Strategic Communication, MA

The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication is a 100% online delivery method and is designed to fit student individual lifestyle for completion in as little as 12 to 16 months. The program targets any students (and working professionals) who are interested in strategically creating, disseminating, analyzing, and managing communication messages across social media, and/or for health professionals, health organizations, and media outlets. 

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 he/she would like to pursue a professional online M.A. in Strategic Communication and his/her potential to succeed in an online environment.

Program Requirements

Required Courses18
COMM:510Crisis Communication
COMM:600Introduction to Graduate Study in Communication
COMM:601Mixed Methods of Communication Research
COMM:623Applied Communication Theory
COMM:630Communication in Organizations
COMM:645Intercultural Communication Theory
Cognate Area Courses12
Social Media
Required course:
COMM:540Strategic Social Media
Select nine credits from the following:
COMM:541Media Entrepreneurship
COMM:542Social Media Metrics and Analytics
COMM:691Advanced Communication Studies
MGMT:601Business Analytics and Information Strategy
MKTG:620Strategic Marketing
Any graduate elective
Health and Crisis Communication
Required course:
COMM:538Health Communication
Select nine credits from the following:
COMM:531Risk Communication
COMM:539Health Informatics
COMM:691Advanced Communication Studies
MKTG:620Strategic Marketing
Any graduate elective
Comprehensive Examination
Total Hours30