General communication master's degrees have been around for decades, equipping graduate students with the skills needed to create and implement corporate communications plans. In recent years, however, the master's in strategic communications degree has become one of the most coveted qualifications among communications professionals. Taking a strategic and analytical approach to internal and external communications, this degree is designed to provide students with the advanced and intuitive skills required to navigate the modern media landscape.
What Is Strategic Communications?
Strategic communication is defined as an interdisciplinary field of study that blends traditional communications principles and strategies with business theory. Communications strategies often rely on data analysis, making it a critical area in today's digital age. Students who choose a strategic communications major for their graduate degree will have the opportunity to explore the role of data-based decision-making in the communications field, plus learn how to use analytics to create strategic and effective communications plans.
Overview of UMN’s Master’s in Strategic Communications
Strategic communication master's programs are an excellent option for working professionals looking to build the skills and knowledge to advance their careers. The ideal candidates for a master's in strategic communications include those in the realms of marketing, media, public relations, communications or brand development.
Program Overview
At the University of Minnesota, the master's in strategic communications focuses primarily on the study of communications strategy — including the process of creating a communications plan and evaluating its effectiveness. It is designed with working professionals in mind and emphasizes the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to create targeted communications strategies.
Program Structure
With a flexible, hybrid structure, this graduate degree program is perfect for working professionals who want to advance their education while balancing their existing responsibilities. Combining virtual and in-person learning experiences, this program accommodates the needs of a diverse range of learners. Students will enjoy working in small cohorts where they can focus on real-world applications of strategic communications while developing lasting connections with classmates.
Core Curriculum
The master's in strategic communications is a 30-credit degree program, and students must complete 24 credit hours in core communications courses. Some of the required courses for this graduate degree include:
- Strategic Communication Research and Evaluation
- Business Fundamentals for Strategic Communications
- Strategic Communication Theory
- Digital Planning, Strategy and Analytics
- Strategic Communication Cases and Campaigns
Elective Options
Students have the opportunity to complete a 3-credit-hour elective course as a way to personalize their academic experience. The elective options available within this graduate degree program include:
- Crisis Communication
- Issue Management in Strategic Communication
Capstone Project
The capstone project is the final requirement for students to graduate with a master's in strategic communications from the University of Minnesota. During the capstone project, you have the chance to design and develop your own strategic communication campaign, highlighting the skills you learned throughout your graduate degree program.
Internship Opportunities
The University of Minnesota is located in the heart of a thriving media market — presenting the opportunity to pursue a wide range of internship opportunities in the local area. Internship programs provide graduate students with the ability to gain practical and technical experience in the strategic communications field, which can help them become more competitive in the job market.
Program Outcomes
Graduates with a master's in strategic communications will be able to effectively create and implement data-driven communications strategies for organizations across all industries. More than 90% of University of Minnesota strategic communications graduates report that they have enjoyed an increase in income since earning their master's degree, and some of our graduates have gone on to work for well-known companies such as Target, Google and General Mills, to name a few.
Admissions Requirements
Students who are interested in applying for this graduate degree program should have an undergraduate degree, though an undergraduate degree in communications specifically is not required. Additionally, they should have some professional experience in marketing, branding, public relations, communications or media.
Strategic Communication Skills You’ll Gain
Throughout the required courses, you have the opportunity to gain industry-specific skills that allow you to advance your career as a communications or media professional.
According to CEOWORLD magazine, the following are some of the leading skills strategic communications professionals should possess (and that you may build upon throughout your graduate degree program):
Audience Research and Segmentation
You will learn how to conduct market research in order to identify and analyze your audiences. Knowing your target audience enables you to improve the effectiveness of your messaging.
Message Development
You will hone the written, oral and verbal communication skills necessary to craft compelling and persuasive messages. You will also develop an ability to tailor your messaging to meet the needs of different platforms and stakeholders.
