The Communities and Networks Degree
The Communities and Networks degree is for aspiring leaders who want to up-skill in the latest technology. You’ll join an intimate professional cohort to learn to build community, drive positive change and strengthen organizations. This program equips you to:
- Craft content that engages and inspires diverse audiences
- Stay ahead of the newest communication technologies and tools
- Understand and influence organizations and communities
Career Options
The Communities and Networks degree will equip you for prominent roles including:
- Communication Strategist
- Community Manager
- Program Manager
- Alumni/Employee Engagement Manager
- Outreach Manager
Degree Requirements
Coursework (45 credits total)
Core requirements (15 credits total):
- COMMLD 501: Leadership and Communities (5 credits)
- A Law and Ethics Elective (5 credits)
- A Research Methods Elective (5 credits)
Electives (30 credits total):
- Up to 10 credits from outside the degree emphasis
- Maximum of 5 credits from outside the Communication Leadership program
Electives can include:
- COMMLD 593 internships (max 15 credits
- COMMLD 591 independent research (max 10 credits)
- COMMLD 600 research project (5 credits)
No thesis requirement.
Optional COMMLD 600 Research Project for those interested in a PhD.
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
Alumni Testimonials
Brittany Martin
Strategic Inclusion Leader
Netflix
“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 Foundation
“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 paths:
Launch your career in marketing, content creation and media production. Focus on innovation, storytelling and audience-centered approaches to digital media.
45 credits
An expanded degree for those seeking a structured path to build robust digital media skills and applied experience in the changing communication industry.
60 credits
University of Washington
Department of Communication