Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication

Communication technology has changed rapidly over the past 20 years, with the key development being the emergence of social media. While social media has changed the ways in which we communicate worldwide, it has also drastically changed how organizations communicate with multiple stakeholders. It has opened up numerous new communication channels for companies to connect with current and potential audiences, and thus, the importance of social media’s role is significant in both modern marketing efforts and branding. There is an irrefutable need for organizations to be able to utilize different social media platforms to both engage consumers and increase brand impact and influence. Through case studies, interactive assignments, and a social media project, this course will introduce students to best social media practices, while they acquire the necessary skills for managing a social media platform and developing a strategic social media plan.

Leaders, analysts and managers across the communication industry have to grapple with the implications of ever-increasing volume of data and detail of information captured by many enterprises. Communication has flourished and enhanced the use of Data Analytics in that, news, PR campaigns and Advertising messages are currently now very data driven, and campaign strategies and evaluation of them are based on the analytics of that data. This course aims to introduce Data Analytics concepts to students. Students will examine and apply topics such as Analytics, Social Media, SEO and SEM through hands-on project based learning and teaching.

This course introduces students to the strategic use of digital storytelling to achieve professional communication goals in areas such as public relations, advertising and integrated marketing communications. Stories have always been powerful communication vehicles that transcend barriers and build memorable connections. With the exponential growth of digital communication channels, the ability to identify strategic stories and develop them for multiple media platforms is essential to engage and influence key stakeholders. Using case studies and primary sources, students will analyze content strategies for digital storytelling. They will examine communication practices and narrative techniques used to create compelling brand, organizational and social impact stories from images, audio, text and visual media. Students will also learn to identify and develop digital story ideas that align with professional and organizational communication objectives.

This course introduces students to the four-step process in planning and solving corporate communication problems. Students learn to apply course concepts to hypothetical situations through individual and group work on IMC cases. Group project assignments enable students to (1) gain experience in doing collaborative work and (2) develop a problem-solving approach to on-the-job situations that an IMC professional is likely to encounter. An important aspect of working on problems in class is an introduction to the various techniques and strategies of communicating with target audiences. In addition to the assigned reading material, the course also features guest speakers from the advertising and public relations professions to bring a real world dimension to the material.

This course provides students with an understanding of the concepts, roles, processes, techniques, and strategies of communication research. The course examines research conducted in both the professional and academic settings, and includes quantitative (surveys, experiments, content analyses) and qualitative (focus groups, etc.) methods. The main goal of this course is to help students become intelligent "consumers" of research -- to provide the tools needed to evaluate and interpret research, as well as the ability to make knowledgeable decisions about the uses and benefits of research.

The emphasis in this course is on the role of strategic thinking about promotional elements in the field of advertising. The development of an integrated marketing communications program requires an understanding of the overall marketing process, including how organizations plan for advertising and determine their advertising goals and objectives. Students in this course examine the process of planning, developing, and executing an advertising campaign and related integrated marketing communications programs, as well as the various factors and considerations that influence this process. Advertising starts with research, and moves through analysis, planning, action and evaluation; hence, this course requires students to undertake the kind of strategic thinking, planning, and execution that is done by marketers, researchers, media planners, and copywriters. Throughout the course, students learn how advertising is regulated and about the key social issues and consumer problems with advertising.

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of integrated marketing communication (IMC) and provide an overview of developments in the field. Students learn about the profession of corporate communication and its interface with society. Some of the topics addressed in the course include the relationship between public relations (PR) and marketing, the history and development of advertising and public relations, public opinion and its role in IMC planning, media relations, research for campaign design, global communication, and crisis management.

This course is designed to present students with a graduate-level overview of contemporary mass communication. We focus on the relationship between mass media and society and the ethical issues inherent in that relationship; in the process, we identify current trends, particularly in technology, that are changing the nature and function of traditional mass communication. Students gain insight into the influences of mass communication on business, government, politics, education, the home environment, and non-profit institutions, as well as related ethical issues.

Managing media relations for organizations is the focus of this course. The course is intended to increase knowledge of the principles and methods of generating publicity as well as the basics of planning and writing media relations campaigns. The rapidly changing nature of global companies and the convergence of new information technologies are influencing the ways that communication professionals achieve their goals. Students work individually or in teams to plan a comprehensive media relations program, to communicate a clear message, and to evaluate the effectiveness of public relations strategies for a chosen client. Lectures, readings, group work, guest speakers, and class discussions focus on techniques useful in such areas as local & national publicity, special events, and in community and government relations for organizations.

This course explores how and why consumers behave the way they do. Consumers can be indi­vidual households buying goods and services for their own consumption or they can be buyers in industrial and other business-related markets. The course takes an interdisciplinary, in-depth approach to the study of buyer behavior.

The purpose of this course is to explore the nature of marketing in a global context. This includes the decision of extending or adapting domestic marketing strategies for use abroad and the special demands of managing the marketing functions globally. Major emphasis is on devel­oping global marketing strategies. However, the course also addresses issues of importance to entrepreneurs just entering global markets.

This course provides a practical view of how Digital Marketing has grown to become a strategic foundation for today’s marketer. It is critical to have a basic understanding of the tools and best practices of Digital Marketing and how they are applied to build marketing programs that are smarter and faster. The course will cover how branding and marketing messages translate across digital platforms and how the latest techniques to reach and engage audiences are assessed and integrated into the marketing strategy.

This course introduces students to the dynamics of social influence. Students learn the theories, strategies, and techniques of persuasion as a means of shaping public opinion and attitudes. The course examines how individuals, business, government, and institutions craft messages and communicate through the press, entertainment media, advertising, and public relations. Primarily through public opinion research, students can ascertain and understand the beliefs, attitudes, and values of groups and society. Students learn how to craft persuasive messages, how to evaluate the attempts of others to persuade audiences, and how to recognize and avoid unethical attempts at persuasion.

The comprehensive examination provides evidence of student knowledge of key concepts, skills, and other important materials related to the communication field. Preparation throughout the semester includes reading and analyzing case studies related to the major with the completion of two Mock Exams for which students review previous course materials in order to analyze relevant issues and concepts in various case studies. The timed half day Final Comprehensive Exam requires the student to analyze case studies in the major and/ or in the area of concentration, by developing written responses that integrate skills, concepts and an understanding of course materials, coursework and other educational experiences in the degree program.

Students completing a master’s thesis design, conduct, and report original research related to their concentration, working closely with a faculty advisor in the department and following detailed guidelines provided by the department. Prerequisites: COM795, COM701, COM703

The project can be a document, a video, or a multi-media presentation developed under the guidance of a Lasell College faculty member to applying communication skills and professional expertise derived from the student's program of graduate study. Such projects are designed to solve some problem in communication that is relevant to the student's area of concentration in public relations or integrated marketing communications.Prerequsite: COM703

The internship is a hands-on working experience in the student’s field of concentration requiring a minimum of 150 hours of placement under the supervision of both an employer and a faculty member. Beginning in the semester preceding the internship placement, the student identifies what type of organization they desire for their internship. The student holds primary responsibility for obtaining a field experience site and is responsible for setting up interviews with prospective internship sites. Students may not perform internships at their current place of employment without prior consent of the Communication Graduate School Chair. This course is taken during the student’s final graduate semester.