Strategic Communication, MA
Communication, Content Marketing, Content Strategy, Media Relations, Public Engagement, Public Relations, Social media, Sports Public Relations, Strategic, media, video
Anyone can create content, but few can tell captivating stories that strategically connect messages to key audiences. Learn how to harness digital media techniques, public relations, data and content strategy to create communication campaigns that make a difference.
Students in the MA program in strategic communication gain the media skills, techniques, critical thinking skills and leadership capacity to advance careers across media and communication in agencies, sports, corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
Students develop the ability to strategically address communication challenges through courses in strategy development, research methods, content creation, crisis communication, ethics, campaign planning and others; courses in communication management, leadership, project management and finance help learners become leaders.
Students begin their experience by developing foundations in communication history, theory and ethics. An emphasis on content creation prepares students to produce both traditional public relations campaigns, persuasive writing and media relations plans, as well as innovative strategic content including client-video storytelling and digital content hubs. Then, via the school's teaching hospital model, students receive immersive, hands-on training in advanced tools, progressive techniques, and real client work across a faculty-led, student-run agency.
- College/school:
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Comm
- Location: Downtown Phoenix
30 credit hours including the required capstone course (MCO 570)
Required Core (18 credit hours) Other Requirements (3 credit hours) Electives (6 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
MCO 502 Journalism Skills (8)
MCO 504 Cronkite Master's Seminar (1)
MCO 506 Media Law for Strategic Communication (3)
MCO 519 Strategic Communications Leadership and Ethics (3)
MCO 525 21st Century Media Organization and Entrepreneurship (3)
MCO 537 Strategic Communications Writing (3) or
MCO 561 Defining the Digital Audience (3)
MCO 570 Master of Mass Communication Capstone (3)
Elective courses should be selected in consultation with the program advisor; some courses require department approval.
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they 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 admissions 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 must achieve a score of 100 or better on the TOEFL iBT, taken in a testing center. Similar English proficiency scores from other exams may be considered. ASU Global Launch does not satisfy this requirement.
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 | Rolling |
Students may use elective course slots to participate in applicable Global Education experiences and international internships. Students also may work with international clients at the capstone level.
Content creation and campaign strategy skills are in high demand across the media industries. Many strategic communicators pursue careers in agency or corporate environments, while others leverage their skills in work with multiple clients or as media entrepreneurs.
Graduates possess skills that are transferable across communications fields and organizations, including:
- athletic teams
- colleges and universities
- communication agencies
- government agencies and political groups
- nonprofit organizations
- public relations firms
- retail and hospitality brands
Graduates can apply their advanced media skills to a variety of roles, including:
- brand storytellers
- community engagement specialists
- content creators
- digital strategists
- media executives
- media relations specialists
- PR professionals
- strategic communications leaders
Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Comm
|
CRONK 302
cronkitegrad@asu.edu
602-496-5555
Admission deadlines
3 year programs
These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.
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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
