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Master of Arts Strategic Communication

Online and On Campus

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Quick Facts

Program Length: 1 Year

Credit Hours: 30

Cost per Credit: $2,000

Communicate with Impact

Are you ready to elevate your career and make a lasting impact in the world of communication? Whether you study on campus or online, our Strategic Communication program offers an innovative curriculum designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in today’s dynamic media landscape. 

Based in Washington, DC, the epicenter of national political and social movements, the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication at American University teaches the skills you need to advance your career and make a mark as a strategic communicator in a variety of settings. 

Innovative Curriculum: Our cutting-edge curriculum combines the latest theories and practices in communication with hands-on learning experiences. You’ll gain expertise in areas such as digital media, corporate communication, public communications and strategic messaging, all while working on real-world projects that prepare you for the challenges of the industry.

Reputation of Excellence: Our program is renowned for its excellence and rigor. With a faculty composed of leading experts and practitioners in the field, you’ll receive mentorship and guidance from those who are shaping the future of strategic communication. Our commitment to academic excellence ensures that you’ll be learning from the best.

Unlimited Career Opportunities: A degree in Strategic Communication opens doors to a wide range of career paths. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in public relations, marketing, corporate communication, media management, and more. Whether you aim to work for a Fortune 500 company, a nonprofit organization, or start your own consultancy, our program provides the foundation for your success. 

Robust Alumni Network: When you join our program, you become part of a thriving community of professionals. Our robust alumni network offers valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and career support. Engage with our alumni through networking events, seminars, and exclusive job boards, and take advantage of the strong ties we have with industry leaders.

We Know Success

% of Graduates are now Working, Grad School, or Both
Alumna Shilpa Das Gupta on Media in the Mix

Hear From a Recent Alum

Shilpa Das Gupta (SOC/MA'18) shares lessons from the Strategic Communication MA program on SOC's official podcast, Media in the Mix.

Admissions

The School of Communication operates on a rolling admissions basis for our graduate programs. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis until programs reach capacity. Learn more about our admissions process.

Flexible Degree Options to Meet Your Needs: Choose between the on campus program and the online program. The on campus program can be completed as a full time or part time student and includes the option to take select online courses. Full-time students are generally expected to complete the program in one year. Part-time or online students are expected to take a minimum of two courses each semester and complete their program in less than two years. The online program offers the option to attend select on campus courses but is not required.

While previous academic or professional work in the field is not required, you’ll need to demonstrate a serious commitment to a career in this field. Your essay on your desire to and reasons for pursuing graduate study in the program will be essential, along with other required application material.

Concentrations

Tailor Your Degree to Your Goals

The Public Communication faculty has created concentrations that will allow you to focus your studies in your areas of interest. Although you are not required to pick a concentration, they are an ideal way for students to build upon areas of expertise and showcase that expertise on your resume, online portfolios, LinkedIn and other social media profiles.

Students must take a minimum of three courses in a topic area to list a concentration.

We see a future where students create meaningful change, and address society’s current and emerging challenges. You’ll learn the skills and tools  to make that vision a reality. Available On Campus & Online

Each day, individuals and organizations compete for attention online. Each week, new tools and platforms are introduced. We help you identify and leverage strategies that will make your client or organization stand out. Available On Campus & Online

Corporate leaders increasingly believe in the importance of reputation and its value as a corporate asset. You’ll learn how to manage and protect that asset. Available On Campus Only

Globalization requires communication practitioners to improve their knowledge of business, political, and social cultures. We provide the guidance and structure for success. Available On Campus Only

Promoting diversity and communicating across cultures are urgent societal obligations and an emergent career path. DEI issues are a focus in this track. Available On Campus Only

Cost and Financial Assistance

The MA in Strategic Communication is a 30 credit program. To estimate the cost of tuition, please see the current cost per credit hour for graduate students.

The School of Communication offers graduate students both merit-based and need-based financial aid. Merit awards are administered by the SOC Graduate Admissions Office, while need-based awards are administered by the American University Office of Financial Aid. A number of prestigious fellowships and scholarships are also available for students in the Film and Media Arts program. Additional financial support is available for veterans.

