Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Online

Explore communication and mass media 100% online with courses focused on campaigns, public relations, research and argumentation.

Apply by: 6/7/24
Start class: 6/24/24 Apply Now Apply Now

Program Overview

What you’ll get from the master’s in strategic communication online

Expand your expertise in applied and professional communication with the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication online. Our faculty intentionally designed the curriculum to help you build skills that will translate to various professions across many fields. You’ll learn about data-driven decision-making, how to create content for social media to give your organization an edge, how to communicate through crises, and realize the importance of developing relationships with the media. As a working student, you can apply your coursework immediately in your current position.

Courses include study on communication campaigns, public relations, research, argumentation and more. All classes are 100% online and only 7 weeks long, allowing you to earn your degree faster from any location that is convenient to your lifestyle.

As a graduate of this online M.A. program, you will be prepared to:

  • Build expertise in both new and traditional media, as well as critical knowledge and skills for today’s innovative communication environment
  • Learn how to gather and analyze information and use those findings to create effective communication campaigns
  • Explore traditional and emerging platforms, technologies and approaches for telling authentic stories
As a graduate of this online M.A. program, you will be prepared to:
  • Build expertise in both new and traditional media, as well as critical knowledge and skills for today’s innovative communication environment
  • Learn how to gather and analyze information and use those findings to create effective communication campaigns
  • Explore traditional and emerging platforms, technologies and approaches for telling authentic stories

Strategic communication career opportunities include:

  • Corporate Communications
  • Outreach Specialist
  • Advertising Strategist
  • Copywriter
Strategic communication career opportunities include:
  • Corporate Communications
  • Outreach Specialist
  • Advertising Strategist
  • Copywriter

Accreditation:

Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.


Total Tuition $11,250*
Program Duration As few as 12 months
Credit Hours 30

Accreditation:

Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.


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Need More Information?

Call 844-890-9304

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Tuition

Reasonable, pay-by-the-course tuition puts your M.A. within reach

Our Master of Arts in Strategic Communication online program offers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition, which is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included.

View additional tuition information+

Program Per Credit Hour Per Course Per Program*
M.A. in Strategic Communication $375 $1,125 $11,250

Important Refund Information

2nd day of class Last date for 100% refund for dropped course
4th day of class Last date for 75% refund for dropped course
6th day of class Last date for 50% refund for dropped course
8th day of class Last date for 25% refund for dropped course

Tuition breakdown:

Total Tuition $11,250*
Per Credit Hour $375

Transfer your credits for lower tuition

Use our Tuition Estimator to see how affordable your degree could be. Slide the notch to the number of credits you've already earned—which may qualify for transfer credit—to get an estimate of what your degree might cost.

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Your Estimated Tuition: $16,140
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Transcripts sent from other colleges and universities will be evaluated, and accepted credits will be added to the student's A-State record. The Tuition Estimator is not a guarantee or predictor of the number of credit hours that will be accepted.

Calendar

Here are the dates you need to know

Northwest online programs are delivered in an accelerated format ideal for working professionals, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year.

View full calendar  + 

TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Summer 14/29/244/15/244/18/244/22/244/24/246/14/24
Summer 26/24/246/7/246/12/246/14/246/18/248/9/24
Fall 18/26/248/12/248/15/248/19/248/21/2410/11/24
Fall 210/21/2410/7/2410/10/2410/14/2410/16/2412/6/24

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date: 6/7/24
Next Class Start Date: 6/24/24
Ready to take the next steps toward

earning your degree?

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Admissions

Find out what it takes to apply for the master's in strategic communication

At Northwest, we’ve streamlined the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. Please read the requirements for the M.A. in Strategic Communication online, including what additional materials you need and where you should send them. The requirements include:

Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
View all admission requirements +

To apply for this program, you must meet these requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended
  • Statement of Purpose: State your personal objectives for applying for the online M.A. in Strategic Communication at Northwest Missouri State University (e.g., what are your reasons for graduate study, your goals and reasons for selecting this field of study).

    1. The Statement of Purpose should be no more than 400 words. Keep your answers concise and informative.
    2. Use Times New Roman, 12 point font, 1" margins and double spaced lines.
    3. Save and upload the document as .pdf file. No other file formats will be accepted.
    4. Remove any identifying information from your Statement of Purpose. If you are using Microsoft Office Word, follow these steps: select File, select Properties, select the Summary tab and remove your personal information.
    5. When you finish your Statement of Purpose, email it to [email protected].

Official transcript(s) may be emailed to: [email protected].

Official documents may be mailed to:

Graduate Records Specialist
Northwest Missouri State University
800 University Drive
Maryville, MO 64468-6001

Have a question? Call us at 844-890-9304.

Click here for State Authorization information.


Admission Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

Courses

Learn more about our strategic communication master’s courses

For the M.A. in Strategic Communication online, the curriculum is comprised of 10 courses (30 credit hours).

Expand All

COM 29610 (Foundations of Graduate Studies in Strategic Communication) is the suggested first course.  If necessary, COM 29615, COM 29621 and COM 29622 may be taken concurrently or prior.

Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will introduce the student to the expectations of the graduate program and will orient the student to foundational concepts and skills that will permeate the various classes in the program.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an overarching view of core communication theories that inform communication practices in different contexts such as interpersonal communication, small group communication, organizational communication, health communication, intercultural communication, political communication, and public relations. It also examines the use and impact of media technology in the various contexts. Co-requisite: COM 29610.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Analysis of various theories and current research into the role of communication in conflicts. Studies conflict within interpersonal, group, organizational, and societal contexts. Emphasis is placed on studying individual communication styles and then developing competence in the management of conflict, especially within a negotiation context.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Students will learn how theories, concepts, and research inform power, influence, and political skill in individual, cultural, and organizational leadership contexts. Students will examine advanced techniques in power dynamics.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the rationale underlying strategic communication campaigns, achieving specific strategic communication goals and solving a wide variety of strategic communication problems.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course examines the impact of strategic communication from a media perspective on the communication process. Attention is given to academic and corporate aspects of communication and their application to various media contexts. Special attention will be given to the role of strategic communication and media in the workplace.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An overview of brand management theories and strategies. This course provides a comprehensive foundation of theoretical and applied knowledge necessary to manage a brand successfully.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course aims to introduce students to communication research methods. The course will meet two distinct objectives:1. To employ cognitive, critical, understanding, and evaluation of communication research 2. To develop skills needed to conduct a personal and professional research project
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the theory of argumentation, logical argument construction, argument refutation and cross examination. The course involves the application of reflective thinking to problem solving. Students are given an opportunity to apply argumentation theory to law, scholarship, politics, and business.
Duration: 7 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course requires students to integrate their experience and the knowledge and skills acquired from the Strategic Communication program to demonstrate their mastery of specific areas that interest them. Each student will submit a project proposal and seek the approval of their mentor before embarking on the project. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the other courses in the program.

Top Public School

Northwest Missouri State University is #22 in U.S. News & World Report's "Top Public Schools, Regional Universities Midwest" rankings (2024)

Highly Qualified Faculty

100% of classes are taught by professionals, not graduate assistants

*Tuition and fees are based on current rates. Textbooks and laptops are not included with tuition.

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