Program Overview

The Communication Leadership program houses unique degree emphases in digital media and creative engagement. The program guides professionals into transformative roles through the design of networking strategies, anchored in compelling storytelling and insightful analytics. Professionals build the necessary communication knowledge, strategies, and skills to manage content, information, systems, people, and change.

Our program is especially well suited for the Pacific Northwest and its reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship, enhanced by robust social and civic connectivity.

Industry leaders and Department of Communication faculty direct  the program and teach its courses. Both the Master of Communication in Digital Media (MCDM) and Master of Communication in Communities and Networks (MCCN) degrees maintain the rigorous academic standards of the University of Washington Graduate School. Courses are based on the theory and practice of the communication discipline and are taught in a highly collaborative environment.

Four themes capture the learning focus and approach of the Communication Leadership degrees, and permeate the courses:

Innovation:
Staying ahead of the technology curve of today and tomorrow.
Entrepreneurship:
Maximizing opportunities while managing risk through creative business models
Community:
Building sustainable relationships through the power of social networks.
Story & Entertainment:
Engaging through multi-platform narratives that inspire, persuade, and grow trust.

- 20 Credits for the Core
o Communications Through Digital Media and Networks (5 Credits)
o Leadership Through Story and Communities (5 Credits)
o Research Methods (5 Credits)
o Law/Ethics (5 Credits)

- 25 Credits for 5 elective courses in chosen degree emphasis
o 5 credits may be taken outside of emphasis
o 5 credits may be taken outside of Communication Leadership program

- Double Degree Option (pending final university approval)
o Students may earn dual MC degrees
o In accordance with Graduate School policies, students do not have to retake core cohort seminars (10 credits) but are required to take 35 additional credits focused in their secondary area of interest, for a total of 80 credits for both degrees.
o Students must submit a Graduate School application for the second degree.

Degree Emphasis Options:

MCDM
The Master of Communication in Digital Media (MCDM) teaches professionals to understand and utilize the fast changing world of online content and platforms. This is key intelligence for anyone looking to advance his or her career through the use of media innovation.

The MCDM instructs students to:

• identify the importance of relationship building through content creation and syndication;
• refine analytical and research skills; and
• design intelligent engagement strategies.

MCCN
The Master of Communication in Communities and Networks (MCCN) helps professionals build a sophisticated understanding of communication processes and the ways to leverage that understanding to engage successfully with relevant constituencies — audiences, customers, co-workers, members, and supporters. This ability to shape communication strategies is essential to success as our professional environments constantly evolve.

The MCCN instructs students to:

• build collaborative skills necessary to lead change within organizations, communities, and networks;
• recognize and navigate cultural differences at play in and across communities; and
• design effective strategies for engaging diverse publics

If you have any questions about the Communication Leadership program, please contact us: commlead@uw.ed

Click here for a brief that provides more information about the new program.