Program Overview

Master of Science in Strategic Communication: Full-Time On Campus

The Master of Science in Strategic Communication at Columbia University positions graduates to fill the need for strategic thinking in business communications. This program is designed to provide students with the essential skills and tools for a successful career in a wide range of communication fields.

Program Overview

• Classes take place on Columbia’s New York City campus.
• Most students complete the program in 16 months (with or without a summer “Practicum:” a graduate-level internship).
• An accelerated 12-month version of the degree is also available, but it does not permit an internship.

Program Features

• An innovative curriculum that marries academically rigorous foundational work with the most current topics in the field.
• An esteemed faculty of scholar practitioners who are leaders in their fields.
• A personal, high touch, curated academic experience featuring small class sizes, and individualized feedback.
• Entrance into a supportive community of faculty, staff, alumni, and industry insiders.
• Networking opportunities with senior industry executives and potential employers.
• Access to Columbia’s resources, career guidance, global alumni network, and location in New York City, the communications capital of the world.
• Real world experience with an optional practicum (a graduate-level internship), available to full-time students, which enables students to put their skills to use as a fully functioning member of a communication team, expanding their résumé, building a network of contacts, and gaining a competitive edge.

Who Should Apply?

• An outstanding undergraduate academic record is required for admission, regardless of experience.
• Strong applicants are critical thinkers, with a bachelor’s degree in a field that requires analytical writing skills.
• For the full-time program option, most candidates have at least 1–2 years of professional experience in a communications role or are career switchers.
• Successful candidates with less than two years of full-time professional experience have strong internship experience with multiple relevant internships.

At a Glance

In this full-time master’s program, students will:

• Learn the communication skills that employers value most, including strategic approaches, analytical frameworks, and organizational mindset.
• Discover how to apply communication strategy to support or affect organizational outcomes at the highest levels.
• Gain the confidence and skills to become a change agent in their organization and in the world.
• Develop effective communication strategies through advanced analytical skills, stakeholder assessment, storytelling know-how, research tool design and evaluation, and digital strategy.
• Gain access to elective classes in other School of Professional Studies programs and elsewhere at Columbia, aligning their path of study with specific interests and objectives.
• Have numerous learning opportunities outside the classroom, including supplemental seminars and workshops such as the Strategic Communication Speaker Series.
• Complete an in-depth Capstone Project with a real organization, research, and recommendations, and present it to senior executives at the organization.