<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-masters-in-strategic-communication/">Strategic Communication</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 University of Florida Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611	$10,770	89%
#2 University of Georgia Administration Building, Athens, Georgia 30602	$8,878	87%
#3 Purdue University Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907	$9,718	83%
#4 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 601 E John Street, Champaign, Illinois 61820	$14,635	86%
#5 University of Delaware 104 Hullihen Hall, Newark, Delaware 19716	$17,100	82%
#6 Fordham University 441 E Fordham Rd, Bronx, New York 10458	$23,112	83%
#7 Syracuse University 900 South Crouse Ave., Syracuse, New York 13244	$41,616	83%
#8 Columbia University West 116 St and Broadway, New York, New York 10027	$50,496	96%
#9 Georgetown University 37th and O St NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20057	$54,672	94%
#10 Northwestern University 633 Clark St, Evanston, Illinois 60208	$56,067	95%
#11 Johns Hopkins University 3400 N Charles St, Baltimore, Maryland 21218	$58,720	94%
#12 Northeastern University 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02115	$25,801	90%
#13 University of Southern California University Park, Los Angeles, California 90089	$60,446	92%
#14 American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016	$37,447	79%
#15 Florida International University 11200 S. W. 8 Street, Miami, Florida 33199	$8,912	67%
#16 Texas Tech University Broadway and University Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79409	$6,956	63%
#17 Washington State University French Administration Building, Pullman, Washington 99164	$12,076	59%
#18 Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix 411 N Central Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85004	$11,348	NA

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

A master’s degree in strategic communication online degree program will teach students how to develop communication strategies such as analytical framework, strategic approaches, and organizational mindsets, which are essential for an organization. This program will also help them increase and improve their skills in communication through digital strategy, advanced analytical skills, storytelling, know-how, stakeholder assessment, evaluation, and research tool design. 

An online master’s in strategic communication program typically requires 30 to 40 credits to complete the degree. The learning mode can be in-person, entirely online or a blend of both called the hybrid model. 

Every student must complete the mandatory core courses and choose from a list of elective courses to obtain the degree. Some of the core courses the students will be required to take are: 

The strategic communication degree program may require students to complete a mandatory capstone. The capstone project helps students gain expertise and develop skills in strategic communication in any area of their choice within the subject.

Types of Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications

There are two types of strategic communication master’s programs. One is the Master of Arts in strategic communication (MA in Strategic Communication), and the other is the Master of Science in strategic communication (MS in Strategic Communication).

1. Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
   The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication or MA Strategic Communication degree leans heavily on multiple liberal arts and humanities subjects. In most cases, a Master of Arts has a thesis paper and is research-focused.
2. Master of Science in Strategic Communication
   The Master of Science in Strategic Communication or MS Strategic Communication is a more technically and practically oriented degree. This degree type will usually have an internship component, capstone project, or both.

Areas of Specializations for Online Masters in Strategic Communication

Strategic communication is itself a specialization within the scope of communication. Hence, there are no areas of specialization in strategic communication. Nevertheless, masters in strategic communication degree programs may be in combination with other focus areas, such as:

1. Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Public Relations
   This program helps students develop technical skills to implement and create strategic communication campaigns and presentations for various events. Students learn advanced skills to communicate effectively across media platforms in a socially responsible and ethical manner.
2. Master of Science in Global Strategic Communication
   This program will teach students how to solve problems on a global scale using strategic interpersonal communication skills with attention to cultural considerations. Students will learn to communicate effectively across cultures and geographic boundaries and develop the ability to offer solutions to world problems such as poverty, education, climate change, business ethics, immigration, human rights, and more. One of the foremost universities offering this degree is the University of Florida.
3. Master of Strategic Communication and Leadership
   Graduates of this program are equipped with skills required to work in different sectors such as business, healthcare, non-profit organizations, education, and more. Students will build their knowledge on the importance of strategic communication to organizations and society from a leadership perspective.

Why should I do a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications

Strategic communication combines skills and theories related to a wide range of communication, including message development, public relations, persuasion, market theory, advertising, applied digital media, and presentation skills.  

