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Degree Requirements

These requirements apply to students admitted prior to Spring 2012.

In order to receive the master's degree in Strategic Communications, students must complete all requirements of the degree within four years (12 terms, including summer) with an overall grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better.

The 36-point program is composed of 10 3-point courses and one 6-point course.

Introductory Core Courses

The five required introductory core courses provide students with a foundation in strategic thinking and positioning. Not all courses are offered every semester.

  • COMM K4005. Strategic Communications: Analysis, Theory, and Ethics. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4010. Positioning and Communications Strategy. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4015. Evaluating the Communications Toolbox. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4110. In Search of Insights. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4120. Strategic Writing and Editing. 3 pts.

See course descriptions.

Advanced Core Courses

One advanced core course is required and may be taken at any time, along with electives, once the introductory core courses have been completed. Not all courses are offered every semester.

  • COMM K4200. Managing and Measuring the Communications Mix. 3 pts.

See course descriptions.

Elective Courses

Four electives are required. They may be taken concurrently with the advanced core course. Students may choose a sequence of courses to explore a concentration of the field, such as nonprofit communications or branding, or choose electives to meet their individual interests or goals.

Each elective course will be offered at least one term per year (fall or spring) with eight to ten electives offered each semester.

  • COMM K4121. Building Internal Engagement. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4131. Corporate Communications. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4141. Communications 3.0: Best Practices in a Networked Society. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4160. Political Communications. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4170. Crisis Communications. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4180. Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategy. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4202. Communications for Social Change. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4203. The Master Narrative. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4205. Advanced Writing Workshop. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4210. Communication and Global Brands. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4225. Delivering the Strategic Message. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4235. The Power of Opinion. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4240. Leadership in Corporate Communications. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4250. Motivating Target Audiences to Action. 3 pts.
  • COMM K4260. The Value of Brand: Making the Business Case.  3 pts.
  • COMM K4265. Strategic Visual Communications. 3 pts.

See course descriptions.

Advanced Communications Project

This is an independent study course offered in the fall and spring only. Due to the demands of this course, students should not take any other courses in the same term.

  • COMM K4900. Advanced Communications Project. 6 pts.

See course descriptions.

Seminars

Degree candidates are strongly advised to take advantage of the seminar series to further develop their skills and career advancement opportunities.

Lecturers are program faculty and communications leaders from the corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors.

Seminar Series Schedule

Most seminars are open to the public.

The University reserves the right to withdraw or modify the courses of instruction or the instructors as may become necessary.