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.
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.
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.
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.
Journalism (MS)
Develop into a deadline-driven multimedia journalist producing cross-platform stories in a converged news environment.
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.
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.
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.
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
States represented:
Arkansas
California
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Louisiana
Maryland Massachusetts New Jersey New York Ohio Oregon Pennsylvania Texas
Our mission and vision:
Utah Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin
Countries represented:
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Brazil
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Finland
Guatemala
Honduras
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Israel
Italy
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Luxembourg
Macao
Mexico
Morocco
Nepal
Nicaragua
Pakistan
Peru
Poland
Russian
Federation
Saudi Arabia
Singapore
South Korea
Taiwan
Uganda
United Kingdom
United States of America
Uzbekistan
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
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