Master of Science in Mass Communication - Integrated Communication

The Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture prepares effective and skilled communicators through quality instruction, advising, and student services, based on real-world applications. Through research, professional service, and scholarship in applied communications, the school advances the knowledge and practice of a multidisciplinary and evolving media environment. The school values truth, ethics, creativity, innovation, collaboration, cultural diversity, shared governance, and community engagement.

The M.S. in Mass Communications with a concentration in integrated communication trains a new generation of communications professionals who can function in high-level management positions and apply sophisticated strategic thinking to accomplish organizational objectives. All courses are offered online.

The online Integrated Communication concentration guides students through the 21st-century multimedia landscape. Courses build upon skills in strategic thinking, content dissemination, and leadership.

The Robertson School’s graduate program builds on our acclaimed undergraduate program which is at the forefront of schools nationally that require students to have experience with mass communication. Our educators are continually recognized for their expertise in media careers with experience in award-winning agencies and organizations. Our faculty utilize their industry networks to help bridge the gap between the industry and the classroom.

The degree requires 30 credit hours, all of which are in the Integrated Communication concentration. The program is designed so that on-track students will take three courses each in the fall and spring semesters and two courses each in the summer semesters.

The program concludes with an option for a practical capstone project or thesis. Students intending to pursue a doctoral degree are encouraged to choose the thesis option. Students looking to amp up their portfolio will choose the capstone project. Please note that students who wish to embark on an individual research project may choose to do so after consultation with the director of graduate studies if they prefer that over the professional project completed in the capstone.

Degree requirements

In addition to general VCU Graduate School graduation requirements, students are required to complete 30 credit hours of specialized coursework.

Course Overview

• MASC 611 Communication Research, 3 credit hours
• MASC 645 Digital Production, 3 credit hours
• MASC 675 Leadership in Action, 3 credit hours
• MASC 676 Media Law and Ethics, 3 credit hours
• MASC 691 Topics in Mass Communications, 3 credit hours
• MASC 694 Capstone, 3 credit hours

Concentration requirements

• MASC 654 Persuasion, 3 credit hours
• MASC 682 Media Mechanics, 3 credit hours
• MASC 683 Strategic Communications in the Global Environment, 3 credit hours
• MASC 685 Strategy, 3 credit hours

Total Hours: 30

Integrated communication graduates leave the program able to function at the highest levels of management and apply sophisticated strategic thinking to accomplish organizational objectives.

Upon successful completion, you will:

• Demonstrate higher level skills in critical thinking
• Master written and multimedia platforms to communicate clearly and effectively to inform and engage audiences
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct foundational research applicable to mass communication
• Apply tools and technologies required for workplaces
• Develop a working understanding of strategic message design, persuasion, and the ethical principles governing the creation, distribution, and reception of messaging
• Develop a working understanding of the strategic communications process and its impact on audience behavior and decision-making

Earning a master’s degree in communication can help prepare graduates for jobs in corporate communication, journalism, mass media, politics, higher education, or a wide range of other fields. Students who are already employed can use the skills they acquire to advance in their current careers, with some leadership positions even requiring a master’s in communication.

Those interested in changing careers can pursue their master’s in a communication specialization that aligns with their particular professional goals. A master’s in communication can also prepare graduates for doctoral studies and a career in higher education, where they will spend their time conducting research and educating students.

Example Job Titles

• Marketing Consultant
• Marketing Account Executive
• Market Research Analyst
• Public Relations Manager
• Internal Communications Manager
• Sales Account Executive
• Learning and Development Analyst
• Human Resources Manager
• Journalist
• Speech Writer
• Political Campaign Manager
• Technical Communication Specialist
• Health Communication Specialist
• Web Producer
• Fundraising Manager
• Non-Tenure Track Academic (e.g., lecturer, admissions director, academic advisor, etc.)
• Tenure-Track Professor
• Community College Professor