Online Master’s in Strategic Communication Programs in 2022

Looking to advance your career in PR or another area of communications? A master's degree in strategic communication could be the ticket to get you there. In 2022, and the significant future forward, strategic communications will play a vital role for any and all communications teams within corporate settings. This graduate-level degree pathway prepares students in a broad variety of communication specialties to excel at using strategic tools and insights. Upon completion of the program, grads will have the skills necessary to problem-solve communications challenges, integrate marketing communications plans, and deliver messages across platforms.

A master's in strategic communications can open the door to coveted job titles, such as:

• Public Relations Manager
• CEO
• PR/Marketing Consultant
• Communications Director
• Senior Account Executive
• Creative Director
• Government Information Officer

Choosing to enroll in an online master's in strategic communications program is an excellent way for a busy professional to advance their education, and thus their career.

Choosing an Online Master's in Strategic Communication Program

Going back to school for a graduate-level degree is a big decision. The next crucial decision is selecting the right school and program for you. There are many online master's in strategic communications programs available across the country, so taking care to make sure you pick one of high quality is of utmost importance.

Accreditation

Searching for an accredited college/program is a great place to start when researching schools. The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ASEJMC) is an example of a respected accrediting agency. Accreditation may also be available from regional bodies such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Cost

While many schools offer the master's in strategic communications program, their costs aren't always the same. Many things impact total program price, such as location, full-time/part-time attendance, and more. Students will need to cover the cost of tuition, textbooks and supplies, and any other mandatory fees. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities may be available to students to help cover these costs.

The University of Minnesota's Mizzou Online offers an online master's in strategic communication which costs an estimated $32,125.25 total. All students enrolled in this program pay in-state tuition, regardless of residency.

Program Length

Most students complete the master's in strategic communications program in roughly 2 years. Typically, anywhere from 30 to 37 total credits are required in order to complete the program. Some online programs are more flexible than others with regards to how many courses a student can complete each semester.

Admissions Requirements

While they will inevitably differ between schools, typical admissions requirements for this program may include:

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Minimum 2-3 years' experience in journalism or communications-related field
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Satisfactory GRE scores
• Transcripts from all colleges attended
• Application essay(s)
• At least 3 letters of recommendation
• Current resume

Classes and Courses

The master's in strategic communication curriculum includes core professional courses, specialty communications courses, and usually a capstone course or final project. Hands-on training in a variety of platforms and multimedia tools constitute a large part of the degree's coursework.

The following are course titles from the online Masters of Strategic Communication program at Washington State University:

• Professional Multimedia Content Creation
• Ethics for Professionals
• Consumer Behavior and Brand Development
• Persuasion for Professional Communicators
• Professional Marketing Communication Management for Campaigns

Advantages of Online Master’s in Strategic Communication Programs

Busy students are flocking to online graduate-level programs in increasing numbers, due in part to the ease and flexibility of the platform. Working professionals and those with family or other obligations can enroll and attend classes from the comfort of their own homes, and usually on their own time. This is particularly important for those aspiring to earn their master's in strategic communications degree, as it allows them to continue working and/or gaining experience while they advance their education. For those in rural areas or concerned about lengthy commutes, online programs offer the ease and cost savings of learning from home. With affordable online options, it's never been easier to advance a strategic communications career.

Colleges That Offer Accredited Online Master’s in Strategic Communication Programs in 2022

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