USC Annenberg Graduate Booklet

GRADUATE STUDIES

Everything

starts here.

At USC Annenberg, we are student-centered and industry-engaged as we advance the fields of communication, journalism, and public relations.

Here, you gain access to the knowledge, experiences and connections that shape how stories are told, how influence moves and how industries evolve. You learn from accomplished faculty whose scholarship and professional expertise bring real-world perspective into every classroom, while collaborating with peers who challenge and inspire you.

Our network in Los Angeles and around the world creates opportunities to connect intellectual rigor and ethical foundations with professional practice through research, internships, mentorship and experiential learning. In stateof-the-art facilities and one of the world’s great media capitals, you engage with the ideas, technologies and leaders shaping the future of communication.

The knowledge. The tools. The network. The experiences.

All of it is here, in your hands.

Willow Bay Dean, USC Annenberg Walter H. Annenberg Chair in Communication

Thrive in a rigorous academic environment that places you at the forefront of best practice, thought leadership and emerging research.

GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMS

PhD Communication (PhD) Learn cutting-edge theory and research methodologies through rigorous classes and independent and collaborative research projects as you prepare for careers in academia, industry, government and nongovernmental organizations.

Master’s Communication Data Science (MS) (joint degree with USC Viterbi School of Engineering) Develop the skills to uniquely connect the communication, media and technology industries by applying communication theory to big data projects.

Public Diplomacy (MPD) Understand how governments and non-state actors use media and communication to shape public opinion, international relations and public diplomacy for domestic and global audiences.

Communication Management (MCG) Build a foundation in theory and applied research to design and execute effective communication strategies and tactics across a range of business functions.

Public Relations and Advertising (MA) Prepare to advocate on behalf of a person, brand or organization by executing strategies informed by audience insights, and producing multiplatform storytelling grounded in ethical frameworks and data intelligence.

Digital Social Media (MS) Learn the theory, practice and strategic mindset that are essential for developing and managing social media platforms, digital media, apps and online communities.

Global Media and Communication (MA)/ Global Media (MSc) (dual degree with the London School of Economics and Political Science) Examine the transformational role of communication and media in an increasingly interconnected world from two media capitals — London and Los Angeles.

Specialized Journalism (MA) Produce high-level, long-form reporting grounded in content-area expertise developed by taking courses across the university.

Specialized Journalism (Arts and Culture) (MA) Learn to report on and magnify the arts, food and culture while building multimedia journalism skills.

Journalism (MS) Develop into a deadline-driven multimedia journalist producing cross-platform stories in a converged news environment.

Online Degree Programs For information on online degree programs, including Communication Management (MCG), Digital Media Management (MS), and Public Relations Innovation, Strategy and Management (MS), visit: annenberg.usc.edu/academics.

Gain access

to the networks, technologies and experiences that

move industries forward.

Our community will engage and challenge you. → Top scholars and practitioners who have won Emmys, Pulitzers, Silver Anvils and the MacArthur “Genius” Grant, among many other distinctions and accolades → Graduate students with myriad academic and professional backgrounds → A global network of alumni and industry partners ready to empower you to lead across a rapidly evolving media and communication landscape

Our state-of-the-art facilities will give you an edge. → A media center that combines USC Annenberg’s student-run digital, television, radio and public relations operations → The Digital Lounge, a creative makerspace where you can experiment with digital tools → Creator studios to explore digital content production, storytelling and emerging media innovation → Forum space to convene with experts from academe and industry → Technologically enabled classrooms and student collaboration areas

Our location in the city of Los Angeles will position you in one of the great media capitals of the world. → A culturally diverse city as a laboratory for your scholarship and professional practice → USC Annenberg’s location on the University Park Campus, minutes from downtown Los Angeles → Access to scholars, industry leaders, and cultural icons

492

industry partners engaged with students last year through experiential learning and event opportunities.

28,000+

members of USC Annenberg’s global alumni network.

Build a foundation for lifelong

professional growth and success.

Academic Advising → Work one-on-one with an academic advisor who helps you shape your path, building an academic plan that fits your goals.

Career Development → Connect your studies to real-world opportunities, working with a dedicated career advisor to design a meaningful career pathway that is uniquely yours. → Engage with professionals in L.A. and cities around the globe through experiential learning, internship, research and mentorship opportunities that span the media and communications landscape.

Experiential Learning → Spring Break Career Immersions that provide diverse perspectives and practical insights in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world → Applied learning courses that connect academic study with field reporting and collaborative projects for industry partners Faculty Mentorship → Renowned scholars and practitioners from across the communication, journalism and public relations landscape who share their deep expertise and critical guidance as you work toward your professional goals

Who we are

958 65

on-campus graduate students (Spring 2025)

Communication Doctorate

114 Communication Data Science 284 Communication Management 256 Digital Social Media 31

Global Media and Communication

20

Journalism

31

Public Diplomacy

128 Public Relations and Advertising 23

Specialized Journalism

6

Specialized Journalism (Arts and Culture)

States represented: Arkansas

Massachusetts Utah

California

New Jersey

Virginia

Florida

New York

Washington

Georgia

Ohio

West Virginia

Illinois

Oregon

Wisconsin

Louisiana

Pennsylvania

Maryland

Texas

Countries represented: Indonesia Argentina Israel Australia Italy Austria Kazakhstan Brazil Kyrgyzstan Canada Luxembourg Chile Macao China Mexico Colombia Morocco Costa Rica Nepal Finland Nicaragua Guatemala Pakistan Honduras Peru Hong Kong Poland India

Russian Federation Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Taiwan Uganda United Kingdom United States of America Uzbekistan Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

Our mission and vision: At USC Annenberg, we believe advancing our core disciplines of communication, journalism, public relations and public diplomacy requires an embrace of the world’s complexity, attentiveness to all manners of difference, and respect for the dignity of every human being.

Through collaboration and continuous growth, we strive to create an environment where individual voices are valued, diverse perspectives are considered and meaningful dialogue flourishes. This commitment supports a culture of inclusive excellence and transformative learning for our students, faculty and staff.

Next steps Review the degree-specific application requirements at: annenberg.usc.edu/ gradapply In accordance with applicable federal and state laws, the University of Southern California prohibits discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics. For more information you can view USC’s Notice of Non-Discrimination in its entirety at: ocrc.usc.edu/policies-and-processes/notice-of-non-discrimination

0626