Academic Programs Catalog

The Master of Arts degree in Strategic Communication is designed for working professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in the rapidly changing media and technology environment. Students will learn to create and manage digital communication in organizational contexts by mastering skills in research, ethics, branding, content design, analytics and leadership. Graduates of this program have gone on to successful careers in private sector organizations as well as the public sector. Through a combination of mentoring from instructors and learning from peers, this program is designed to serve as a career accelerator.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Applications for admission to the program are reviewed by faculty who look for indications of a high probability of success. Such indications include a high level of academic performance, experience with educational technology, and consistency of professional goals with the objectives of the program.

To be considered for admission to the program, an applicant must:

1. have earned a bachelor’s degree from a recognized, accredited educational institution.
2. submit both departmental and university application forms.
3. present evidence of competency in English through TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB scores if English is not the first language.
4. submit three letters of recommendation.
5. submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
6. submit a resume.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Strategic Communication

The program is available only online and under Plan B (without thesis), and a minimum of 30 credits is required for the degree. The student must meet the requirements specified below.

1.	All of the following core courses (15 credits):
	CAS	828	Persuasion Techniques for Working Professionals						3
	CAS	829	Evaluation Techniques for Working Professionals						3
	CAS	832	Strategic Message Development						3
	CAS	842	Professional Communication Ethics						3
	CAS	844	Capstone/Practicum						3
2.	Complete 15 credits from the following courses:
	CAS	827	Digital Media Strategies						3
	CAS	831	Digital Content Creation, Curation and Promotion						3
	CAS	833	Crisis Communication						3
	CAS	835	Branding and Image Communication						3
	CAS	837	Catalyst Thinking in the C-Suite						3
	CAS	838	Organizational Communication for Leaders and Entrepreneurs						3
	CAS	839	Media Analytics for Communication Professionals						3
	CAS	840	Audience Analytics						3
	CAS	841	Social Media Storytelling						3
	Other courses may be considered with approval by the student's academic advisor.
3.	Completion of a final examination or evaluation.