The Online Master’s in Digital Communication The Online Master’s in Digital Communication The Online Master’s in Digital Communication

From the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media From the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media From the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media 

Lead, Innovate and Influence the Public Conversation

Designed for mid-career professionals, the online M.A. in Digital Communication from UNC-Chapel Hill’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media prepares you to lead and implement data-driven communications strategies for your organization.  

As a student in the program, you’ll become well-versed in digital media theory and application, changing digital media business models and the use of strategic decision-making to achieve an organization’s mission. 

Accelerate your career while maintaining work and family responsibilities with the online master’s in communication program.

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The Online Communication Master’s Degree at a Glance

concentrations

30 credit hours

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2.5 years to complete

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Part-time program of study

Online Master’s in Communication Curriculum 

In our rigorous, project-based curriculum, you’ll explore the economic drivers and technological changes affecting media and communication organizations today. 

The 30-credit program consists of nine sequential courses—taken over two years and one summer term (two courses per semester, one during summer)—followed by a final thesis project in the last semester. 

You will also participate in two required on-campus experiences: a two-day orientation at the beginning of the program, and a five-day summer residency the following May.

Learning Outcomes 

The online master’s in communication program will prepare you to:

  • Harness agile, entrepreneurial thinking for beneficial change and innovation.
  • Find patterns in data, and communicate insights that drive decision-making.
  • Create compelling stories and user experiences across media platforms. 
  • Develop the visual literacy needed to succeed in a design-focused world.

Admissions—Master’s in Communication Online

The online M.A. in Digital Communications offers one cohort per year, which starts in the fall semester. UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media admits up to 20 communications professionals per cohort. GRE scores are not required.

Admissions Requirements:

  • Minimum of three years of professional communications experience
  • A recognized undergraduate degree
  • An undergraduate GPA of “B” or better (3.0 on 4.0 scale)

Review a complete list of application requirements and deadlines for the online M.A. in Digital Communications.

Advance Your Career in Digital Communications

Learn how UNC-Chapel Hill’s online master’s in communication program can help you build on your professional experience and sharpen your skills as a leader.

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The Online Learning Experience

When you study toward a master’s in communication online at UNC-Chapel Hill, you get to network with peer professionals and are able to apply your learning at work immediately.

Most courses are taught asynchronously, meaning there are no scheduled times you must be online. However, you’ll be required to adhere to a syllabus and schedule of assignments with strict deadlines and high standards for participation and performance.

You’ll engage with resources such as: 

  • Online lectures and narrated slides 
  • Lively discussion boards
  • Textbooks and case studies
  • Blogs, video and social media tools

A few classes use synchronous technologies, like Zoom, to host a lecture, discussion or critique. The sessions are recorded, and you are not required to be online at a specific time, but we encourage you to use the opportunity for real-time connection with faculty and fellow students.

Additional Online Offerings From UNC-Chapel Hill

In addition to the master’s in communications online, UNC-Chapel Hill offers other online education options in fields related to media and communication. 

Certificates and Boot Camps

Join a Network of Communications Professionals 

While in the program or after graduation, many of our online master’s alumni have used their new credentials and skill set to land management roles or other new jobs, often in fields they hadn’t previously considered.

Take the next step toward advancing your career and become part of UNC Hussman’s network of more than 17,000 alumni worldwide. 

Ready to get started?

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