POINT
GRADUATE STUDIES
This is Point A. At USC Annenberg, we are preparing the most promising minds to inquire, innovate and lead at the global crossroads of media, technology and culture. Our academic rigor positions us as an international leader in scholarship and education across the fields of communication, journalism, public diplomacy and public relations. Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to students’ intellectual growth and professional trajectories. And our network allows us to create opportunities for students to engage in original and exciting work across all of our degree programs. We also offer state-of-the-art facilities, where scholarship and practice are enriched by sharing the same physical and intellectual space. Our home in the dynamic, complex, culturally diverse city of Los Angeles provides a fertile ground for our research and the perfect epicenter for critical conversations among scholars, industry leaders and cultural icons. As a student at USC Annenberg, you will be trained to be a critical thinker and practitioner ready to be at the forefront of not only studying, researching and shaping the contemporary communication landscape, but also actively creating a more ethical and just world. WILLOW BAY Dean, USC Annenberg Walter H. Annenberg Chair in Communication
Graduate Degree Programs Claim your place at the crossroads as you learn from our expert faculty who are committed to your intellectual growth and career trajectory. 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 NGOs.
Communication Data Science (MS)
(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 Communication (MA) (with the London
School of Economics and Political Science) Examine the transformational role of communication and media in our globalizing world from two media capitals — London and Los Angeles — while earning master’s degrees from USC and the London School of Economics.
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 (The Arts) (MA) Learn to report on and magnify the arts and food as critical aspects of culture while building multimedia journalism skills.
Life at USC Annenberg 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 backgrounds from 37 states and 24 countries ► Professional staff in graduate academic advisement and career development
Our state-of-the-art facilities and technological capabilities 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 learn to experiment with digital tools ► A rotating 360-degree studio for conducting and streaming live interviews ► Forum space to convene with expert scholars, industry leaders and cultural icons ► 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, just minutes from downtown Los Angeles
Student Services Academic Advisement ► Professional advising staff dedicated to your academic, personal, and professional growth and success
Career Development ► One-on-one counseling with professional advisers ► Connections with the companies, organizations and industries that employ USC Annenberg graduates
International Programs ► International graduate internship programs in Berlin, Hong Kong, Cape Town and São Paolo
99
graduate courses
3,000+
jobs and internships posted through Annenberg Career Link annually
19,000+ members of USC Annenberg’s global alumni network
With countless opportunities to tap into and give back to our global alumni network, membership in the USC Annenberg Trojan Family is worldwide and lifelong.
Who we are New graduate student enrollment: Communication Doctorate
20
Communication Data Science
11
Communication Management
143
Digital Social Media
45
Global Communication
35
Journalism
38
Public Diplomacy
13
Specialized Journalism
21
Specialized Journalism (The Arts) Strategic Public Relations*
222 faculty
8 61
2019–20 snapshot
932
total graduate students Countries represented by our graduate students: Albania Argentina Austria Brazil Brunei Canada Chile China Colombia Denmark
Finland France Germany India Indonesia Italy Japan Kazakhstan Malaysia Mexico
Nigeria Norway Poland Portugal Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Spain Switzerland
Taiwan Tobago Trinidad Turkey United Kingdom United States Vietnam
Commitment to diversity and inclusion At USC Annenberg, we believe communication provides the most effective means to navigate a world of profound and constant change. We recognize that our dedication to the inclusion and equity of all populations — the true spirit of diversity — is critical to advancing the fields of communication, journalism and public relations. We also understand that the right to free speech and free press carries with it a responsibility to promote tolerance and equality, and to respect the dignity of every human being.
Next steps
Review the degree-specific application guidelines at annenberg.usc.edu/apply
The University of Southern California admits students of any race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability or mental disability. The university’s full non-discrimination policy can be found at policy.usc.edu *In Fall 2020, the Strategic Public Relations (MA) program was transitioned to the current public relations master’s program, Public Relations and Advertising (MA).
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