MS Data and Communication at University of South Carolina

Programme overview

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.

Faculty: College of Information and Communications | Department: Information and Communication Studies | Duration: 21 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbia, SC, United States

What you will 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.

Career pathways

Potential careers include Account Planner, Strategist, Account Manager, Data Analyst, Marketing Manager, Marketing Specialist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admissions (University of South Carolina Academic Bulletin): Minimum qualifications or prerequisites for applicants: At least a 3.0 grade point average If you're an international student, you will need to take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of at least 90 or score a 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Those with a degree from an English-speaking institution are eligible for an exemption from this requirement. Exceptions may be made for those who have 2.5 gpa and at least two years of relevant work experience. Application materials: Two letters of recommendation, including at least one from an academic source. Letters of recommendation should not come from friends or family members. Your official academic transcript. Your résumé. Your statement of purpose, which explains why you are applying. The GRE is not required. If you have current scores and would like to submit them with...

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer terms; Fall applications open the prior September, Spring applications open in January and Summer applications open in May.

The graduate application fee is $50 per primary application, reinstated effective August 1, 2026. Deadlines are programme-specific. The Moore School of Business, the Arnold School of Public Health and the College of Nursing use their own applications; the Moore School charges an additional $50 application fee for graduate programmes.

Apply through the official page: https://www.sc.edu/admissions-at-sc/applications/index.php

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