Crisis Communication
You will become comfortable and confident developing the strategies required to manage and communicate during organizational crises. During these tense moments, organizations often depend heavily on their communications department to get through the crisis and minimize the impact on the overall brand.
Digital Communication
You will gain expertise in using digital tools and social media platforms for strategic purposes, in turn allowing you to increase brand exposure and visibility in a dynamic digital landscape.
Data Analysis
You will become familiar with the leading data collection and analysis techniques. This way, you can leverage the power of data to assess the effectiveness of communication campaigns and make informed decisions.
Leadership and Collaboration
In addition to honing the practical, technical and analytical skills needed for strategic communication planning, you will develop the leadership skills needed to promote teamwork and collaborate across departments.
Real-World Applications
Strategic communication skills can be applied in various industries, from healthcare and technology to nonprofit and government sectors. For example, in healthcare, strategic communication professionals are called upon to develop advanced communication campaigns that address the needs of patients and provide them with the practical information they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives. According to the Rural Health Information Hub, strategic communication professionals who work in the healthcare industry will need to use research-based, multichannel communication strategies in order to reach their target audience and achieve desired outcomes.
Is Strategic Communication the Right Major for You?
Before enrolling in a graduate degree program, of course, you must ultimately decide whether this is the right degree program for you. Ideally, applicants for the master's in strategic communications degree have existing professional experience in media relations, communications or branding.
Ideal Candidates
The candidates best-suited for this degree program include individuals who are passionate about storytelling, branding and influencing public perception — as well as professionals seeking career advancement opportunities or who would like to shift into communication-focused roles.
Self-Assessment Questions
These are several self-assessment questions that you can consider before deciding to apply for the strategic communication master's degree program:
- Do I want to continue to work in the communications field?
- Will I be able to balance my existing responsibilities with graduate degree coursework?
- Will the skills that I acquire throughout this degree program allow me to advance my career?
Considerations
Some considerations that should factor into your decision to pursue a graduate degree in strategic communication include:
- The time commitment required.
- Your ability to balance existing responsibilities with your graduate degree coursework.
- The overall return on investment (ROI) in your education.
Why Choose UMN for Your Master’s in Strategic Communication?
At the University of Minnesota's Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication, we pride ourselves on offering rigorous graduate degree programs that are aligned with industry standards and allow our students to develop the advanced, specific skills required for strategic communication planning.
You should choose UMN because of our:
Program Flexibility
The strategic communication master's degree is designed with working professionals in mind. Featuring a hybrid course structure, you have the flexibility to complete your degree program at a pace that works for your current lifestyle.
Reputation and Accreditation
We are proud of our reputation as one of the leading universities in Minnesota and around the world. Our graduate degree in strategic communication is an accredited program that allows you to feel confident in the education you are receiving.
Experienced Faculty
Our experienced faculty have significant professional experience in strategic communications, enabling them to deliver industry-specific instruction and firsthand insight.
Networking Opportunities
Within this graduate degree program, you can enjoy networking opportunities that allow you to expand your reach within the communications field and uncover new opportunities — such as internship programs or prospective job opportunities — that can help advance your career.
Supportive Environment
At UMN, we prioritize student well-being by offering a supportive environment in which you have access to the resources you need to succeed on an academic, personal and professional level.
Student Success
Your success is our top priority. We will work closely with each student to make sure they have the resources, support and guidance they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Career Services
Through our personalized career services, you can practice interviewing, build your resume and learn more about potential professional opportunities available in your field.
What Is a Strategic Communications Degree? Learn More About Our Graduate Degree Program at University of Minnesota
At the University of Minnesota, we offer a Professional Master of Arts in Strategic Communication degree that is designed to equip students with the analytical and data-driven communication skills required to navigate today's dynamic media market. With an emphasis on digital media and brand building, the master's in strategic communications program is ideal for working professionals looking to advance their careers in marketing, media relations and communications.
Is strategic communications a good major for you? To get started today, request more information about this graduate degree program, offered through the University of Minnesota's Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
