Master of Business Administration in Strategic Communication Online

Hone your expertise in persuasion and storytelling to become a communications leader who motivates consumers, influences stakeholders and shapes positive company cultures.

Apply by: 1/4/27
Start class: 1/11/27 Apply Now Apply Now

Program Overview

Prepare to craft effective business messaging with the online MBA in Strategic Communication program

Effective communication is essential when organizations launch brands, products and services. With the online MBA in Strategic Communication program from Northwest Missouri State University, you’ll acquire competencies needed for giving voice to strategic initiatives across the public and private sectors.

Earn your master’s in strategic communication online to build expertise in delivering the right message at the right time to achieve corporate objectives. Northwest’s highly qualified professors teach career-relevant competencies you can apply immediately in your workplace, and you can tailor this ACBSP-accredited program to your goals through these tracks:

  • Internal Strategic Communication track: Learn to translate brand strategy and identity through internal messaging that shapes organizational culture. Coursework delves into conflict management, power dynamics and leadership through a communications lens, preparing you to boost employee engagement across an organization.
  • External Strategic Communication track: Understand how to craft messages that resonate with audiences outside your organization, including investors, customers and the media. You’ll learn to develop and deliver high-quality messages that define brand identity, fuel business growth and keep the public informed.

No matter the track you choose, you’ll complete coursework on essential communication topics and an executive seminar focusing on contemporary business practices.

Pursue these careers after earning your MBA in Strategic Communication degree online:

  • Corporate Communications Manager
  • Strategic Communications Consultant
  • Public Relations Director
  • Investor Relations Manager
Pursue these careers after earning your MBA in Strategic Communication degree online:
  • Corporate Communications Manager
  • Strategic Communications Consultant
  • Public Relations Director
  • Investor Relations Manager

Additional online MBA programs available

Northwest offers a variety of specialized MBAs. Check out all of our online MBA concentrations.

Total Tuition $15,150*
Program Duration As few as 12-18 months
Credit Hours 30

Accreditation:

ACBSP Accreditation

The business programs at Northwest Missouri State University are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). For more information about ACBSP accreditation, visit acbsp.org.

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Need More Information?

Call 844-890-9304

Call 844-890-9304

Tuition

Benefit from cost-effective tuition while earning your master’s in strategic communication online

Northwest’s master’s in strategic communication program delivers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition, which is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. The tuition includes a $39 fee per course.

View additional tuition information+

Program Per Credit Hour Per Course Per Program*
MBA – Strategic Communication $492 $1,476 $15,150

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

Required fees:

Required fee per course: $39

Total required fees: $390

Tuition breakdown:

Total Tuition $15,150*
Per Credit Hour $492

Calendar

Set your goal for starting the strategic communication master’s program

We offer multiple start dates per year and convenient coursework to working professionals seeking an online communications master’s degree program.

View full calendar +

TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Spring 11/11/271/4/271/5/271/6/271/7/272/26/27
Spring 23/8/272/19/272/24/272/26/273/2/274/23/27

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date: 1/4/27
Next Class Start Date: 1/11/27
Ready to take the next steps toward

earning your degree?

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Admissions

Begin your journey to an online master’s in strategic communication program

Northwest's streamlined admission process makes it easier for you to pursue a strategic communication MBA online. Review these requirements to learn what to include with your application.

View all admission requirements +

Required Documentation

Applicants to Northwest’s MBA program who have a bachelor's degree in business** from an institution accredited by agencies recognized as Institutional Accreditors in the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale and one of the following:

  • Three years of continuous professional, full-time work experience
  • Three years of continuous full-time U.S.-enlisted or commissioned military service
  • Graduate degree from an institutionally accredited university with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • 3.50 or higher undergraduate GPA
  • GMAT score of 440 or above
  • Admission index of 1100 (undergraduate GPA x 200 + GMAT)
  • GRE score of 285 or above
  • Admission index of 965 (undergraduate GPA x 200 + GRE)
  • 70th percentile or above score on the Major Field Test for Business

**In addition to the general requirements prescribed by the Graduate School, all students without an undergraduate degree in a business field must successfully complete the MGMT 54201: MBA Business Foundation course before any graduate course.

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

Official documents may be mailed to:

Graduate Office
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 an institutionally accredited institution
  • GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  • Resume detailing professional experience
  • 3 years of work experience or acceptable GMAT/GRE score

Courses

Learn how strategic communication motivates consumers and inspires workforces

This online program includes seven core courses (21 credit hours) and three concentration courses (nine credit hours), for a total of 10 courses (30 credit hours). Students will take courses from either the Internal Strategic Communication or External Strategic Communication track, not a combination of both.

Expand All
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed to give the student an understanding of the accounting concepts that are useful in making managerial decisions.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Managerial Economics is the application of economic analysis to managerial decision making. The course applies basic economic theory to day-to-day business decisions and long-run strategy and explores how economics affects the firm and the external environment in which the firm operates. Topics include: economic models, supply and demand theory, elasticity, regression analysis, firm and consumer behavior, production functions, cost analysis, forecasting, and firm organization and structure.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The course includes financial statement analysis, financial planning, capital budgeting, and valuation.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The application of mathematical and statistical methods to business decision-making in the various fields of business. Topics cover a number of subjects, including quality management, linear programming and queuing problems.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A consideration of various behavioral concepts which are found in organizational settings and which have implications for management personnel. Emphasis is on practical application of various topics such as teamwork, leadership, motivation, organizational change and development.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of contemporary business practices utilized by successful organizations. Emphasis is placed on understanding current issues faced by senior management. Can be taken only during the last trimester of enrollment.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of contemporary marketing practices built around the strategic marketing process. The central focus is on becoming a customer-focused organization. Areas such as understanding customer satisfaction and customer value, as well as delivery and applied measurement issues, are explored.
Duration: 7 Weeks 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
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 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 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 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 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.

Among Top 5

Ranked among the top 5 in "Best Colleges for Business in Missouri" by Niche.com (2026)

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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