The Best Online Master's in Strategic Communications

Penn State offers the Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Communications.

This 30-credit program is perfect for communications professionals who want to become managers. After finishing the Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Communications, students should know how to run effective campaigns in the modern digital era.

Required courses in this program include:

• Strategic Communications: Theory and Implementation
• Digital Media Analytics
• Strategic Communications Industry
• Ethics and Decision-Making in Strategic Communications
• Strategic Communications Campaigns

Additional courses include:

• Social Media Communications
• Advanced Digital Media Analytics
• Reaching Multicultural Populations with Strategic Communications
• Strategic Communications Law

The University of Delaware offers the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program.

This is a 30-credit program that takes two to three years to complete. Graduate students can pursue one of three concentrations:

• Digital and social media
• Public relations
• Customized degree

After completing this course, graduates will be able to research and create effective communication campaigns.

Required courses for this program include the following three classes:

• Communication Research
• Communication Theory
• Communication and Ethics

Students specializing in Public Relations will be able to choose from courses like:

• PR Management
• Public Relations Campaigns
• Branding
• Public Relations Writing
• Reputation Management
• Topics in Public Relations

The digital and social media specialization includes courses like:

• Social Media Campaigns
• Interactive Marketing
• Writing for Digital Media
• User Data Analytics
• Reputation Management
• Digital Media Content Strategy
• Topics in Digital Media

In addition, the University of Delaware's strategic communication electives include:

• Strategic Communication Campaigns
• Digital Political Strategy
• Sports Communication & Branding
• Media Analytics
• Effective Health Communication
• Communication & Leadership

All students will need to complete a capstone to graduate.

Texas Tech offers the Master's in Strategic Communication and Innovation.

This 30-credit program is built with the needs of busy working professionals in mind. After completing a combination of core courses and electives, graduates of the MA in Strategic Communication and Innovation will have the foundation needed to become managers, directors, and senior-level communication specialists.

Mandatory courses for the Texas Tech MA in Strategic Communication and Innovation include:

• Strategic Communication Planning and Writing
• Communication in Organizations
• Media Management, Entrepreneurship, and Consulting
• Mass Communication Theory Seminar
• Strategic Communication in a Global Environment

Elective course offerings include:

• Production of Digital Media Content
• Audience/Data Analysis & Reporting
• Multimedia Story Telling
• Interpersonal Communication
• Advanced Social Media Practice
• Special Topics in Strategic Communication

Along with these required courses and electives, there's also a capstone final project. According to the university, this will involve doing applied research.

You need a resume along with a personal statement and samples when applying. In addition, the university will also ask for letters of reference and recommendation.

Although admissions are rolling, the university advises students to apply at least 45 days before starting. For international students, the application process may have an even longer waiting period.

Florida International University offers the Master of Science in Global Strategic Communications degree.

This program requires students to study for roughly 48 weeks in total. Graduate students take two courses per term, and four courses per semester. After completing this master's program, students should be more prepared to step into senior and executive-level positions at companies.

Required courses for this program include:

• Production of Digital Media Content
• Audience/Data Analysis & Reporting
• Multimedia Story Telling
• Interpersonal Communication
• Advanced Social Media Practice
• Special Topics in Strategic Communication

Electives include:

• Communication for Change Management
• Advanced Communication Seminar
• Multimedia Production and Design
• Strategic Facilitation
• Communication in the Digital Age
• Global Reputation Management
• Strategic Storytelling and Digital Content Creation
• Social Media Metrics and Evaluation
• Mediation Techniques
• Applied Media Communication Skill
• Fundamentals of Conflict Resolution
• Organization Conflict and Dispute Resolution Systems
• Global Communications
• Media Planning
• Independent Study

All students are required to complete a research-based mass communications professional project.

Florida International University has an online application process. After choosing the Master of Science in Mass Communication: Global Strategic Communications, prospective students need to submit transcripts and a proof of degree.

SNHU is a non-profit university, and one of the leading online degree institutions in higher education. SNHU offers the online Master of Arts in Communication – Public Relations degree. This is one of the most inexpensive master's in communication programs in the nation.

This online program is self-paced, and students have 24 hours a day/7 days a week accessibility.

Students learn how to use the most proficient and prolific tools of the internet, such as digital communications and form a digital strategy to shape and maintain brand awareness and quality control, including learning how to evaluate consumer behavior and create marketing campaigns to a specific target audience.

The program consists of:

• seven core courses
• four specialized courses
• a capstone project

Selection of core courses:

• Communication, Media & Society
• Second Self: Identity & Personal Brands
• Strategic Communication in a New Age
• Communication for Leadership

In the capstone, students will strategize and create a public relations campaign.

West Virginia University offers the Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications program online. Students must complete 10 courses, equalling 30 credit hours, and the classes are asynchronous.

The Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications is an online program designed for students interested in exploring the dynamic field of marketing and communication. Offering a variety of courses and specializations, this master's in communication provides the flexibility students need to customize their education.

Students have the freedom to decide how, where, and when to study entirely online. Students who prefer a fast-paced approach can complete multiple courses simultaneously, or take one class at a time - the program is flexible.

The program offers over 25 elective options, allowing students to pursue their passion or address specific needs within a company.

Choose from a range of diverse courses, including those focused on diversity, sports marketing, or entrepreneurship. The program constantly updates its offerings to keep pace with industry demands, ensuring the most relevant and up to date education available.

Washington State University offers students the online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication degree online.

This program is taken through the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, and designed for students who want to learn communication for public relations, advertising, and corporate communication strategies.

Selection of classes:

• Research methods
• Crisis communication
• Multimedia content creation
• Professional ethics
• Persuasion for Professional Communicators

Credits: 30

Online students learn the latest multimedia tools for content creation, and how to market their content, which includes social media marketing.

Students complete a 3 credit capstone project.

GRE scores are not required for admission.

Michigan State University has the online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication degree. There are 1, 2, and 3 year degree tracks available to online students.

This online program was specially designed for assisting in the career advancement of working professionals.

Selection of classes:

• Social Media Storytelling
• Media Analytics
• Evaluation Techniques for Working Professionals
• Digital Media Strategies
• Brand Image & Communication

Credits: 30

Students will complete a final capstone project.

No GRE is required for admission.

Based in Virginia, Liberty University has been offering distance-based liberal arts education to students since 1985. Like many other universities that offer distance-based programs, the school strives to help busy working professionals pursue advanced degrees in a convenient and efficient format.

Liberty University offers the online Master of Arts in Strategic Communications program.

This is a 33-credit hour program that takes an average of one year to complete. While working on this online master's degree, students will get a practical look at running communications campaigns.

After graduating from this program, Liberty students will know exactly how to apply communications theory to real-world business problems.

The university requires students to complete the coursework for this degree in this exact order:

• Strategic Media Analysis
• Effective Social Media
• Strategic Storytelling
• Video, Social, and Mobile Promotion
• Best Practices: Transforming the Digital Organization
• Media Technologies and Communication Strategies
• Transmedia Storytelling
• Using Emerging Trends in Strategic Communications
• New Beginnings: Research, Insight, & Application
• Strategic Organizational Communication
• Strategic Campaigns for the Digital Age

All graduate students will need a bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5. To apply, you'll need to submit your college transcripts before paying the $50 application fee.

With a history that dates back to 1909, Arkansas State University is the second-largest university in Arkansas. Although the institution is known for its emphasis on research, the university's well-rounded alumni list includes NFL players, NBA players, politicians, and other public figures.

Arkansas State offers the online Master of Science in Strategic Communication: Tech Law and Policy.

For graduates who want to pursue a rigorous degree that emphasizes analysis, research, and law, the MS in Strategic Communication: Tech Law and Policy is a smart choice. This 30-credit program can be completed within 10 months for students in a hurry and comes at a total cost of less than $10,000.

Between the academic degree and the Hootsuite certification that comes with it, program graduates will be ready to take on senior-level and executive positions within their organizations.

Core courses include:

All students must take either Media Entrepreneurship or Communication Regulation and Policy.

Additional core courses include:

• Quantitative Research Methods
• Advertising Account Management
• Strategic Communication Management
• Strategic Communications Seminar

Other courses within the curriculum are:

• Privacy Law
• International Intellectual Property Law
• EU and US Data Protection Law
• Seminar in Information Technology Law

Arkansas State University requires applicants to submit writing samples. In addition, you must have a bachelor's or master's degree with a 3.0 GPA. Along with the official transcripts, you'll also need to submit a $30 fee with your application.

With a founding date of 1963, Sacred Heart University is younger than some of the other institutions on this list. However, that hasn't stopped this university from making an impact. From its impressive rankings to its emphasis on student outcomes, Sacred Heart University prides itself on innovation and excellence.

Sacred Heart University offers the online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Public Relations degree.

Between the portfolio-building coursework and the degree's emphasis on agency creation, graduates from this 36-credit program will learn about everything from crisis communications to creating multimedia content.

With its emphasis on learning PR in the 21st century, Sacred Heart's online Master of Arts in Strategic Communications and Public Relations is designed to put students in control of their careers.

The core courses for this degree include:

• Media Ethics in a Professional Context
• Strategic Communication in the Digital Age
• Multimedia Communications I and II
• The PR Agency in the Digital Age
• Strategic Communication for Diverse Populations
• Crisis Communication
• Special Topics: Law & Strategic Communication
• Advertising, PR, and Consumer Culture
• Social Media and Strategic Communication
• Corporate Communication

Sacred Heart's program also has a Strategic Communication and Public Relations capstone.

