Strategic Communication, MA
Communication, Content Marketing, Content Strategy, Media Relations, Public Engagement, Public Relations, Social media, Sports Public Relations, Strategic, media, video
Telling stories that connect audiences to ideas and inspire action takes strategy. This Master of Arts in strategic communication from Arizona State University teaches you to use public relations, media and content strategy to create campaigns that make an impact.
Strategic Communication description
In the Master of Arts program in strategic communication, you gain the media skills and techniques, critical thinking skills and leadership capacity to advance your career in media, agencies, corporations, government or nonprofit organizations.
You develop the ability to address communication challenges through coursework in strategy development, content creation, client and audience research, crisis communication, ethics, campaign planning and others. You master skills in audience engagement and data analysis. Courses in communication management, leadership and project management help you become a leader. You are ready to shape brand narratives, guide reputation and lead communication strategy across sectors.
Your experience begins by developing foundations in communication strategy, theory and ethics. An emphasis on content creation prepares you to produce comprehensive public relations campaigns and innovative digital marketing campaigns with strategic content including video storytelling, persuasive writing and media planning. Then, via the school's teaching hospital model, you receive immersive, hands-on training in advanced tools, progressive techniques and practical client work at an award-winning, student-run agency.
Why study Strategic Communication at ASU?
The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication is consistently ranked among the world's top mass communication schools. You build a professional portfolio that showcases your creativity, analytical skill and client results.
You learn from award-winning faculty with deep industry experience in PR, marketing and media strategy. You gain global experience through international opportunities: You have the chance to produce content at the Olympics, study with Real Madrid's media executives in Spain and analyze Japan's social media culture.
This graduate program emphasizes leadership and strategic decision-making --- preparing you to direct communication teams, advise executives and lead large-scale initiatives across industries. Plus, a dedicated career team and the powerful #CronkiteNation alumni network opens doors to internships, jobs and mentorship in PR, digital marketing and corporate communication.
- College/school:
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Location: Downtown Phoenix
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
This video provides an overview of the Strategic Communication, MA degree program at ASU.
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
33 credit hours including the required capstone course (MCO 570)
Required Core (3 credit hours) Other Requirements (21 credit hours) choose one of the following courses: Electives (3 credit hours) Culminating Experience (6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
MCO 561 Defining the Digital Audience (3)
MCO 502 Multimedia Storytelling (8)
MCO 503 Media Law (3)
MCO 504 Cronkite Master's Seminar (1)
MCO 525 Media Ethics and Leadership (3)
MCO 554 Media Models, Organizations and Leadership (3)
MCO 522 Executive Communication and Media Relations (3)
MCO 539 Audience Lifecycle and Growth Strategies (3)
MCO 570 Capstone (6)
Elective courses should be selected in consultation with the program advisor; some courses require department approval.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of a student's first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- three letters of recommendation
- professional resume
- personal statement
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Applicants should have a TOEFL iBT® score of at least 5, or a score of 100 (taken at a testing center) if taken before January 21, 2026. Students with an IELTS band score of 7.50 or a Duolingo score of 135 are also considered.
Applicants should provide a 300- to 500-word statement describing their interest in strategic communication, their career goals, and how previous work and academic experience have prepared the student for success.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 06/01 | Final |
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Priority |
| Session A/C | In Person | Rolling |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Apply the values, principles, ethics and legal standards of strategic communication in media work.
- Create strategic content and campaigns using professional tools, technology, and techniques.
- Critically evaluate information, content, and research in professional contexts.
- Produce clear, accurate, and engaging written content that meets professional standards.
- Evaluate leadership approaches across professional media contexts.
Study abroad is possible for graduate students. There are more than 50 program opportunities, with programs on every continent. Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students; taking courses with ASU professors over the summer or during academic breaks offers students close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while they earn ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning.
Careers this Strategic Communication masters degree prepares you for
Graduates pursue roles such as PR professional, communications specialist, brand strategist, media relations manager, influencer coordinator and corporate communications leader.
With this master's degree, you'll be prepared for many communications and brand strategy positions.
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Comm
|
CRONK 302
cronkitegrad@asu.edu
602-496-5555
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
