Emerson College’s online Digital Communication Leadership graduate program features a 32-credit curriculum option and a 28-credit Executive Format option. Housed in the School of Communication, both formats of the program are entirely online and asynchronous, meaning you can take courses from anywhere and at any time that works best for your schedule. Students can begin in the fall or spring term.
Digital Communication Leadership Curriculum
Standard Format 32-Credit Curriculum
Our 32-credit Standard Format curriculum consists of 4 core courses (16 credits) and 4 elective courses (16 elective credits) and can be completed full-time in one year or part-time in two years.
Executive Format 28-Credit Curriculum (5+ years professional experience)
The program is also offered in an Executive Format curriculum consisting of just 28 credits.
Working professionals with at least 5 years of relevant work experience can waive one elective class (4 credits) to complete the program for a total of 28 credits.
The Executive Format requires the same four courses (16 core credits) as the Standard Format, but only three elective courses (12 credits). Your eligibility for the Executive Format will be reviewed when you apply. This format can be completed full-time in one year or part-time in two years.
Courses
Core Courses
The following courses are required to complete the degree for the Standard and Executive Format:
| Course | Credits | Modality |
|---|---|---|
| Leading Organizational Change | 4 | Online |
| Project Management & Communication | 4 | Online |
| Inclusive Leadership & Conflict Management | 4 | Online |
| Leading Effective Teams | 4 | Online |
Elective Courses
Standard Curriculum: Choose four elective courses (16 credits) to complete the degree. You can mix and match courses to fill in knowledge gaps based on your needs.
Executive Curriculum: Choose three elective courses (12 credits) to complete the degree. You can mix and match courses to fill in knowledge gaps based on your needs.
The following courses are a sample of our elective course offerings.
| Course | Credits | Modality |
|---|---|---|
| Emerging Communication Technology | 4 | Online |
| Online Content Strategy | 4 | Online |
| User Experience Design | 4 | Online |
| Digital Analytics | 4 | Online |
| Cross-Platform Audience Strategy & Messaging | 4 | Online |
| Digital Crisis Management | 4 | Online |
Sample Curriculum Map
The following is a sample curriculum map based on the standard 32-credit, full-time, one-year-long schedule. You can also complete the degree part-time in two years and start the degree in the spring (January) semester to fit your needs.*
Program Start: September
Fall Semester 1 (8 Credits)
- Project Management and Communication
- Leading Organizational Change
Spring Semester (8 Credits)
- Leading Effective Teams
- Inclusive Leadership and Conflict Management
Summer Semester (8 Credits)
- Digital Crisis Management
- User Experience Design
Fall Semester 2 (8 Credits)
- Cross-Platform Audience Strategy and Messaging
- Online Content Strategy
Program End: December
*Subject to change