Sacred Heart University has an online application form that requires students to have a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. While GRE/GMAT scores are not required, you will need to submit a resume, a personal statement, and two recommendation letters to apply for this program.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University can trace its historic roots back to 1909. And with a notable alumni list that includes a tribal chief, football players, basketball players, politicians, and Reba McEntire, the university's contributions to culture and diversity are impossible to deny.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers the online MBA in Business Administration: Strategic Communication.

This degree differs from others on this list in that the coursework focuses on business administration while offering 12 credit hours of strategic communication-related coursework.

The first 24 credit hours of coursework for the MBA include:

• Behavioral Management
• Research Methods
• Strategic Management
• Management Economics
• Marketing Management
• Financial Management
• Data Analysis for Managers
• Accounting for Managers

The 12 credit hours of strategic communication coursework include:

• Crisis Communication
• Persuasion and Leadership
• Strategic Communication
• Strategic and Organizational Communication

Southeastern Oklahoma State University requires its master's students to have bachelor's degrees and a minimum 3.0 GPA. If your grades fall below this threshold, you may be asked to provide additional work, portfolio, or application letter requirements. In addition, if you have a non-business degree, you may need to take prerequisites.

Assuming all of this is complete, the university's streamlined online application process is intuitive and easy to use.

Founded in 1853 and operating out of the same campus since 1906, the University of Florida is a well-known institution with a storied history. Considered a top-5 public university and boasting twenty top-20 graduate programs, this institution combines prestige with academic excellence.

The online Master of Arts in Mass Communication with Global Strategic Communication concentration focuses on helping students learn how to do cross-cultural and international communication.

With a deep emphasis on interpersonal communication and cultural awareness, graduates from this program will be ready to work in mission-driven business and nonprofit environments.

Core courses for this degree include:

• Video Storytelling
• Mass Communication Theory
• Global Activism
• International Issues and Crisis Communication
• Foundations of Intercultural Communication
• Public Affairs Communication

You need an upper-division undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0. Your transcripts will need to be provided. In addition, you'll need three letters of recommendation along with a statement of purpose and a resume.

Once you've put everything together, you can pay the non-refundable $30 application fee.

The University of Maryland's Global Campus helps working adults and veterans receive a top-notch education at an affordable price. Between the school's flexible programs and its emphasis on practical instruction, the student experience at the University of Maryland's Global Campus is hard to beat.

The University of Maryland - Global Campus offers the online Master of Science in Strategic Communications degree.

This 36-credit online program draws heavily from the University of Maryland's larger mission of giving its students a hands-on and practical education. After completing this degree, students will be able to apply their coursework in real-world business situations.

Core courses include:

All students are required to take a foundation course in Decisive Thinking, Communicating, and Leading in Multidisciplinary Fields.

Additional core courses must be taken in this order:

• Foundations of Strategic Communications
• Communications Techniques and Tactics
• Communications Leadership and Management
• Crisis Communications Management

All you need to qualify for this master's program is a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. After that, you'll just need to list your degrees and your attendance dates. For master's degrees, the application fee adds up to $50.

Based out of Washington State, American University was created after George Washington insisted that the U.S. capital should have a national university. In 1893, Congress chartered the institution, and American University's school was born.

The online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication is ideal for students who are looking for careers in the nonprofit and public sectors.

The list of available master's in strategic communication concentrations:

• Advocacy and Social Impact
• Diversity and Multicultural Communication
• Corporate Communication and Reputation
• Digital Communication Strategies and Analytics

As such, strategic communication students have plenty of career opportunities available to them after graduation.

Required courses for this degree include:

• Writing for Strategic Communications
• Communication Theory
• Research for Strategic Communication
• Principles of Strategic Communication

The extensive elective course catalog includes:

• Sports Communication
• Media Relations
• Political Advertising
• Speechwriting
• Political Communication
• Visual Design in Strategic Communication
• Social Media Strategies and Tactics
• Strategic Health Communication
• Ethics in Strategic Communication
• Web Portfolio
• Political Communication
• History of Cross-Cultural Cinema
• Communication and Social Change
• Strategic Communication Practicum
• Digital Media Literacy and Skills
• Political Advertising
• Multicultural Strategic Communication Campaigns
• Social Marketing for Social Impact
• Foreign Policy and the Press
• Strategic Communication and Content Creation
• International Strategic Communication
• Grassroots Digital Advocacy
• Strategic Communication in Advertising
• Entertainment Communication
• Communication, Culture, and the Environment
• History of Cross-Cultural Cinema
• Reputation Management
• Strategic Communication Campaigns: Advertising Lab
• Strategic Communication Leadership and Management
• Digital Strategic Communication Analytics and Certifications

Along with these course requirements and electives, students will have to complete the Strategic Communication Capstone.