Academic Programs Catalog

College of Communication Arts and Sciences

Strategic Communication - Master of Arts

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.