Online Strategic Communication Master's Degree
With a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication from UD, you’ll enhance your ability to develop persuasive messages using theories of communication, digital content creation skills and industry-specific techniques utilized in today’s emerging media.
Graduate ready to enter and advance in several leading-edge communication careers. We offer two specialization options in Public Relations or Social Media, or the ability to customize your electives to match your career goals.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
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Online Strategic Communication Master's (MASC) Degree | University of Delaware Online 18 Months
Duration
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Online Strategic Communication Master's (MASC) Degree | University of Delaware Online $1069
Cost per Credit
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Online Strategic Communication Master's (MASC) Degree | University of Delaware Online 30
Credit Hours
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Online Strategic Communication Master's (MASC) Degree | University of Delaware Online 100%
Asynchronous
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Online Strategic Communication Master's (MASC) Degree | University of Delaware Online 7-Week
Courses
Program Outcomes
In the online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication from UD, you’ll study the principles, theories, research practices and ethics of strategic communication. Then, you can specialize your skill set for the communication career you’re aiming for.
You will:
- Develop a deeper understanding of strategic communication and acquire the skill set necessary to apply what they learn in the professional world.
- Design and implement research for their organizations.
- Design, implement and evaluate communication campaigns.
- Deliver recommendations for the future of projects and issues they may face in their careers.
- Write for multimedia with a professional audience in mind.
- Analyze and evaluate competitors’ strategic communication efforts.
For an insider’s look into the field of strategic communication, view the recordings from our Inside the Industry speaker series.
Video: Online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Virtual Open House: https://capture.udel.edu/media/1_0sohlx9v/
Upcoming Open House
An Award-Winning Program
The Online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program was featured on the esteemed PRNEWS 2024 Education A-List.
This accolade celebrates the commitment of higher education institutions to fostering career advancement within the fields of public relations and communications.
More information about the Strategic communication ma
- Specialization Options
- Admission Requirements
- Curriculum
- Tuition & Aid
- Career Outlook
- Upcoming Webinars & Events
Digital and Social Media
Set yourself apart with skills in managing enterprise-level digital and social media, reaching your target audiences with precision and using data analytics to measure and improve your impact on goals for businesses, organizations and nonprofits.
Public Relations
Learn to develop a public relations campaign and persuasive messaging including the writing of press releases, features, profiles, public service announcements and more. Join this growing field on behalf of nearly any organization.
Customized Degree Option
If you’re interested in a particular selection of electives to match your career goals, the online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication allows you to select any five elective courses.
Online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Application Process
Our graduate application system is designed to put you in control of the application and all documents associated with it.
You’ll need:
1. A completed online application
2. A bachelor’s degree in any academic background from a regionally accredited institution
3. A current résumé
4. A GPA of at least 3.0. (If your GPA is below 3.0, you should still apply, as we take your strengths and skills in other areas into account.)
5. Unofficial copies of your transcripts (we'll need official versions once you're admitted)
6. Letters of recommendation
7. A personal statement
The curriculum for UD’s online M.A. in Strategic Communication includes 30 credit hours of cutting-edge strategic communication courses, covering topics such as social media management, public relations campaign planning, digital media strategy, strategic communication theory and research. Choose a specialization or build your own with a customizable curriculum tailored to your career.
You can complete the online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication in as little as 18 months, or you can study part-time at the pace that best fits your schedule.
Core Courses
COMM 702 Principles of Strategic Communication - 3 Credits
An introduction to the world of strategic communication practice in the 21st century. This course will strike a balance for students between an academic perspective—through academic research and questioning the overall role of strategic communication—and a practicing perspective—through increasing familiarity with the field.
COMM 703 Communication Research - 3 Credits
An introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods in communication, including survey research and focus groups, to be used in professional and applied settings.
COMM 706 Communication Theory - 3 Credits
An exploration of major theories and perspectives on how to understand public communication and its influence on organizations, individuals, and our society.
COMM 707 Communication and Ethics - 3 Credits
Students apply classic ethical theory to current communication ethical dilemmas, including both interpersonal and media communication. Topics will include truth and deception, privacy, and persuasion. This course features an emphasis on digital communication.
COMM 769 Strategic Communication Capstone - 3 Credits
Students identify a communication-related project, conduct research or design a relevant project or campaign, and deliver recommendations. This course offers the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained through coursework.
