We consult regularly with our professional faculty and the region’s top communication executives from our one-of-a-kind Strategic Communication Leadership Network to determine the skills and curriculum our students need to become successful strategic communicators in today’s competitive marketplace. The required coursework falls into four categories that reflect the areas strategic communicators must master.
Minimum Requirements
To graduate from the Strategic Communication Master’s program, you’ll need to meet a few minimums:
(500- or 600-level)
Strategic Communication Core Courses—All Students Complete
These four courses will build a foundation in communication ethics and cover industry best practices for strategic communication in any industry. Everyone in your cohort will take these courses. Take a look at a sample schedule to see when most students take each course.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| J610 | Communication Ethics in the Digital Age | 4 |
| J621 | Foundations of Strategic Communication | 4 |
| J623 | Creativity in Strategic Communication | 4 |
| J624 | Project Management and Planning | 2 |
Business Core Courses—All Students Complete
These three required courses have an emphasis on marketing and management.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| J616 | Intro to Strategic Communication Marketing | 4 |
| J618 | Strategic Communication Management | 4 |
| J624 | Finance for Strategic Communication | 2 |
Mass Communication Core Courses—All Students Complete
These required courses will give you the mass communication theory, research skills, and applied practice you’ll need to round out your professional toolbox.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| J611 | Mass Communication and Society | 4 |
| J641 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 |
| J642 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 |
Terminal Project—All Students Complete
Your capstone project (J609) is an applied communication plan addressing a strategic communication problem or issue that’s directly applicable to improving the marketing of a process, service, procedure, idea, or product. Many students complete projects for their current employers, and most add it to their portfolios. Past projects include an FBI social media policy for first-person shooter incidents, a rebranding schema for a healthcare company, and a brand and communication plan for a nonprofit.
Electives—Complete 6+ Credits
You’ll need a total of six J610 elective credits. Work with your advisor to select from the 2- and 4-credit courses available each term through the Strategic Communication program.
Questions?
Need some guidance? Here are a few options:
- Download our graduate handbook for more details about program requirements and resources.
- Contact our graduate recruiter with questions about the program, the application process, and admission.