English, you will be able to complete the requirement in several ways, depending on your familiarity with English, and the frequency with which you use English each and every day:

• Non-native English-speaking applicants will be required to submit official and valid results from one of the following English Language Tests:
  • C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (Cambridge English)
  • Duolingo English Test (DET)
  • IELTS Academic
  • PTE Academic
  • TOEFL Internt-based Test (CEEB Code: 3667) Northeastern will accept either the in-person version completed in a test center, or the TOEFL iBT Home Edition
• However, based on your academic environment and the primary instructional language in either your high school or university, you may be eligible for a waiver. All waivers must be submitted through your Application Status Check. For additional information and to determine whether or not you are eligible for a waiver, please read the section below on waiving the English proficiency requirement.

Please note: Northeastern’s Admissions Committee reserves the right to request proof of English language proficiency from any applicant, regardless of citizenship or first language, at any time during the evaluation process.

According to the Burning Glass Labor Insight database, the value of a graduate degree in organizational communication is very clear: 37% of hiring employers prefer or require candidates for many communication roles to have a graduate degree. Additionally, there are over 345,000 open job listings related to corporate and organizational communications.

• 1.Create your application

  Submit your application through The Common Application or the Coalition Application (both are accepted). Once you have created your application, please select Northeastern University to directly submit your application to us. Application fee of $75 or need-based fee waiver* *Northeastern accepts need-based fee waivers from the Common Application, the Coalition Application, as well as organizations such as the College Board and ACT, or in a written request from a school official.

• 2.Submit all required materials

  Double check to make sure that you have submitted all required materials. Even if your application has been submitted, we cannot begin reviewing your file until all of your required materials have been received. For applicants applying for the 2022-2023 academic year, Northeastern University is test-optional and does not require standardized testing to complete an application for admission.

• 3.Check your application status

  Within seven days of applying, you should receive a confirmation email containing your Northeastern University ID number and instructions for setting up your Application Status Check account. To ensure all of the necessary documents have been submitted, and for updates or information about your application, visit your application status check.