We’re Committed to Affordability
$1069 Per Credit Hour
You could fund your program by receiving a grant, qualifying for federal or private loans, utilizing military benefits or pursuing employer tuition reimbursement. Our dedicated admissions and financial personnel will help you through the process, including enrolling in a payment plan if applicable.
Career Expectations
Whether you’re new to the field or seeking advancement in your current role, UD’s online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication gives you the knowledge base, research skills, industry techniques and career services you need to reach your goals.
Known for Excellence
UD was ranked among the Top 50 in College Factual’s 2023 Best Colleges for Communication & Media Studies.
Potential Careers
With a master’s in strategic communication, you’ll also be able to pursue leadership positions with titles such as:
- Communications Director
- Strategic Communications Manager
- Director of Internal Communications
- Corporate Communications Consultant
- Social Issues Advocate
- Marketing Director
- Political Strategist
- Chief Branding Officer
Example Salaries
- Public Relations Manager - $118,430 per year
- Social Media Director - $75,466 per year
- Communications Director - $71,597 per year
- Communications Manager - $66,384 per year
Communication Career Outlook
- About 7,600 openings for public relations and fundraising managers are projected each year, on average, between 2019 and 2029.
- The average base salary for those with a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication is $63,000 per year.
- Social media directors with strategic communication, marketing and management skills can earn up to $16,000 more per year.
Check here regularly for Virtual Open Houses and Live Webinars with industry professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions
The first step toward applying for this program is to complete your online application through the graduate student Application Management System.
To apply for this program, you’ll need:
- A completed online application
- A bachelor’s degree in any academic background from a regionally accredited institution
- A GPA of at least 2.8 on a 4.0 scale
- GRE/GMAT scores (An exam waiver is available)
No entrance exams are required for admission into this program. Contact an admissions counselor for more information on how to obtain an exam waiver.
You’ll need a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
You can transfer up to nine credits from any accredited college or university. Graduate credits earned at another institution (but not used in the completion of another graduate degree) will be evaluated at your written request for any course except for the capstone. Contact an admissions counselor for more information about transferring your prior credits.
Yes, we offer an on-demand Virtual Open House so you can learn more about the online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program. In this video, our program director presents information about admissions, curriculum and career outcomes. View Now.
You may start this program in the fall, summer or spring semesters. Applications are accepted at any time up until a week before classes begin. Applicants are considered for admission on a rolling basis, which makes now the perfect time to apply.
Career Outlook
With this degree, you’ll qualify for growing opportunities in strategic communication careers. You could pursue a role as a communications manager or director, public relations specialist, digital media specialist, social media manager and more. View Career Outcomes to see common career titles and salaries.
Yes. Career Center resources include help with interview preparation, developing a resume and cover letters, tips for networking, and more. The Career Center also offers a variety of career fairs and meetups throughout the academic year. Most events are open to all matriculated UD students and alumni. Learn more about specific career fair event details and registration information. Additionally, students can access Handshake, the one-stop shop for all jobs and other career resources.
Curriculum
Canvas, which is currently used by over 2,000 schools throughout the United States.
No, this program does not follow a cohort model.
Because all features of this degree program are 100% online, there are no residency or fieldwork components required.
Yes, you can complete the online program with your choice of a Public Relations specialization or a Digital and Social Media specialization. A third completion option is your choice of electives that best suit your career goals.
You’ll take a total of 10 courses in the online program, five of which are core courses required of each student. For the remaining five courses, you can choose one of two specializations (Digital and Social Media; Public Relations) or any combination of elective courses that best suits your career goals.
This program includes 30 total credit hours of cutting-edge strategic communication courses, covering topics such as social media management, public relations campaign planning, digital media strategy, and strategic communication theory and research.
Time and Duration
You can complete our program in as few as 18 months with full-time study. Most students choose to study part-time and take an average of two to three years to complete the program.
If you choose to study part-time, you can take up to 5 years to complete the program.
Tuition and Fees
This program costs $1069 per credit hour.
For assistance determining the cost of your program, contact a helpful admissions counselor.
Estimated tuition, based on a total of 10 courses and 30 credit hours, is $25,500. The total tuition does not include other costs you may incur such as textbooks and the cost of living.
Choosing a specialization can provide you with an additional credential, enhance your skills set and put you ahead of the competition for your ideal strategic communication career.
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