Syracuse University's Newhouse School begins online master's in communications program with inaugural cohort of 31 students

SYRACUSE, N.Y., July 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Courses in Communications@Syracuse, the new online master's degree program offered by the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, will begin today with an inaugural class of 31 students from 9 states across the U.S.

Communications@Syracuse offers students from anywhere in the world the opportunity to earn a Master of Science in Communications from one of the world's leading communications schools through an engaging online platform, in-person immersion experiences and a unique curriculum specifically developed to address today's changing media environment. The program is delivered in partnership with 2U Inc., which works with leading colleges and universities to deliver the world's best online degree programs.

Students in the program select one of three specializations: advertising, public relations or journalism innovation. Each specialization requires foundational courses in multimedia storytelling, social media and digital communications systems, as well as other courses.

"Offering our first online degree program is an important milestone for the Newhouse School," says Dean Lorraine Branham. "The online medium is critical to the way communication happens today and we intend to fully utilize a blend of online and in- person learning experiences to provide students with the skills they need to expand their career opportunities. We are excited to welcome this talented group of online students, many of whom have thriving careers and would not have been able to move to Syracuse to take part in the Newhouse experience."

The inaugural Communications@Syracuse students come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. They join the program from 9 U.S. states, including Washington, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, Ohio, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island. The group includes students with the following characteristics:

• Age range: 22-51
• Average age: 31
• Average years of work experience: 8
• Percent minority: 47

To learn more about the inaugural cohort, see communications.syr.edu/admissions/overview/class-profile.

"The media business has changed, for both communications and media professionals, during the dozen years or so I have spent in the industry," says student Bob Bierman, general manager of Washington Post Live at The Washington Post. "This seems like the right time to pause and consider what that means for my skills as a professional, and for the products I manage. The journalism innovation specialization from Syracuse's new online program features solid media curriculum, informed throughout by the digital era in which we live. Much of what we cover will be immediately actionable in my current workplace."

Communications@Syracuse students can complete the 33-credit, part-time program in as little as 18 months. For more information about the program, see communications.syr.edu.

About the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
Widely regarded as the nation's leading communications school, the Newhouse School at Syracuse University is engaged in industry partnerships and ongoing academic development that prepare students and faculty to address the issues of today's rapidly changing media landscape. Newhouse embraces virtually every known form of information dissemination—from print and broadcast journalism, to social media and online communication, to advertising and public relations, to photography and film. Faculty members come primarily from the profession and are skilled at teaching and research. Students are among the best in the country, having secured a place in the class through a highly competitive admissions process. Upon graduation they become part of a large, loyal and highly accomplished group of alumni—individuals who are shaping the future of public communications across the globe.

About 2U Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU)
2U partners with leading colleges and universities to deliver the world's best online degree programs so students everywhere can reach their full potential. Our Platform, a fusion of cloud-based software-as-a-service technology and technology-enabled services, provides schools with the comprehensive operating infrastructure they need to attract, enroll, educate, support and graduate students globally. Blending live face- to-face classes, dynamic course content and real-world learning experiences, 2U's No Back Row® approach ensures that every qualified student can experience the highest quality university education for the most successful outcome.

Media Contacts:

Alyssa Morrello
Resound Marketing for Communications@Syracuse
[email protected]
609.279.0050 x117

Chance Patterson 2U, Inc.
[email protected] 301.892.4419

SOURCE 2U Inc.