Master's Degree

At APOC you will join a select group of graduate students to focus on the effective management, production, and power of online communities. Students spend a fast-paced year working with and learning from a diverse student population, world class faculty, industry professionals and acclaimed "gurus". APOC students learn, gain firsthand experience, and then create an online community, attaining a master’s degree in just a single year. Classes address a range of topics, from design and management to emerging technologies, industry innovations and science of persuasion and affiliation. As a student, you will gain the knowledge, insights, and technical experience to gain the depth and breadth of knowledge necessary to take your place among leaders in this quickly evolving professional discipline. To achieve this, you will intern at some of the most distinguished and innovative companies in the nation, such as Yahoo, MySpace, the LA Times Online, and PBS New Media, as well as exciting new start-ups and nonprofits. For the latest list of internships, please click here.

Your final project at APOC challenges you, in a small team of fellow students, to create a working online community that reflects your own unique skills and interests. These teams are advised one-on-one with an industry expert who is creative, visionary, technically adept, dedicated, and knowledgeable about the substance and process of online communities. USC Annenberg finances these projects, while students retain ownership of the final product. Students are encouraged to use this working product for research or to enter industry.

APOC is offered through USC’s Annenberg School as an online communities track in the communication management master's degree program. Applications are being accepted until December 1st, 2007 for the Spring 2008 semester. The program is full-time, beginning each January, and designed to be completed in two semesters and one summer session. Recent college/university graduates and professionals with considerable work experience are encouraged to apply. Students who are entrepreneurial thinkers are invited to apply, including, but not limited to the disciplines of:

  • Business
  • Communication
  • Computer Science / Engineering
  • Digital Media
  • Entertainment and Music
  • Film & Media Studies
  • Game Design
  • Healthcare and Illness Support Networks
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Journalism
  • Law and Government
  • Marketing, Public Relations, and Retail
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

To apply for APOC, please go here. For more information, please view the materials on this site or contact Karen North at knorth@usc.edu.