Purdue Logo Left
Brian Lamb Logo Right

Events & Resources

Whether its keeping up-to-date with out student newsletter, reading about our Alumni success stories, or finding the information you need in our student FAQ, the student resource site is here for you.
Success Express NewsletterStudent FAQs

Virtual Events

The Brian Lamb School of Communication’s online programs are taught by award-winning industry experts and designed for working professionals.

Webinars

Join us for an informational webinar where we will cover the online program offerings, the admissions process, and you’ll have a chance to ask questions of our faculty.

All events occur in Eastern time zone

These interactive virtual events cover information about Purdue’s MS in Communication plus our stackable graduate certificates in Strategic Communication Management and Communication and Leadership.

Information sessions are available concerning life as an online student, investing in education and application assistance. For a list of these events, visit Purdue University Online’s events page.

Student Success Stories

Sara_Paule

Life on Mars is the next challenge for Purdue online MS in Communication student

When Purdue graduate student Sara Paule saw the email dangling an opportunity to spend a couple weeks on Mars over her holiday break, she was intrigued — to say the least. “Immediately my jaw dropped open and I thought that is 100% the kind of insanity I want to be involved in,” Paule said. Paule applied, went through the interview process and was chosen for the mission. Now, she will be serving as the crew journalist and executive officer on the Purdue crew inhabiting the Mars Desert Research...

Graduate Student Ena Foreman Uses Her Communication Skills to Challenge Popular Misconceptions

Purdue’s online MS in Communication student Ena Foreman is a passionate communicator who brings energy and dedication to every conversation she has – but even as a communication expert, her communication style is sometimes misconstrued.   In this Q&A story, Ena discusses how her communication style shapes her interactions, fosters collaboration, and drives her toward making a positive impact on the world. She also discusses some of the misconceptions that surround certain communication...

Graduate Student Kyle Richardson Finds Real-World Success Through Purdue’s Online Communication Curriculum

Graduate school is a big investment, and most graduate students make that investment in the hopes it will lead to career growth. In this Q&A story, Kyle Richardson, an online MS in Communication student, sheds light on how his education at The Brian Lamb School of Communication at Purdue University has helped bolster his professional life in Washington, D.C. at a busy consulting firm.  In this conversation, Kyle shares his journey of turning classroom lessons into real-world triumphs,...

Military Veteran Uses Master’s of Communication Degree to Boost His Sales Skills and Accomplish His Business Goals

Like many military veterans, Andy Glenn – a regional sales coordinator for Aflac – did not have a traditional educational trajectory. Glenn started his undergraduate education after he completed his military training and stopped after earning his associate’s degree, eager to join the workforce. After graduating, he got married, had children, and started a good corporate career. As his life took shape around him, he wasn’t sure if there was any room left for going back to school and earning his...

Former Accountant Uses Master’s in Communication Degree to Jumpstart a Career Change

After 11 years of working as an accountant, Amanda Young stood at a career precipice. On one hand, she was considering going back to school to earn her CPA (Certified Public Accountant) designation and continuing in the accounting field – after all, it was a good way of making a living. But on the other hand, Young was starting to realize that her true passion was outside of the accounting world. Over her career, she noticed that many accountants struggle to communicate complex ideas to their...

Purdue Master’s in Communication Student Balances Graduate Studies with an International Career

Already a successful international communication professional, Ye Ji Lee needed a graduate program that would enable her to continue working for the United Nations in Jordan. While browsing possible options, Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Communication stood out. “Purdue’s program had multiple features that made it the clear choice,” Lee said. “It was completely online, so I could continue working while completing it; and it was specifically designed for professionals, so...

Online MS in Communication: FAQs

Find answers to popular questions for the 100% online Masters in Communication degree asked by many of our new online students.

DO I NEED A BACKGROUND IN COMMUNICATION TO QUALIFY FOR ADMISSION?

You do not need an undergrad degree or work experience in communication to qualify for the program. Current statistics show that about half of graduates had an undergraduate degree in communications, and 76% worked in a communication-related position or industry.

HOW DO ONLINE CLASSES WORK?

Most of the coursework is asynchronous, meaning that there are not specific times that you need to be in the course. However, interaction with your instructor and peers is a major component of our classes. As an online student at Purdue University, you’ll log into a virtual online classroom interface that includes areas for assignments, discussion boards, e-mail, and more. Just like in a traditional classroom, you’ll complete coursework and exams and interact with your instructor and classmates, but it will all be online.