A master’s degree in Strategic communication online is suitable for students interested in communication studies and who desire to work specifically in communications in corporate, political, or third sector messaging and positioning. Graduates will gain the skills to implement and develop communications initiatives using traditional and emerging channels such as blogs, mobile media, podcasts, and social networks. They will gain in-depth knowledge about the communication process and learn to communicate in cross-border environments successfully. 

By pursuing the strategic communication degree, students will be well prepared to start careers in public relations, marketing, advocacy, and campaign management. The many skills graduates would have acquired by the end of their program include the ability to: 

• Take up strategic approaches, use analytical frameworks, and change organizational attitudes clients and organizations need in various sectors.
• Develop communication campaigns and messaging using formative research while making persuasive campaigns that meet professional, ethical standards.
• Use communication strategy to help or influence organizational outcomes at the top.
• Participate in group projects and presentations as a leader and team member to demonstrate leadership and collaboration abilities.
• Become change agents in the organization and the world by showcasing the knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Conduct summative research to evaluate communication campaigns.
• Develop effective communication strategies through advanced analytical skills, stakeholder assessment, storytelling expertise, research instrument creation and evaluation, and digital strategy.
• Prepare planning documents for multi-public, multi-channel communication campaigns, along with budgets, task lists, and schedules that are used to manage communication efforts.

How to get Online Masters in Strategic Communication?

The admission process to an online strategic communication master’s degree is simple. While some application requirements may vary depending on the school and the program, the overall requirements remain the same. Here are some of the typical requirements for a master’s in strategic communication degree program:  

• Completed Application Form
• Non-refundable Application Fee
• Official Transcripts from all past institutions
• Undergraduate degree in communications or a related field.
• Professional experience in the field (preferred)
• Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or more
• Graduate Resume
• At least two Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement
• Official test scores of Graduate Record Examination (varies by school)
• Written or Video Essay (varies by school)
• Personal or Group Interview (varies by school)

How long does it take to complete an Online Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications?

The length of a strategic communication master’s degree depends on the program structure and program delivery. For students who pursue a full-time on-campus program, the duration of the program will usually be shorter. On the other hand, if the program allows students to study at their own pace, they usually will take longer to obtain their degrees. Here is a quick look at typical timelines for an online master in strategic communication degree program:

Typical length of a full-time master’s in strategic communication program	2 years
Typical length of a part-time master’s in strategic communication program	12 to 24 months
Number of credits required	30 to 40 (typical)

Accreditation for Online Master’s Degree in Strategic Communications

Accreditation is granted when higher education institutions have passed a rigorous process to meet stringent educational standards. This leads to accountability that a program provides quality education, assuring students and employers that the degree meets expectations and is of value. In most instances, a college is accredited by national or regional accrediting bodies that have been reviewed and authorized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education (USDE). Sometimes, individual programs can be accredited programmatically by an industry-specific accrediting agency. 

The six regionally accrediting bodies in the United States are: 

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

The accreditation status of a school or program can be checked online on the official U.S Department of Education website or using a credible source like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). 

Strategic communication may be programmatically accredited by agencies such as the Accreditation Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC). 

Read more about accreditation in the detailed Accreditation Guide. 

There are various sectors and roles in which graduates with a master’s in strategic communication can choose to work. Due to the broad range of career options in the field of communications, individuals have an opportunity to choose a specific career that aligns with their interests and goals. Upon graduating, students will be prepared for a career in media relations, public affairs, advertising, social media, financial PR, internal communication, marketing, event management, and promotions. They can also take up careers in business, public institutions, and non-profit organizations. Alternatively, they can prepare to pursue a doctorate if their area of interest lies in research. Some of the job titles graduates of this degree obtain are: 

• Media Relations Manager
• Public Relations Consultants
• Publicists
• Campaign Managers
• Social Media Outreach Coordinators
• Marketing Director

Some of the careers and settings in which graduates of online masters in strategic communication can work are:

• Advertising Agencies
• Corporate Sectors
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Media Agencies
• Government Agencies
• Real Estate
• Public Relations

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in communication occupations is projected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. Here are a few jobs in the communications sector, with their annual median salary reported by the Payscale and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

Occupation	Communication Consultant
Median Annual Salary	$64,517
Job Growth (up to 2030)	NA
Job Description	A communication consultant suggests marketing solutions and strategic communications to their customers to improve their public image.

