Jan 13, 2026  
USC Catalogue 2025-2026 
    
USC Catalogue 2025-2026

Public Diplomacy (MPD)


The Master of Public Diplomacy is designed for students who already have a substantial undergraduate background in social sciences or relevant professional experience in subjects such as communications, film and media studies, journalism, political science, public relations and international relations. Students in the program may decide to emphasize public diplomacy training most appropriate for a career in public service, the corporate world or in a nongovernmental organization (NGO) working in the ever-expanding global civil society. USC is a member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA).

For admission requirements, refer to the Admission Requirements section in the School of Communication .

Requirements for the completion of this degree program are 32 units, including the required substantive paper or alternative project.

All master’s degree candidates in the USC Annenberg School of Communication are required to complete the Managing Complexity in Diverse Organizations (MCDO) program during their enrollment at USC. MCDO is a non-credit, professional skills-building curriculum designed to prepare students to create, sustain and thrive within increasingly complex global work environments. The program is offered online by USC Annenberg every fall, spring and summer term. USC Annenberg faculty developed this immersive, eight-week, active learning program to equip learners with the skills to collaborate with, manage and lead across teams with diverse perspectives and expertise, while supporting resilient, high-performance professional environments. Learn more about MCDO on our website.

The course requirements are as follows:

Required Courses (16 Units)


Master of Public Diplomacy is a 32-unit degree program, typically requiring two to three courses per semester. 

Electives (16 Units)


Students must choose at least 8 elective units of PUBD or other Annenberg School graduate courses. A maximum of 8 units may be taken at USC outside the Annenberg School; these courses must be approved by the program director and may be selected from a variety of disciplines.