Master of Science in Corporate and Public Communication

The Corporate and Public Communication (CPC) major in the Professional Communication Master's Degree program was designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in dynamic communication roles within both corporate and public sections. This versatile program is available online and on-campus, providing flexibility to accommodate diverse learning preferences.
The overall purpose of the Corporate and Public Communication major in the Professional Communication degree program is to teach essential skills for graduate students to be successful in communication-based careers. Specifically, the CPC program focuses on training graduate students who are seeking to enhance their knowledge and experience in professional communication and/or gain applied skills for professional growth and career elevation in communication-related positions found in many professional sectors, including corporations, small/large businesses, government organizations, non-profits, and public agencies.

As an Applied Communication program, the CPC major takes a holistic approach to training graduate students across several areas directly related to communication careers, such as: marketing communication, organizational communication, strategic communication, conflict resolution, crisis communication, public relations, persuasion, and data collection/data analytic methods. Thus, students learn how to use a variety of communication channels, tools, and platforms to connect with clients, colleagues, audiences, and other stakeholders.
This terminal Master's degree was designed for graduate students currently employed in or seeking professional positions. The program emphasizes applied skills preparing students for a variety of communication careers. The goals of the CPC program include:
Preparing students for professional careers within business, government, not-for-profit organizations, or educational institutions
Providing students with experience in making formal communication presentations
Helping students develop quantitative and qualitative skills in organizational communication contexts and
Equipping students with basic knowledge of communication theories with particular emphasis on those that apply to corporate and public affairs, public information, and issue management
By providing a broad understanding of different communication strategies, techniques, and best practices students graduate the program with:

Tools to be effective communicators, problem-solvers, and critical thinkers
Direct experience planning and implementing marketing campaigns, resolving conflicts, assessing communication practices, and analyzing research
The ability to navigate complex communication challenges
enhanced knowledge for career fulfillment

A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution, or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) in all coursework attempted while registered as an upper-division undergraduate student working towards a bachelor's degree
All applicants for the Corporate and Public Communication master's program must meet both university and program requirements.
Complete and submit the your graduate application online through the Graduate Application Portal.
Arrange for an official transcript from each college or university attended to be sent to the Office of Admissions. Transcripts may be sent digitally but must come directly from the institutions attended. An unofficial transcript may be uploaded for the College of Applied Studies for review.
In addition to the university requirements, CPC program applicants must meet the program requirements listed below. FSU and the Corporate and Public Communication program applies a holistic approach to the application review process. Applicants that meet the following requirements will be considered for the program but are not guaranteed admission. Admission decisions will be provided through the FSU application portal or by notification from the graduate program faculty or staff.
A bachelor's degree from an accredited university and a GPA (Grade Point Average) of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 system) on all work attempted while registered as an upper-division student working toward a baccalaureate degree.
Official Verbal and Quantitative GRE scores. A typical combined (verbal and quantitative) score for CPC applicants is at least a 285. When registering for the GRE, you must select a location code to send the scores to FSU. This code is 5219. Go to the Educational Testing Service website for more information.
The GRE requirement has been waived for all master's applicants applying through fall 2026. If students choose during this time to not include GRE scores, it is important to have strong GPAs to be considered for admission.
In your FSU application, applicants should submit a self-authored, original, personal statement addressing their interest and fit for this program. This statement will be evaluated for its style, clarity of purpose, organization, grammar, and development of ideas. In the personal statement, all applicants should ensure an answer to at least these questions:
Why have you chosen to apply to this master's program?
What are your career goals and how does this program help you meet them?
Describe your academic and applied professional/organizational experiences that make you a strong candidate for this program (make sure to address both academic and applied experiences)
*Personal statements should be well-proofread, answer all questions above, be 2-3 pages in length, and include double spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font.
Applicants must arrange for the submission of three letters of recommendation through the FSU application process that speak to your ability to succeed in this graduate program. At least one (1) letter must be from an academic source, one (1) should be from professional or organizational experience, and the final letter can be academic or professional/organizational in nature.
Submit/upload a resume or curriculum vitae, which is carefully proofread, professional in nature, and outlines all related academic and professional experiences relevant to this program.
Submit/upload a writing sample to demonstrate your writing ability to the admission committee.
This writing sample should be an original, self-authored 5-10 page paper. Topics can vary and the paper will be evaluated for clarity of expression, writing style, use of format, and potential for graduate-level writing.
Internet based TOEFL (IBTOEFL): 80
Paper based TOEFL (TOEFL): 550
International English Language Testing System (Academic IELTS): 6.5