Occupation	Marketing Manager
Median Annual Salary	$141,490
Job Growth (up to 2030)	10% (as fast as average)
Job Description	Marketing Managers plan programs to generate interest in products or services. They plan promotional campaigns such as contests, coupons, or giveaways.

Occupation	Public Relations Specialist
Median Annual Salary	$62,810
Job Growth (up to 2030)	11% (faster than average)
Job Description	Public relations specialists create and maintain a positive public image for the individuals, groups, or organizations they represent. They Help maintain their organization’s image and identity.

Occupation	Campaign Manager
Median Annual Salary	$61,784
Job Growth (up to 2030)	NA
Job Description	Campaign Managers execute and supervise marketing campaigns for products, events, or services that target organizations and consumers.

Occupation	Social Media Manager
Median Annual Salary	$52,899
Job Growth	NA
Job Description	Social Media Managers are responsible for increasing brand, product, or service awareness by – managing, planning, monitoring, and implementing a company’s social media strategy.

Certifications can help increase one’s career opportunities and potential income. There is no separate licensing or certification required for communication to work in this field. While a master’s in strategic communication is usually adequate, certification does broaden one’s reach in the job market and leads to more responsible roles in the industry. Some popular certifications in the field of communication are: 

1. Strategic Communication Management Certificate (SCPM) The Strategic Communication Management Certificate (SCPM) certification is for highly skilled business communicators who have experience advising and counseling an organization’s leadership on strategic communication issues.  
2. Communication Management Professional (CMP) The Communication Management Professional (CMP) certification is for generalists and business communicators who are already established and are looking to expand their competence. An individual will require 40 hours of training, two years of education, and a written exam to get certified.  
3. Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) The Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) is an advanced certification program offered by the American Marketing Association (AMA). Certification is provided in specific marketing areas such as Marketing Management, Content Marketing, and Sales Management. 

The interest and the opportunities in strategic communication have been increasing for the past number of years. Hence it is essential to gain broad exposure to the subject and increase one’s knowledge. Students should be up to date with changes and modifications in the field of communication that will help them in their careers and grow in the field. Here are a few resources to get started: 

1. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) administers international and interstate communications by television, cable, radio. It is an independent government agency overseen by the United States Congress. The commission aims to ensure a competitive market and promote connectivity. The FCC protects the businesses and interests of consumers as well as maintains consistency and standards among different types of media and methods of communication. They allow new technologies to grow alongside localism and diversity by revising media regulation. 
2. Integrated Marketing Communications Council (IMCC) The Integrated Marketing Communications Council (IMCC) consists of a variety of councils for people to join in the communication field. Executives from leading organizations with vast experience are typically members of this council. Some of the councils on the conference board are the Corporate Communications Strategy Council, Internal Communications Council, Social Media Council, Corporate Brand Strategy and Management Council, Digital Marketing Strategy Council, Multicultural Marketing Council. 
3. Association for Women in Communications (AWC) The Association for Women in Communications (AWC) is the leading organization in the industry dedicated to providing women with the confidence, support, and resources they need to advance their careers and make a difference. It is a professional association that fosters leadership, recognizes excellence, and places members at the forefront of the changing communications landscape. 
4. Ragan’s Communications Leadership Council The Ragan’s Communications Leadership Council typically allows communicators at a senior level to become its members. Individuals who hold membership in this council enjoy some exclusive benefits such as monthly networking and problem-solving calls, instant access to senior communication leaders, five hours per month of proofreading and editing services, a 15% discount on all Ragan award programs, and more. 
5. Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the largest professional communications organization in the United States. It is the industry’s foremost proponent of high standards and ethical behavior. It offers members the chance for lifelong learning and cutting-edge services to form professional contacts and provide support at all phases of their careers. PRSA has almost 30,000 members and is represented on nearly 375 college and university campuses through 110 Chapters and 14 Professional Interest Sections and the Public Relations Student Society of America, its student affiliate (PRSSA).