Strategic communication is a creative process of both practice and theory that explores understanding the cultural effects on all aspects of marketing communications. It creates clear goals to understand how perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of a particular audience set help fulfill the organization’s mission. The message development in strategic communication requires a high level of research and planning. Strategic communication can be delivered through a variety of sources like social media, press releases, internal messages, television advertisements, radio, interviews, white papers, and so on.
A master’s in strategic communication provides an in-depth understanding of organizations across the corporate, non-government and governmental organizations. It focuses on how they use and may abuse communication across various factors and target audiences. It also examines the strategies organizations use to communicate externally and internally.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor of Statistics, communication workers for media (such as announcers, interpreters and translators, and technical writers) took home a median annual wage of $61,310 in May 2020, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $41,950. Graduates of this program can work as social media managers, SEO managers, digital strategists, directors of communication, public relations specialists, creative directors, and so on.
This guide is a walk-through of what a master’s in strategic communication is all about, the best colleges one can pursue this degree, information on careers and funding, and more.
A master’s degree can help a person enter the job market at a higher level. Students must choose the right master’s in strategic communication degree program to increase their employment opportunities. The best programs include some essential aspects such as affordability, student services, a wide range of subjects, the institution’s reputation, and quality and infrastructure. Here are some of the best online master’s in strategic communication programs in the United States:
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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.
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).
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:
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:
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:
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 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:
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.
Admission to most master’s degree programs requires prospective students to submit official GRE scores. However, in some colleges that offer the strategic communication degree, GRE scores are not mandatory or waived under certain conditions. Here are some examples of colleges that offer online masters in strategic communication no GRE programs:
Accelerated degree programs provide students with an opportunity to pursue their undergraduate and master’s degrees simultaneously or in sequence. Students can earn their bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in one go, saving money and time. An accelerated degree program is helpful for people who want to get done with their studies much faster and want it to be cost-effective as well. In most instances, an accelerated master’s program can be completed in just one year, whereas a traditional master’s degree takes two years to complete.
Here are some of the schools that offer an accelerated masters in strategic communication degree program:
One of the most significant advantages of pursuing an online master’s degree is flexibility. While pursuing their degree, students can work and reduce their educational costs. Students earning their degree online have only to pay the tuition fee, course materials/ textbooks, and distance learning fees. They end up saving on other additional costs such as transport, child-care during class hours, or meals. Another significant benefit is that students also usually pay in-state tuition fees at colleges outside of their home states. The cost of a master’s in strategic communication ranges between $10,000 to $30,000, depending on whether it is a private or a public college and several other factors. Fortunately, there are various funding sources available that prospective students can use to pay the tuition fees for their master’s degree or lower the overall program’s cost. Some of the sources of funding are:
Scholarships are offered based on academic success and other factors such as religious affiliation, cultural heritage, community service, etc. Hence, they are usually the most popular choice among students for funding education. Scholarships can be alumni funded or provided privately or awarded by commercial, cultural, or religious organizations. The amount of scholarship awarded depends on the type of scholarship and the university. Note: Watch out for the many Scholarship Scams doing the rounds.
Unlike scholarships based on the student’s academic achievements and strengths, grants are awarded depending on the family’s financial situation. Even though grants are awarded based on the applicant’s family’s finances, they also consider the applicant’s test scores and grades.
A graduate student is awarded an assistantship where the student provides teaching support to the university. They are provided a stipend or fee waiver for working as assistants for professors – assisting in a lab or workshop, assisting them with instructional constraints, or demonstrating and teaching for undergraduates. The other option that provides a fee waiver or a stipend is research assistantships, where the student assists the professor with their research.
Students can take a loan from banks, federal agencies, or private financial institutions. The applicant raising a loan must meet specific eligibility criteria to have the loan sanctioned. However, students must note that loans can increase the cost of education due to payable interest. It is important to know that missed or delayed payments can drive student debt.
Additional information on how to fund a college education is available in the detailed Best Guide to Financial Aid.
Scholarships are eligible and are given to students who have an excellent Grade Point Average (GPA) record. They can be offered by external associations and organizations or by universities. Here are a few examples:
The AWC Seattle professional chapter gives merit-based scholarships to communication students attending Washington State Colleges.
Amount/Award :$1500 (minimum)
Deadline:December 31, 2023
The David A. & Linda M. Lefurgey Scholarship is offered to students majoring in communication studies with a general communication emphasis for at least two semesters. Students applying for the scholarship must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 with a 3.0 in the major.
Amount/Award:Varies
Deadline:Closed for 2023 | TBA for 2023
The PRSA Hawaii/Roy Leffingwell Scholarship is for students who have a major in journalism, public relations, or communications and must be interested in pursuing a career in public relations.
Amount/Award :Varies
Deadline:TBA for 2023
Free strategic communication online master’s courses do not lead to a master’s degree. Instead, they provide skills and knowledge which can assist students in better comprehending the subject. They may also help while preparing for examinations and doing assignments. Here are a few resources for free online courses for strategic communication master’s students:
Course | Topics on Strategic Communication |
Offered by | FutureLearn |
Description | FutureLearn offers about 15 courses that relate to strategic communication. Topics include Conceptual Thinking in Practice, Writing and Editing: Word Choice and Word Order, Strategic Design for Social Media, Data-Driven Leadership Skills, and more. |
Course | Topics on Strategic Communication |
Offered by | Coursera |
Description | Coursera has various types of courses related to strategic communication, available across 4 learning levels. Some topics are Strategic Self-Marketing and Personal Branding, Research for Impact, Digital Media and Marketing Principles, etc. |
Course | Marketing Communications as a Strategic Function |
Offered by | The Open University |
Description | This course emphasizes the importance of the strategy of marketing communication. It focuses on building and managing relationships with customers. |
Prospective students who want to enter a master’s in strategic communication must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. Additionally, depending on the school, the applicant might need to have some professional experience in the field of communication. Students are conferred with a master’s degree once they complete the requisite course work and the capstone project.
Accredited universities are the best universities for masters in strategic communication. They offer quality and flexible programs and have experienced and excellent faculty. A list of the best colleges to pursue an online master’s in Strategic communication is available on this page.
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:
Some of the careers and settings in which graduates of online masters in strategic communication can work are:
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:
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:
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