A master’s degree in strategic communication delves into the business areas of branding, marketing, advertising, public relations and social media. Students who earn this degree gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed to become organizational leaders. This degree will help students practice leadership techniques in a safe and learning environment while collaborating with diverse peers and professors.
Program Overview
This degree program trains students how to create and implement effective communications strategies in various organizations. Students learn how to cultivate the thinking, management and organizational habits needed to strategically guide managers and executives. Students will become familiar with a wide range of contemporary communications tools through using them in class projects, assignments and discussions. Assignments help students demonstrate their proficiency in strategic planning, communication and program review. Most of these programs require a final capstone project that gives students the opportunity to research, analyze and propose real-world communications plans and programs.
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Program Outcomes
After graduation, students will be prepared to create various strategies that employ an optimal mix of communications channels, content and techniques for reaching desired outcomes. This means that students will learn how to segment potential audiences to define objectives, motivations and desired behaviors. Students will know how to analyze an audience, customize projects and deliver measurable impacts. These degrees teach students how to lead a research team that proposes analytical approaches to address business challenges and market opportunities. Students will know how to customize communications strategies in the private and public sectors.
Program Applicants
Most of these degree applicants will currently be employed in a communications or leadership role with at least five to seven years of experience. Applicants may either have high levels of technical competency or leadership acumen. These degree programs will most likely include classes of students who represent diverse industries, experiences and backgrounds. These degree programs are targeted at dedicated and self-directed business professionals who expect to be future organizational leaders. These students will understand that a company’s communication strategy is the key to commercial success. Many incoming students will have a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, advertising or business administration.
Program Graduates
Many graduates of these degree programs go on to hold titles like chief strategy officer, director of communications, communications executive, media development manager and global marketing manager. There are also career opportunities as traditional marketing, advertising and public relations directors. The industries that need extra communications expertise include government, pharmaceutical, entertainment, financial services, health care, social media and corporate organizations. Regardless of the industry, program graduates will know how to construct persuasive and reasoned arguments in order to influence audiences, create compelling content and contribute to risk management activities.
A strategic communication degree program is ideal for self-motivated individuals who are accustomed to working with professional peers and clients to solve specific problems and create strategic plans. A Master of Science in Strategic Communication may come with specializations in areas like executive leadership, global business, information technology, brand management or corporate training. The BLS introduces additional media and communications careers here.