20210305_CenterCityStock_008-High%20Res%20JPEG%20300%20DPI.jpg

Communication for Development and Social Change MS

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. 

Program Format & Curriculum

Time limit for degree completion: Although designed for full-time students to complete in one year, part-time students can take up to four years to complete. 

Full-time/part-Time status: While the degree program can be completed on a full- or part-time basis, full-time enrollment is strongly encouraged.

Campus location: Main Campus

Coursework: The 30-credit Master of Science in Communication for Development and Social Change includes 18 credits of required core coursework, nine credits in a specialization and three credits of capstone field experience. Some of the major courses include

  • Communication for Social Change Project Design;
  • Research Approaches in Communication and Social Change; and
  • Seminar in Media, Communication and Development.

Learn more about program requirements.

Related Graduate Degrees

Related Graduate Certificates

Careers

The Communication for Development and Social Change MS prepares graduates to be communication specialists who prioritize societal impact. Our students learn to craft persuasive campaign messages; raise public awareness about specific social issues; build consensus; and generate change by effectively using the range of communication alternatives available, whether by empowering marginalized voices, facilitating processes of community dialogue, or through media campaigns for governmental and nongovernmental institutions. Positions held by our alumni after graduation include

  • communications consultant for the United Nations, 
  • communications manager for Read by 4th, 
  • community outreach specialist for Stokes Creative Group,
  • digital communications specialist for UNICEF,
  • monitoring and evaluation officer for Greenpeace, and
  • project manager for The Corps Network.

Learn more about career opportunities for graduates.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Science offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,264.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,693.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Program Director

Clemencia Rodríguez, professor and director of the Master of Science in Communication for Development and Social Change.
Email: Clemencia@temple.edu

Program Contact

For more information about the Master of Science in Communication for Development and Social Change, please contact

Clemencia Rodríguez, director
Phone: 215-204-5752
Email:

Kaitlin Fitzsimmons Pierce, graduate office director
Phone: 215-204-8560
Email:

Study Away

Take on new challenges, immerse yourself in developing communities and facilitate social change in an array of settings in the U.S. or around the world, through the Communication for Development and Social Change MS’s Global Opportunities programs. 

Our Global Opportunities programs create leaders in media and communication by providing opportunities to study and work while experiencing life in influential urban centers throughout the world. 

You have the option of studying or interning in more than 20 destinations in the U.S. and around the world, including Costa Rica, India, South Africa and more.

These study away programs are designed to not only enhance your marketability in the global workplace, but also to increase your cultural capital and support your personal growth. Learn more about study away programs with the Lew Klein College of Media and Communication.

Accreditation

Temple University’s departments and programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Additional Program Information