Program Overview
Data and Communication, M.S.
College of Information and Communications
This flexible online master's degree was designed for both seasoned professionals and recent graduates who want to use data analytics and digital storytelling to reach their strategic communication goals.
Choose this program if you want to enhance your understanding of data analytics and information-gathering techniques for strategic communication while taking advantage of a 100 percent online format that combines the degree you desire with the flexibility you need.
Program Highlights
- 100 Percent Online: Take advantage of the flexibility of pursuing a graduate certificate that is offered 100 percent online.
- Great Advice: Work closely with a faculty advisor to ensure you take elective courses appropriate to your areas of professional interest.
- 11.5 Million: Prepare for a career field that will see a 28 percent increase in the number of jobs available by 2026: that's 11.5 million new jobs.
- Certificate Credits: Your first 12 credits earn you a certificate, so you can pursue jobs and promotions while finishing the master’s degree.
What You’ll Study
We have combined the best courses from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications and the School of Information Science to create a robust master’s program. You'll earn 30 credit hours spread among seven core courses and three electives, including internship opportunities and a capstone course that involves working with real clients.
Building Skills
Gain the professional and personal intelligence it takes to have a successful career.
- Data Analysis: Examining and interpreting information to uncover insights and inform decision making
- Strategic Communication: Connect with a targeted audience through stories backed by data to elevate a brand and building loyalty
- Problem Solving: Identifying, analyzing and resolving problems or challenges using creative and effective strategies
- Database Management: Organizing and maintaining data in a computer system, including storage, retrieval and security
- Innovation: Introducing new ideas, methods or products to improve performance or achieve a specific goal
- Planning and Strategy: Developing and implementing a comprehensive and effective approach to achieve specific goals
Using your degree
Make your college experience the foundation for a successful future.
Potential Careers
- Account Planner
- Strategist
- Account Manager
- Data Analyst
- Marketing Manager
- Marketing Specialist
Workplace Settings
- Marketing
- Communications
- Health Care
- Education
- Technology
Advanced Degrees
Advance your career or options with post-graduate education.
- Certificate: Data and Communication, Certificate
- Doctorate: Library and Information Science, Ph.D.
- Master's: Journalism and Mass Communications, M.M.C.
Related Degrees
- Master's: Learning Design and Technologies, M.Ed.
- Master's: Information Security and Cyber Leadership, M.S.
- Master's: Business Administration, P.M.B.A.
- Master's: Sport and Entertainment Management, M.S.E.M.
- Master's: Linguistics, M.A.
- Master's: Sociology, M.A.
- Master's: Retail Innovation, M.R.
- Master's: Geography, M.A.
- Master's: Geography, M.S.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This flexible online master's degree is designed for both seasoned professionals and recent graduates who want to use data analytics and digital storytelling to reach their strategic communication goals. It is offered 100% online, combining the desired degree with flexibility.
Careers:
Potential Careers:
- Account Planner
- Strategist
- Account Manager
- Data Analyst
- Marketing Manager
- Marketing Specialist Workplace Settings:
- Marketing
- Communications
- Health Care
- Education
- Technology
Other:
- The program combines courses from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications and the School of Information Science.
- It involves 30 credit hours spread among seven core courses and three electives, including internship opportunities and a capstone course that involves working with real clients.
- The program highlights the potential for a 28% increase in jobs in the field by 2026, with 11.5 million new jobs expected.
- The first 12 credits earned in the program result in a certificate, allowing students to pursue jobs and promotions while completing the master's degree.
- The program emphasizes the development of professional and personal intelligence for a successful career.
- Skills developed include data analysis, strategic communication, problem-solving, database management, innovation, and planning and strategy.
Overview:
The University of South Carolina is a public research university with a rich history spanning over 200 years. It is known for its commitment to academic excellence, fostering a welcoming community of scholars and leaders, and providing a diverse range of academic programs.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide array of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Provides resources and assistance to help students succeed in their studies.Career Prep:
Offers guidance and support for students seeking internships, jobs, and career development.Study Abroad:
Facilitates opportunities for students to gain international experience and broaden their horizons.Dining:
Provides various dining options on campus, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.Clubs and Organizations:
Offers a vibrant student life with numerous clubs and organizations for students to join and pursue their interests.Sports and Outdoors:
Provides opportunities for students to engage in sports and outdoor activities, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.Arts and Entertainment:
Offers a variety of cultural events, performances, and entertainment options for students to enjoy.Inclusive Excellence:
Promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or identity.University 101:
Provides resources and information for new students to navigate campus life and academic expectations.My USC Experience:
Offers a platform for students to connect with each other, engage in events, and access resources.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of South Carolina can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university boasts a welcoming community, numerous clubs and organizations, diverse dining options, and opportunities for sports, arts, and entertainment. The campus is also home to a variety of traditions and events that create a sense of belonging and shared experience.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
The university is recognized for its high-quality academic programs and its commitment to research.Diverse Programs:
Offers over 350 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates and specialties.Welcoming Community:
Provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.Unrivaled Experience:
Offers a unique blend of academic rigor, student life, and opportunities for personal growth.Strong Alumni Network:
Provides graduates with a network of support and connections for their future careers.Academic Programs:
The University of South Carolina is home to 15 colleges and schools, offering a wide range of academic programs. Some of the key academic strengths include:
Arts and Sciences:
Offers a broad range of disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.Business:
The Darla Moore School of Business is renowned for its strong programs in finance, marketing, and management.Engineering and Computing:
Offers programs in various engineering disciplines, computer science, and information technology.Medicine:
The university has two medical schools, one in Columbia and one in Greenville, offering programs in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy.Law:
The Joseph F. Rice School of Law is known for its strong legal education and its commitment to public service.Other:
The university is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for its students. It offers various resources and services to support student safety and well-being, including a campus police department, emergency alert system, and counseling services.