You can access and work on your coursework at any time—you just need to complete your assignments according to the schedule posted by your instructor.

DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE A THESIS?

No, a thesis is not required for this program.

IS FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE?

Financial aid is available. For more information, please call 765-496-0990 to speak with a member of our recruiting team.

IS THE GRADUATE RECORD EXAM (GRE) REQUIRED FOR THIS PROGRAM?

The GRE is not required for this program but is recommended for students that performed below a 3.0 GPA at the baccalaureate level. Please discuss requirements with you admissions advisor.

IS SUPPORT AVAILABLE FOR VETERNS OR STUDENTS IN THE MILITARY?

Purdue University offers worldwide access to online programs to veterans, uniformed personnel and their families — whether during their service or after. Our 100% online communication graduate programs are accessible anywhere, anytime making it possible to complete them even while deployed. Purdue’s Veterans Success Center provides guidance on military-related education benefits, including the GI Bill and military tuition assistance. For more details, visit the purdue.edu/veterans.

HOW MANY TOTAL CREDITS ARE REQUIRED?

The online MS in Communication at Purdue University requires a total of 30 credit hours, including eighteen credit hours of required courses and twelve credit hours or electives.

HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I ALLOW FOR DOING HOMEWORK AND COMPLETING ASSIGNMENTS?

Plan on devoting 15–20 hours a week to coursework, depending on the course requirements that week and your study habits.

IS AN IN-PERSON RESIDENCY REQUIRED?

No. Purdue University does not require an on-site residency. That means you can earn the MS in Communication degree from anywhere in the United States or around the world without temporarily relocating to complete a residency program.

DOES THIS PROGRAM PREPARE ME FOR PHD PROGRAMS?

This program facilitates opportunities for professionals working in areas related to public relations, marketing, advertising and other related areas of corporate, non-profit and government sectors. Students interested in pursuing a PhD are encouraged to apply to our campus-based program.

IS SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO ALL STUDENTS?

As an online student, you will have access to a multitude of support resources when you need help or guidance, starting with new student orientation to familiarize yourself with the online learning environment. Other services include a help desk for technical issues, a student services coordinator, financial aid advisers and more.

HOW ARE THE ONLINE PROGRAMS DIFFERENT FROM THE ON-CAMPUS PROGRAMS?

Purdue University’s online courses are just as rigorous and challenging as their on-campus counterparts. The main difference is the online format, which allows you greater convenience as to when and where you learn.

WHAT IS THE FREQUENCY OF STARTS FOR THIS PROGRAM?

Purdue University offers three starts per year for this program, Spring (January), Summer (April/May), and Fall (August).

WHY IS THIS PROGRAM A MASTER OF SCIENCE VS. A MASTER OF ARTS?

The degree earned is considered a Master of Science since it focuses on the science of communication.

CAN I VISIT CAMPUS?

Yes. Students are always encouraged to visit campus and experience all that Purdue has to offer. For visitor information, visit www.purdue.edu/visit.

WHAT IF I HAVE AN ACCREDITATION IN PUBLIC RELATIONS (APR) CREDENTIAL OR EARN IT WHILE IN THE PROGRAM?

The APR represents a significant accomplishment and demonstration of expertise in Public Relations. If you hold an APR, or earn it concurrently while in our program, you will receive the equivalent of six (6) transfer credits toward the MS degree requirements in our online program that will be applied toward your plan of study in lieu of two of our courses that overlap significantly with APR requirements (COM 60211: Strategic Public Relations and COM 60311: Crisis Communication or Purdue approved alternatives).  This saves you significant time and cost associated with achieving your MS degree at Purdue (20%). If you are unfamiliar with the APR, learn more. If you have more questions about how this credential is applied to your degree or how to apply to our program, talk with an admission counselor today.

WHAT WILL MY TRANSCRIPT AND DIPLOMA SAY?

Your transcript will state: Communication – MS

Your diploma will state: Master of Science

The Success Express Student Newsletter

Check out what our students and faculty have been up to recently!

The Success Express is created by the Brian Lamb School of Communication Online Success Coach team, designed to help graduate students develop success strategies as they complete online graduate communication programs at Purdue University.