Master of Science in Communication for Development and Social Change
The Master of Science in Communication for Development and Social Change in the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University is tailored for communication professionals passionate about utilizing media, communication and digital platforms as tools for transformative social change. Our unique curriculum covers strategic communication and public campaign design while also emphasizing the key roles that empowered communities, local voices and participatory strategies play in social change processes. The Communication for Development and Social Change master’s program is a 30-credit program designed to be completed in one year.
Students are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to effect meaningful change in their communities in areas such as climate adaptation, public health, sustainable agriculture, gender equity, and peace and security. This work requires specific expertise in strategic communication, public information campaigns, participatory interventions, managing and evaluating social change projects, media and information literacy training, and media and digital platforms for social change.
Communication for Development and Social Change Areas of Specialization
Students in the Communication for Development and Social Change program have the opportunity to design their curriculum based on their individual interests and career goals. Specializations previously designed in the program include those listed below; however, students are encouraged to design their own specializations based on their interests.
- Gender justice
- Justice and equity in sports industries
- Digital equity and community-owned internet
- Civic engagement and democratic governance
- Climate change and adaptation
- Public health
- Social justice movements
- Sustainable development
What sets apart our Master of Science in Communication for Development and Social Change?
- An interdisciplinary, customizable curriculum: The program is designed to be interdisciplinary, consistent with the highly interdisciplinary field of communication for development and social change. This allows students to learn from diverse faculty from across the college, exposing them to various perspectives and giving them access to an array of companies, organizations and professionals to get them started in a career in their chosen field.
- A flexible program for professionals: Our program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. While most students are full time and aim to complete the program in one year, working professionals have the option to space out their courses by enrolling part time.
- A unique learning opportunity: Temple’s Communication for Development and Social Change program is one of only two of its kind in the country and it is the only one dedicated to upskilling in applied communication for social change. With our program, you gain a unique education at a leading research institution—giving students specialized knowledge and an invaluable experience.