85 percent

of students receive financial assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Credits required
On-Campus & Online: 30
Time to complete
On-Campus: 12 months
Online: 20 months
Course frequency
On-Campus: Full-time: Four 3-credit courses per 16-week semester (Two courses in the summer). Academic Calendar.
Online: One 3-credit course every 8 weeks/ two courses per 16-week semester. Academic Calendar.
Class start dates
On-Campus: Fall term
Online: Fall, Spring and Summer terms
Admissions deadlines
On-Campus: Feb. 1 (For priority and award consideration) June 1 for late admissions
Online: Priority Deadlines per term - Fall term: July 15; Spring term: November 15; Summer term: March 15
Class times
On-Campus: Fixed per academic schedule
Online: Flexible per your schedule (asynchronous)
Cost per credit hour
On-Campus & Online: $2,000 (based on 2023-2024 cost per credit hour)
Financial Awards
On-Campus: Varies(scholarship, tuition remission, graduate assistant)
Online: Up to $10,000 (scholarship only)
Concentrations
On-Campus: Advocacy & Social Impact, Corporate Communication & Reputation Management, Digital Communication Strategies & Analytics, International Strategic Communication, Diversity & Multicultural Communication
Online: Advocacy & Social Impact, Digital Communication Strategies & Analytics
Electives
On-Campus: Take up to two on-campus courses in SOC or other schools. Take up to two online courses
Online: Take up to two on-campus courses in SOC or other schools
Career Development
On-Campus & Online: Access to AU Career Services, Alumni mentorship
AU Library
On-Campus & Online: Access to library and online resources
Student Services
On-Campus & Online: Access to Writing Center

No. You are not required to pick a concentration, but if you do have a particular area of interest or expertise, you can choose to concentrate your studies by taking three courses in one of the following five areas: Advocacy and Social Impact; Digital Communication Strategies and Analytics; Corporate Communication and Reputation Management; International Strategic Communication; or Diversity and Multicultural Communications. A concentration can open you up to myriad career options.

Yes, you can! With our online MA in Strategic Communication, we're bringing the same dynamic learning opportunities as in our full-time and part-time programs to you, wherever you live. Our program allows you to learn on your own schedule via an engaging and interactive online learning platform. You'll learn to tell compelling stories, craft messages that lead to action, and harness the power of new media and technology. Our students learn through simulations, applying best practices to new technology and media channels. The program has its own application process, but admission requirements and degree and course requirements are the same as for the full-time and part-time programs. However, the only degree concentrations available online at this time are Digital Communication Strategies & Analytics or Advocacy & Social Impact. Courses are offered in an eight-week accelerated format-you'll take two courses each semester, with the goal of completing the program within a 20-month period. You must be accepted into the Online MA in Strategic Communication Program to enroll in online courses. Apply Now!

Our on-campus master's degree is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC). Our program is the only graduate program in Strategic Communication in the DC area accredited by ACEJMC.

While the online program is not currently ACEJMC accredited, we have ensured that the content, rigor, and expectations of the online program meet those standards, as well as the higher expectations of the School of Communication and American University.

Additionally, American University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Therefore, all programs offered at AU are recognized by the federal government, most U.S. employers, and other accredited institutions.

  • Develop a communication campaign or plan that incorporates the key elements of planning, including situation analysis, research, objectives, strategies, target audiences, key messages, tactics, timeline, and evaluation
  • Understand the role of qualitative and quantitative research in strategic communication, and how to apply the findings
  • Think analytically about communication problems and identify creative solutions
  • Write clearly, concisely, and strategically in a range of formats and media
  • Understand the role of digital strategy and technology tools in integrated communication campaigns
  • Communicate confidently and persuasively
  • Use theory, best practices, and the latest research in the field to inform communication practice and scholarship

Still have questions? Check our general admission FAQ or send us an email: [email protected]