Master's in Strategic Communications | 含羞草传媒 University

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Strategic Communication

Program Info

Degree Type:

Graduate

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(800) 414-5756

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Enhance Your Communication Skills and Expertise with a Master's in Strategic Communications

Effective communication helps organizations build trust, influence audiences and ultimately, succeed. If you want to advance your career in media, public relations, marketing or corporate communication, 含羞草传媒 University's Master of Science in Strategic Communication program provides you with the skills and expertise you need to lead. Flexible yet rigorous, TROY's online master's in strategic communications prepares you for leadership roles in communication-focused industries, teaching positions or doctoral study. You'll learn to develop, implement and evaluate communication strategies while also exploring crisis communications, social media strategy, emerging technologies and organizational leadership 鈥� all of which prepare you to leverage your skills in new ways, whether in industry or the classroom.

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鈥淲ith no formal education in this field, my Master of Science in Strategic Communication from TROY has greatly positioned me to work as a communications professional. Generally speaking, most employers in this field will require some type of formal public relations education. Having this extra credential not only makes me an optimal candidate for future positions, but it has also given me the knowledge I need to effectively execute strategic communication strategies.鈥�

Emma Johnson鈥億鈥�2020 Graduate, Master of Science in Strategic Communication | Policy Communications Manager Delta Air Lines

A Fully Online Master's in Strategic Communications Program

Complete your master's in strategic communications online 鈥� and in under a year. Designed for working adults and offered in nine-week terms, our program helps you balance your academic, professional and personal commitments. Start classes in one of five terms and take on the course load that works for you, or take a term off when you need to. You'll also benefit from a faculty with years of experience in online instruction and teaching adult learners, meaning you'll receive the individual attention you need from experts in their fields.

Apply Your M.S. in Strategic Communications to Any Industry

At TROY, you'll refine skills that every organization needs: the ability to develop compelling messages, analyze audiences, communicate with digital media, solve communication challenges and respond to crises. These skills, along with the experience you'll gain with new technologies and communication strategies, allow you to work in corporate, government, nonprofit and higher education settings. You'll also be well-equipped to pursue doctoral work in strategic communication, enabling you to teach at colleges and universities or research topics that interest you.

M.S. in Strategic Communications Curriculum

In the strategic communications master's program, you'll develop the advanced competencies today's communication leaders need most. You'll explore the theory and science behind how messaging influences behavior, develop skills in research and data-driven decision-making, and learn to navigate legal and ethical dimensions of professional communication. While specific courses may vary from year to year, the curriculum is designed to give you the strategic thinking and practical expertise to excel in your career.

Master's in Strategic Communications Program Locations

Get the flexibility you need by earning your master's in strategic communications online from anywhere. For more information about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756.

TROY Online

A Strategic Communications Graduate Program Grounded in Real-World Practice

Whether working on your capstone or studying global communications abroad, you'll have numerous opportunities to apply what you've learned in the real world. In TROY's strategic communications graduate program, you'll gain hands-on practice in audience analysis, digital media strategy, crisis management and message development, building a portfolio of work that demonstrates your readiness for leadership roles. By graduation, you'll have the credentials, skills and portfolio to advance your career or apply confidently to Ph.D. programs in communication.

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Careers in Strategic Communication

After completing the strategic communication master's program at TROY, you'll be prepared to enter roles in advertising, marketing, digital media, public relations, journalism and business. Industries and sectors with a strong need for strategic communication include mass media, government, higher education, finance, nonprofit, corporate and advertising.

Faculty Profiles

Dr. Bridgette Colaco

Dr. Bridgette Colaco is an Assistant Professor with over 25 years of professional and academic experience in journalism and international communications. She served as assistant editor of the Hindustan Times in Mumbai, India, and holds a Ph.D. in mass communication and media arts from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Dr. Colaco is also a fellow of the Business Journalism Professors program at Arizona State University.

Learn more about our faculty bcolaco@troy.edu

Dr. Shari Hoppin

Dr. Shari Hoppin is an Associate Professor in the Hall School of Journalism and Communication. She earned a B.A. from the University of Ottawa, Canada, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Southern California. Dr. Hoppin is the author of The Dark Side of Persuasion. She has published articles and delivered conference presentations at regional, national, and international levels. Her current research interests include the philosophy of communication, persuasion and influence, and communication in health care contexts. Dr. Hoppin taught at the University of Southern California and at Florida State University before joining the faculty at 含羞草传媒 University. She is a member of the University's graduate faculty and teaches in the Master of Science in Strategic Communication degree program in addition to teaching undergraduate courses. Her other professional and academic experience includes working as a reporter and editor and coordinating the Hall School's internship program.

Learn more about our faculty shoppin@troy.edu

Related Programs

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

FAQ About the M.S. in Strategic Communications

Learn more about the field of media and strategic communication and our program.

What is a master's in strategic communication?

A master's degree in strategic communications focuses on the intentional use of written, verbal, visual and digital communication to reach and motivate target audiences to help achieve organizational goals. It combines theory, research and practice to prepare professionals for leadership roles in communications-intensive fields. Strategic communications graduate programs like TROY's give you advanced preparation in messaging, campaign development, audience analysis and communication law/ethics, preparing you for a wide range of senior communication roles or doctoral study in communications.

Is a master's in strategic communications worth it?

If you seek to advance your career in communications, media or related fields, a master's in strategic communications can be a high-value investment. It builds specialized expertise, expands your professional network and can lead to leadership opportunities and higher earning potential.

TROY's online master's degree in strategic communications makes those opportunities more accessible. TROY offers a path to a respected degree in a flexible, fully online format designed for working adults with a curriculum that doesn't sacrifice rigor. If you're motivated to grow professionally and interested in pursuing graduate-level credentials, this program is an excellent fit.

Can I pursue a master's in strategic communications while working full time?

Yes. TROY's online master's in strategic communications is specifically designed for working professionals. The program runs on flexible nine-week terms with five start dates per year, so you can begin when it's right for you. You'll complete all coursework online, on your own schedule, without being required to come to campus. You can also adjust your course load from term to term, or step away for a term if work or life requires it. Many of our students balance full-time careers with their academic pursuits, and our faculty understand and support that reality.

What career opportunities are available after completing an online master's in strategic communications?

Graduates of TROY's online master's in strategic communications are prepared for a wide range of advanced roles in many industries, including public relations, marketing, digital media, corporate communications, journalism and government. Specific roles include communications strategist, public relations director, marketing director, content strategist, crisis communications manager and corporate communications director. The degree also prepares you for doctoral programs if your goals include teaching and academic research.

How do online master's degrees in strategic communications compare to on-campus programs?

The specific experience depends on the program you choose, but at TROY, the online master's degree in strategic communications delivers the same rigorous curriculum and faculty expertise as any on-campus program. You'll cover the same core competencies, learn from respected faculty and earn the same advanced credential. The difference is in the delivery: Instead of commuting to campus and attending classes on a fixed schedule, you'll complete coursework online at a time and pace that works for you. For students balancing careers, families and other commitments, this flexible format makes the degree more accessible. Regardless of your situation, TROY's program provides you with the same depth of knowledge, faculty mentorship and professional preparation you'd expect from any on-campus communication master's program.

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News

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Alumnus Parlays Master's Degree into Communications Job with Georgia Senate

Each and every day, we engage in communication. But sometimes our messages are not received the way we intended, which can lead to problems for us both personally and professionally. While thoughtful, effective communication is important for all of us, it's crucial in today's increasingly complex online environment for organizations to have professionals in place who have the knowledge and skills to develop, implement and evaluate communication strategies 鈥� from handling crises to managing social media.

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