Strategic Communication, MA
The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication is a 100% online program and is designed so that students can complete the degree in as little as 18 months. The program is tailored to working professionals and any graduate student interested in strategically creating, disseminating, analyzing, and managing communication messages across social media, healthcare and community organizations, and media outlets. We currently offer two cognate areas: (a) Strategic Social Media and (b) Health and Crisis Communication.
Admission Requirements
- Meet the general requirements for admission to the Graduate School.
- Hold a bachelor's degree in Communication or a closely related area with a grade point average of 3.0 or better.
- Statement of purpose.
International applicants must meet the requirements of the Graduate School at The University of Akron to demonstrate their English language proficiency.
Admission decisions will be based on a student's academic credentials and the ability to explain why they would like to pursue a professional online M.A. in Strategic Communication and their potential to succeed in an online environment.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 9 | |
| COMM 600 | Introduction to Graduate Study in Communication | 2 |
| COMM 601 | Applied Methods of Communication Research | 3 |
| COMM 623 | Applied Communication Theory | 3 |
| COMM 599 | Capstone | 1 |
| Cognate Areas: Students must select a cognate area from the options below. | 12 | |
| Cognate Area Option 1: Strategic Social Media Courses | ||
| Required courses: | ||
| COMM 540 | Strategic Social Media | 3 |
| COMM 542 | Social Media Metrics and Analytics | 3 |
| Select six credits from the following: | ||
| COMM 516 | Social Media Content Creation | 3 |
| COMM 517 | Social Media Platforms | 3 |
| COMM 541 | Social Media Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| COMM 630 | Communication in Organizations | 3 |
| COMM 645 | Intercultural Communication Theory | 3 |
| COMM 575 | Political Communication | 3 |
| COMM 531 | Risk Communication | 3 |
| COMM 691 | Advanced Communication Studies | 3 |
| MGMT 601 | Business Analytics and Information Strategy | 3 |
| MKTG 620 | Strategic Marketing | 3 |
| MKTG 625 | Brand Management | 3 |
| POLIT 570 | Fundamentals of Political Strategy | 3 |
| POLIT 571 | Fundamentals of Electoral Messaging | 3 |
| SOWK 611 | Dynamics of Racism & Discrimination | 3 |
| Any graduate elective | ||
| Cognate Area Option 2: Health and Crisis Communication Courses | ||
| Required course: | ||
| COMM 510 | Crisis Communication | 3 |
| COMM 538 | Health Communication | 3 |
| Select six credits from the following: | ||
| COMM 531 | Risk Communication | |
| COMM 537 | Communication and Health Disparities | 3 |
| COMM 540 | Strategic Social Media | 3 |
| COMM 575 | Political Communication | 3 |
| COMM 630 | Communication in Organizations | 3 |
| COMM 645 | Intercultural Communication Theory | 3 |
| COMM 691 | Advanced Communication Studies | 3 |
| CHFD 501 | American Families in Poverty | 3 |
| CHFD 546 | Culture, Ethnicity & Family | 3 |
| SOWK 611 | Dynamics of Racism & Discrimination | 3 |
| MKTG 620 | Strategic Marketing | 3 |
| Any graduate elective | ||
| General Electives | 9 | |
| Students should select 9 credit hours of general electives at the graduate level. Only 6 graduate credit hours can be taken outside of the School of Communication. | ||