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Online Master's Degree: Strategic Communications

Strategic Communications
Master of Science
DEGREE AT A GLANCE
  • 30 credits
  • Transfer up to 12 credits
  • All courses available online
TUITION RATES
  • $534 per credit (in-state)
  • $659 per credit (out-of-state)
  • $336 per credit (military)
  • Other fees may apply
Apply Now
Next Session Starts
January 8

Earn a Master of Science in strategic communications at University of Maryland Global Campus and take courses that can help you prepare for leadership roles in public relations and related communications fields. This program is designed to help working professionals obtain the skills they need to stand out in the market and advance their careers. Study in our convenient online classroom and expand your knowledge base using our no-cost digital resources. Why wait? Take the first step and apply today! 

Develop Leadership & Management Skills in Communications & PR

UMGC’s online strategic communications master’s degree is built from the ground up with the needs of working professionals like you in mind. Today's employers are looking for the next generation of leaders—working professionals who can use advanced communications skills to lead their teams through complex situations. Our career-focused online program is designed to help you build those skills and fill that growing need.

Here are a few benefits of joining this program:

  • Our courses are taught by respected faculty members who have decades of experience in the field.
  • You’ll complete course assignments that deal with strategy, research, audience segments, and messaging that you can expect to encounter in the communications industry.
  • This program can help prepare you for the Public Relations Society of America’s Accreditation in Public Relations and the Global Communication Certification Council’s Strategic Communication Management Professional certification exams.

See Courses & Program Info

View a complete list of program courses, program-specific and degree-level requirements, recommended experience, and more.

Gain Career-Focused Communications Experience

Employers in today’s global marketplace are looking for well-spoken communications professionals who know how to motivate and lead their teams through any challenge. This program is designed to help students build and develop their skills in several in-demand areas, including management, strategy, interpersonal communication, leadership, writing, and planning.

Our program directors refresh and update the curriculum regularly, with a focus on helping students achieve the following:

Use Data
Use data analytics to create a strategy to communicate your organization's story.
Lead with Principles
Achieve organizational objectives through the application of ethical best practices and principles of leadership and management.
Plan Crisis Communications
Plan for, implement, and evaluate strategic and crisis communications activities and campaigns in an ethical manner by applying communications theory, principles, and best practices.
Engage Your Audience
Create communications products for traditional, digital, and social media platforms that incorporate organizational messages and operational initiatives and engage your public effectively.

Advance in Your Career

This program is designed to help you prepare for strategic communications careers in several professional contexts. The skills that you’ll learn in this program may translate to a number of industries, including companies in the public sector, the private sector, and the non-profit sector. Potential job titles include communication specialist, director of communications, and public affairs specialist. UMGC courses are taught by experienced faculty and address skills and competencies that are highly valued by today’s employers.

Larry H., Newark, NJ

115K
Annual Job Openings
About 115,000 job openings for media and communications professionals are projected each year over the next decade.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | “Occupational Outlook Handbook” | 2023
$16B+
PR Industry Revenue
U.S. public relations agencies generated more than $16 billion in revenue from 2013–2021.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau | “Service Annual Survey Latest Data (NAICS-basis): 2021” | November 22, 2022
8%
PR Job Growth
Job openings for public relations specialists are expected to increase by 8 percent from 2021–2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | “Occupational Outlook Handbook” | 2023

Practice Real-World Skills in Your Coursework

Throughout your curriculum, your instructors will assign coursework that will help you prioritize real-world skills and experience. In past courses, students have been able to complete the following course projects:

  • Prepare a speech for the CEO of your client’s organization, draft potential questions and answers for the CEO, and then write a blog post for publication after the speech.  
  • Plan a “Pet Day” event for your client, including publicity, media relations, and social media activities before, during, and after the event.
  • Create a management plan for a new communications organization.
  • Develop a 12-month communications campaign budget and resourcing plan for your client.
  • Identify potential crises for your client, prioritize them, and create a crisis communications plan for one of them.

Explore UMGC Blog Insights

Gain insight and delve deeper into a range of topics, including leadership, online education, and more.

How to Become a Good Leader
How to Become a Good Leader

UMGC’s MBA program graduates share their thoughts on leadership.
In the Media: Graduates Reflect on Their Master’s Degree Journeys
In the Media: Graduates Reflect on Their Master’s Degree Journeys

Hear the stories of different UMGC graduates who earned their master’s degrees this winter.
Is It Too Late to Go Back to School?
Is It Too Late to Go Back to School?

Learn more about the benefits of going back to school, regardless of your age.
Why Choose an Online, Out-of-State-College
Why Choose an Online, Out-of-State-College

An out-of-state, online university like UMGC may be your best option for finding a good fit.
 

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