The Communities and Networks Degree
The Master of Communication in Communities and Networks is a boutique degree for aspiring leaders who want to re-skill in the latest technology while learning to build community and strengthen organizations.
In small classes alongside other professionals, you’ll learn to manage change, adapt to emerging trends, and design effective strategies for engaging diverse audiences.
Sample Classes
Classes offered in the Communities and Networks degree include:
- Building Online Communities
- Leadership in Emergent Tech: Communications in the Age of AI
- Designing the Workplace of the Future
- Communication for Advocacy
- Storytelling for Mission-Driven Organizations
Career Options
The Communities and Networks degree will equip you for prominent roles including:
- Communication Strategist
- Community Manager
- Program Manager
- Internal Communications Specialist
- Alumni/Employee Engagement Manager
- Outreach Manager
Degree Requirements
To earn a master’s degree, students must complete a minimum of 45 credits. Master of Communication in Communities and Networks requirements include:
Three core requirements totaling 15 credits:
- COMMLD 501: Leadership and Communities (5 credits)
- A Law and Ethics Elective (5 credits)
- A Research Methods Elective (5 credits)
Other elective courses totaling 30 credits:
- 10 credits may be taken outside of chosen degree emphasis, including a maximum of 5 credits taken outside of the Communication Leadership program
- Electives may include COMMLD 593 internship (max 15 credits), COMMLD 591 independent research (max 10 credits), or COMMLD 600 research project (5 credits)
- The program has no master’s thesis requirement. If students are interested they can complete a COMMLD 600 Research Project. It is a rare occurrence, and usually most appropriate for students planning to continue on to a PhD program and enter academia as a professor and researcher.
Alumni Testimonials
Britt Hoffmann
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Senior Manager
Peloton
“Joining the Comm Lead program was the best decision I made in starting my career. I was young, ambitious, and ready for the challenges to come, but I didn’t have a solid direction. Be prepared to find yourself, question what you know, and make connections that will last well beyond this program.”
Joe Hunich
Communications Specialist
Greater Tacoma Community Foundations
“Prior to enrolling in the Communication Leadership program, all my professional experience was in the education field. [After graduating] I was able to leverage my MCCN skills to land a job where I get to be involved in all kinds of community building work in my own hometown. I learned a lot from the way my colleagues and instructors modeled creativity, leadership, and friendship.”
Compare Degree Options
The Communication Leadership Program offers two other degree options. The Master of Communication in Digital Media emphasizes content creation, adapting to emergent technologies, and proficiency of digital platforms. The Master of Communication in Communication Leadership provides a broad foundation of preparation for those changing career fields or with little experience looking to launch a new career in the communication industries.
University of Washington
Department of Communication