Program Overview

Branding and Integrated Communications (BIC) Master of Professional Studies

The Branding and Integrated Communications (BIC) Master of Professional Studies is a 36-credit, portfolio-driven graduate program that combines theory and practice in an interdisciplinary, multi-tracked curriculum. This curriculum is designed to create the communications leaders of the future, reinforcing City College's commitment to innovation, scholarship, and leadership.

Program Overview

Located in the media capital of the world, the BIC program brings together a unique community that is energized by its diverse voices, talents, experiences, and demographics. The program examines today's evolving cross-disciplinary communications challenges in ways that not only benefit the bottom line but also add value to society.

Areas of Specialization

There are four areas of specialization:

• Creative
• Management/Brand Strategy
• Media
• Public Relations

Application Process

The application process requires various documents, including:

• Resume
• Personal Statement of approximately 500 words
• College transcript demonstrating strong competency in the major area with evidence of serious academic intent and a 3.00 GPA (or equivalent)
• Two samples of writing (academic papers, capstone projects, research analyses, etc.) and/or professional work
• One "passion project" submitted as a case study or proposal
• 2 letters of recommendations in support of candidacy

Applicants interested in the Creative specialization must also submit:

• A spec portfolio consisting of 2 print campaigns
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)

Admission Requirements

• Total Credits: 36
• GRE Required: No
• Minimum Language Test Scores: 577 (TOEFL PBT), 90+ (TOEFL IBT), 7 (IELTS), 61 (PTE), or 110 (Duolingo)
• Degree Awarded: Master of Professional Studies

Program Details

• The M.P.S. in Branding + Integrated Communications is a full-time program and will only admit part-time students on a limited basis.
• It does not offer courses for non-matriculated students.
• The program has a unique curriculum that teaches branding and integrated communications in an integrated way.
• The portfolio-driven thesis demonstrates evidence of specialization depth in an integrated framework.
• Topical seminars, guest lectures, and one-credit courses enhance foundational courses in theory and application.
• Project-centric practicums focus on single, semester-long clients in which cross-disciplinary teams work collaboratively.
• All students dedicate a full semester to an integrated communications campaign advocating for a non-profit organization.

Faculty and Alumni

• BIC Adjuncts: active, high-level professionals from companies such as Meta, GroupM, VMLY&R, Ogilvy, and Golin.
• BIC Professors: expertise in the areas of advertising creative direction, design, branding, and strategy.
• Advisor to Student Ratio: 10/1.
• Faculty Degrees: University of Pennsylvania, The New School, School of Visual Arts, Harvard, Princeton, Tufts, and Northwestern.
• Industry Awards: Cannes Lions, ONE Show, Effies, etc.
• BIC alumni areas of impact: Communications Agencies (39%), Brands/Publishers (28%), Academia (11%), Public Service/Non-Profit (18%), Start-up/Entrepreneurial (4%).
• Post-BIC Jobs at: Apple, IBM, BBDO, Ogilvy, Droga5, TBWA, Google, Fenton, American Express, Amazon, Meta, 360i, Berlin Rosen, NAACP, HunterPR, Columbia University, New York Times T-Brand Studio, etc.
• Pre-BIC Degrees from: CUNY/SUNY, NYU, Yale, Howard, Cornell, Dartmouth, Syracuse, University of Kansas, etc.