Program Overview

Master's in Strategic Communication

The Master's in Strategic Communication is a two-year program that provides students with a foundation to succeed in a variety of communication careers. The program has a focus on practical real-world skills for communicating in an increasingly complex and technological world.

Program Structure

• The program consists of 11 courses.
• Students can choose to stack two certificates and complete a capstone course to earn their master's degree.
• The program is offered in-person in Austin, TX.

Choose Your Focus: Stack Two Certificates + Capstone

• Communication and Leadership: Elevate your leadership capabilities through a comprehensive exploration of strategic communication principles, interpersonal and mass communication structures, and how to lead in a digital world.
• Sports Communication: Prepare for success as teams, leagues, and media organizations are making significant investments in communications and marketing, requiring skilled professionals to engage fans, build brands, and manage communication strategies across platforms.
• Strategic Communication: Gain a comprehensive understanding of communication strategies, as well as how to navigate interpersonal communications, advance advocacy and gain influence.

Capstone Project

Each student will finish the program by completing a capstone project. This project will synthesize what you have learned throughout the program.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Advocacy
• Negotiation
• Crisis Communication
• Professional use of Social Media
• Storytelling
• Personal Branding
• Team Building
• Media Management
• Application of communication concepts to achieve leadership goals
• Understanding different communication channels
• Management of conflict and crises
• Persuasive communication
• Implementing and managing change

Admissions Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in any field
• GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale, though conditional admission may be possible for GPAs under 3.0 in extenuating circumstances
• For international applicants only, TOEFL score of at least 79 or IELTS score of at least 6.5

Additional Documents

• A resume
• One letter of recommendation
• A statement of purpose (maximum of 1000 words) responding to the following prompt: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate study and your academic and professional interests and goals.
• A statement of research objectives responding to the following essay prompt (maximum of 1000 words): The Capstone Project is a research study that serves as an opportunity for students to examine a communication question in-depth.
• Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores taken within the past two years (for International Applicants only)
• No GRE or GMAT is required

Program Costs and Financial Aid

• Students starting the master's program in August 2025 or January 2026 pay a flat program fee of $49,500.
• A non-refundable $1,000 deposit is required when applicants accept an offer of admission.
• Financial aid is available in the form of federal and private sector loans.

Application Deadlines

• March 1: Application due for Fall admission
• September 1: Application due for Spring admission