The Master of Science in Strategic Communication program provides a comprehensive foundation for a successful career in a wide range of communication fields. The program combines the foundational theories of effective communication with practical application to make an impact in a constantly changing communication landscape. Students may also choose to take courses leading to an emphasis in Information Technology Law and Policy, or Social Media Management.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Science degree in Strategic Communication must submit a sample of writing, which could be a recent research paper or professional communication publication. With approval of the advisor, a student may complete up to six hours in cognate courses.

Accelerated Master of Science in Strategic Communication

The Accelerated Master of Science in Strategic Communication program allows outstanding undergraduate strategic communication or communication studies majors to begin taking Master of Science in Strategic Communication courses after completing 60 credit hours of undergraduate education. Undergraduate students seeking admission to the accelerated program must first apply to the Graduate School and receive provisional admission to start the program. The students must also meet the following requirements:

a) have at least 3.0 overall/cumulative GPA.

b) get “B” or better in STCM 2143 Strategic Writing I and STCM 3043 Principles of Strategic Communication. Note: Undergraduate students wishing to take Information Technology Law and Policy emphasis area courses for dual credit need to also get “B” or better in STCM 4073 Strategic Communication Law and Ethics.   

Eligible students are allowed to apply up to 12 hours of graduate credits toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. After completing the undergraduate degree, this dual counting enables a student to earn Master of Science in Strategic Communication degree with only six additional courses (18 credits).

Undergraduate students in the accelerated track will earn graduate credit for a graduate-level class if they: a) get at least a “B” letter grade in the class, b) meet all the requirement for undergraduate degree completion by the end of the term, c) maintain undergraduate GPA requirements needed for the master’s program, and d) continue with graduate education immediately following the completion of their undergraduate degree. Students in the accelerated plan who decide not to continue with graduate education immediately will still earn undergraduate credits for a completed course. Undergraduate students cannot get graduate credits for the same course if they decide to pursue a master’s degree at a later time.

Eligible students interested in pursuing accelerated degree plan are encouraged to discuss more with their academic advisor, preferably early in their undergraduate degree plan. Please also read the general university requirement for accelerated program in both the graduate and undergraduate bulletins.

Eligible undergraduate students accepted to the accelerated MS in Strategic Communication program may receive undergraduate and graduate credit for any 5000-level STCM or COMS courses, and COMS 6413 Organizational and Intercultural Communication. Please consult with your advisor to ensure you take the courses that best align with the graduate emphasis area you want to pursue. 

Students from other majors in the college may also apply if they have completed the required STCM undergraduate courses and meet the general requirements, but their admission will be considered on a case-to-case basis.