Northwestern University

Date: Dec 31 1969
Major: Communications (This Major's Salary over time)
This review concerns the MSC program specifically. Although administration seems to view this program as highly successful, I believe the student perspective differs and deserves to be told.

The program is very good, but if you enroll to put yourself on a better career track, you might be wasting your resources and ought to at the very least look into other programs before making this commitment. The curriculum is theory based, and it is in the study of communication (not the study of the field of communications, a perhaps subtle but essential distinction).

You won't emerge from this program with demonstrated skills in developing communication plans, working with the media, managing privacy within organizations, or developing strategy in global environments. You'll understand the world better, but that likely won't go far in your job search when you are competing with dozens of other candidates who may have more specific and desirable skills.

As a student in this program at this university, I expected to have job prospects when I graduated. I don't. (In fact, the university itself has turned me down for several communication jobs.) I enrolled in the program to make myself more employable, and I am sorry to say I have been very disappointed in the results. I feel I made a bad bet.

If you are already on a good career track and are seeking a Master's degree to enhance your potential, this could be a perfect program for you. However, if you are a job seeker and looking to make a professional transition, buyer beware.