Master of Arts in Strategic Communications

Program Overview

Master of Arts in Strategic Communications

Overview

The Master of Arts in Strategic Communications is designed to equip students with the cutting-edge skills and strategic thinking essential for success in today's fast-paced world of interconnected communications.

Program Details

• Average Time to Complete Degree: As little as 18 months
• Locations: Webster University Online

Curriculum

The program focuses on applying communication strategies, theories, and practices in advertising, marketing, public relations, social media, and more to real situations and actual organizations. Students examine core principles of effective communication, studying areas such as branding, digital and social media, public relations, advertising, crisis communication, analytics, and strategic planning.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Strategic Communications MA program are especially suited to pursue careers as:

• Research Directors
• Director of Corporate Communications
• Communications, Web Content, or Social Media Manager
• Director of Public Affairs
• Marketing or Management Analyst
• Account Executives
• Advertising, Marketing, or Promotions Manager
• Brand Manager

Salaries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for the general field of Communications is $57,000 a year. However, most positions in Strategic Communications earn more, ranging from $74,000 for Social and Community Service Managers to $119,860 for Public Relations and Funding Managers. The BLS reports that advertising, promotions, and marketing manager positions earned a median of $138,730 in 2022.

Admissions

For more information on admission requirements, tuition fees, and research areas, please refer to the Webster University catalog.

Contact

For inquiries about the program, application, or enrollment, please contact the Admissions Office.

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Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• The Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Communications is designed to equip students with the cutting-edge skills and strategic thinking essential for success in today's fast-paced world of interconnected communications.
• The program aims to provide students with the tools, techniques, and knowledge necessary for success, whether they want to propel their current career to new heights or find a new opportunity.
• The program is designed to be flexible and attainable for working professionals and can be completed through Webster University Online, allowing students to continue to work full-time.

Outline:

• Core Courses:
• Strategic Communication Theory and Practice
• Communication Research Methods
• Public Relations Management
• Advertising and Marketing Communication
• Media and Society
• Crisis Communication
• Advanced Strategic Communication
• Elective Courses:
• Digital and Social Media Communication
• Data Analytics for Strategic Communication
• Global Strategic Communication
• Communication Law and Ethics
• Corporate Social Responsibility and Communication
• Capstone Project:
• Students complete a capstone project that demonstrates their mastery of the program's learning outcomes.

Assessment:

• The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
• Exams
• Assignments
• Projects
• Presentations
• The criteria used to assess student work include:
• Clarity of communication
• Depth of analysis
• Creativity
• Critical thinking
• Ethical considerations

Teaching:

• The program is taught by experienced professors who bring with them decades of professional and academic experience working with companies such as Anheuser-Busch, McDonald's, Kellogg's, and Target.
• Students learn through a combination of lectures, discussions, case studies, and hands-on projects.
• The curriculum is structured to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical applications, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and ethics in communications.

Careers:

• Graduates of the Strategic Communications MA program are prepared to pursue career positions in a wide variety of media and communications areas.
• Our alumni work in marketing, public relations, social media, digital media, corporate communications, gaming, radio, TV, advertising, animation, journalism - just about everywhere communications experts are needed.
• Graduates of our Strategic Communications MA program are especially suited to pursue careers as:
• Research Directors
• Director of Corporate Communications
• Communications, Web Content, or Social Media Manager
• Director of Public Affairs
• Marketing or Management Analyst
• Account Executives
• Advertising, Marketing, or Promotions Manager
• Brand Manager