Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Oklahoma offers an online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Digital Strategy, designed to prepare communication professionals with the knowledge needed to create coordinated, proactive messaging campaigns for modern media channels.

Program Details

• The program is offered through the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
• It provides advanced training and skills crucial for leaders in today's high-growth industry of strategic communication and digital strategy.
• The program includes an embedded certificate in one of three areas: crisis communication, media analytics, or social media, giving students specialized knowledge and an additional credential in a focused area based on their career goals.

Program Structure

• The program is 100% online.
• Time to complete: 20+ months.
• Credit hours: 33.
• Time commitment: 15-20 hours weekly.
• Start dates: Fall, Spring, & Summer.

Cost and Financial Aid

• Tuition is $845 per credit hour, offering exceptional value for a high-quality, fully online graduate degree from a respected institution.
• The total cost will vary based on the number of credit hours required.
• Books and additional materials are not included in this rate.
• Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available.

Embedded Certificates

• Crisis Communication Certificate: Master the art of managing organizational challenges and leading through high-pressure situations.
  • Courses include Crisis Communication & Management and Leadership for Crisis Communication.
• Media Analytics Certificate: Become fluent in data-driven decision-making for communication campaigns.
  • Courses include Media Analytics and Digital Behavior.
• Social Media Certificate: Develop comprehensive skills in platform-specific strategy, content creation, and digital campaign management.
  • Courses include Social Media Marketing and Strategic Planning & Digital Strategy.

Career Opportunities

• The University of Oklahoma can help upwardly mobile professionals achieve their goal of becoming the strategic communication leaders that employers are seeking, such as:
  • Public relations managers
  • Advertising and promotions managers
  • Public relations specialists
  • Digital strategists
  • Fundraising managers
  • Search marketing strategists
  • Editors

Industry Insights

• Median Pay: $159,660
• Job Outlook: Employment for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers is expected to grow 8% by 2033.
• Job Openings: 36,600 openings for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.

Program Outcomes

• Use research and data analytics to understand and evaluate campaigns.
• Leverage the power of social media to produce engaging content & create communities.
• Serve as a strategic leader & be able to lead multi-channel communication teams.
• Successfully handle crisis communications & build media relationships.

Course Details

• The online Strategic Communication and Digital Strategy master’s degree blends asynchronous coursework and online classes offering flexibility for working adults.
• You’ll learn a mix of strategy, social media expertise, and analytical development.
• Course structure: You’ll earn 33 credit hours across 11 courses.
• Mandatory live lectures will take place once per week per class on a weeknight from 7 to 9 pm CT.

Courses

• Introduction to Research Methods
• Social Media Marketing
• Professional Seminar in Strategic Communication
• Management & Leadership
• Digital Strategic Communication
• Strategic Planning & Brand Strategy
• Marketing & Media Analytics
• Digital Behavior
• Crisis Communication
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• Ethics of Strategic Communication
• Digital Strategic Communication Campaign (Capstone)

Why Choose OU Online

• OU Online offers high-quality, affordable, professional undergraduate and graduate programs in a flexible, online format from a top-tier public institution.
• Faculty members are carefully selected for their experience in the communication industry with proven track records at some of today’s most successful companies.
• Robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center.
• Global Alumni Network: With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of communication leaders to accelerate your career.

Application Process

• To apply, complete the online application and submit a current resume, transcripts, and a 500-word personal statement describing your career goals and how the program aligns with them.
• International students must demonstrate English proficiency.
• Students with at least 3 years of experience after earning a bachelor’s degree and a GPA of 3.0 or higher are automatically admitted.

Transfer Credit

• You can transfer up to 12 credit hours of graduate-level coursework per Graduate College policy, with the department’s approval.
• Credit must be from a graduate-level course that was not applied to an earned degree.
• The course must have been taken within the last 5 years with a grade of B or higher.