Graduate
Professional MA in Strategic Communication
Learn the Language of Leadership
Designed exclusively for working professionals in advertising, public relations, or corporate or nonprofit communications, the Professional MA in Strategic Communication focuses on the study of communications strategy, planning, and evaluation, as well as persuasion and advertising theory.
Attend an Info Session
Our next Strategic Communication MA Virtual Information Session for Fall 2023 Admissions will be on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 from 12:00PM - 1:00PM CST. To sign up for our program session, please fill out and submit the web form below, and you will receive a Zoom link to the session by email no more than one day prior to the event. If you have any questions now about our professional program or would want to meet individually instead, please directly email Kassie Snyder, graduate program coordinator, at [email protected] Information sessions will be posted and updated monthly on this form and sessions will be held from November 2022 - August 2023.
More Than a Degree
A world-class education, a built-in network of lifelong professional connections, and an inspiring faculty are all part of the program.
Expand Your Skill Set
- Develop planning and analytical capabilities that empower your career
- Break free from tactic-only thinking and embed strategy and holistic thinking into your communications planning and execution
- Experience the rigor and respect of an MBA with less number crunching and more creativity
If your number one goal in your career is to improve your marketability so YOU are the one driving decisions on your career path, the Professional MA is an excellent choice. You will learn from other professionals and have the mental space to step away from day to day tasks to really focus on strategy.
Learn From the Best
- Adjunct faculty from the Twin Cities agency community bring real-world client situations and case studies to the classroom
- Renowned faculty embed a theoretical framework around modern-day communication situations
- Projects and class sessions provide opportunities to bring work situations and ideas into the classroom
Don’t quit your day job. Accelerate your career growth.
Our program is designed for communications and marketing professionals who are working full-time. Our faculty and your fellow students understand the needs of your busy life. No waiting or worrying about class availability or impossible schedules. You will complete your coursework and capstone project in a workable schedule that still leaves time for the rest of your life. This degree is designed to be completed in two calendar years—period.
- Interested? Read our FAQ for more info.
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What will I do with my degree?
Graduates of the master’s program in strategic communication will develop knowledge, skills and training to be next-generation communications leaders. The foundation of successful organizational communications is strategy – and that’s the core educational focus in this master’s program. You should develop your leadership ability, marketability and productivity. It will help you be a leader. We believe the curriculum will enhance your ability to identify and develop the best communications strategy, develop creative and original approaches to solving communications problems, and make you better informed about theories that are the basis for effective organizational communications.
Graduates of the program now work in communications positions at a wide variety of organizations – advertising and public relations agencies, trend tracking consulting firms, Fortune 100 corporations, small manufacturing companies, state agencies, school districts, area colleges and universities and many non-profit organizations. The degree itself is not the key to success – but the knowledge gained helps advance the careers of many students. Routinely, students in the program say that they can apply what they learn in class the next day at work.
How does this program compare to an MBA?
This program is designed first and foremost for storytellers. You will experience the rigor of an MBA curriculum but with more focus on strategy and creativity. Many students do take elective MBA courses in marketing, consumer buyer behavior and brand management.
How do students balance work, life and classroom?
Our completion rates above 90 percent suggest that students who commit themselves to our program find this degree extremely manageable. Since courses meet on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings, many of our students establish a new weekly routine. Course workload is easily completed on weekends, instructors are flexible and cohorts work like a support group.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in strategic communications to be accepted?
No. Some successful strategic communications professionals have degrees in other disciplines. Each candidate’s qualifications will be evaluated from various perspectives – with undergraduate curriculum just one of many factors.
When should I apply?
We’re using a rolling admission process. That means the sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll find out if you’re accepted. The priority application deadline is May 15, with a rolling deadline of August 15— but we urge you to apply as early as possible. Enrollment will be limited to only 20 students.
How soon will I find out if I’m accepted?
Once your online application is completed and your application fee is received, the process takes about two to four weeks. Candidates will be notified on a rolling basis.
Can I speak with individual faculty members before deciding to apply?
Yes. Interim Program Director Stacey Kanihan is available to answer questions at [email protected]
How do I get an application for admission?
Find out more on how to apply.
Do I have to do a master’s thesis?
No. Instead of a master’s thesis, you will do a Capstone Project that will require you to prepare and present a final project in consultation with your academic advisor and reviewed by two other graduate program faculty members. Acceptable formats for the final project include a publishable series or by-lined academic journal article on an important strategic communications issue or trend; an original research paper on an important dimension of strategic communication; a major paper and presentation on a specific challenge and recommended solution in strategic communication.
When can I start taking classes?
All registered students begin classes in September.
Do I need to submit GRE scores?
The GRE test is not required for Fall 2022 applications.
Can previous coursework in public relations, advertising or journalism fulfill requirements for this degree?
Generally, this program is highly customized in advanced strategic communication. Students will be expected to take all courses totaling 30 credits in a structured schedule and program.
Can previous coursework for which I've received graduate credits be used to meet the requirements for elective courses?
Yes. And graduate-level courses from other programs may be considered as elective credits, subject to approval by the Academic Director.
Are the courses available online?
The department currently offers courses in a flexible hybrid learning format, which has both in person attendance and online modalities.
Can I do this part-time?
This full-time program has been designed for working professionals, so courses are offered two nights per week (generally Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5:30 p.m - 8:00 p.m.) in the fall and spring and one night a week (generally Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.) in the summer. Students take six credits (or two classes) per semester to complete the program in two years.