Professional M.A. in Strategic Communication
(Degree Requirements, effective as of Academic Year 2013 – 2014)
The 30 credit hours of coursework must include:
Required Courses
COMM-640: Principles of Strategic Communication
Examines the strategic elements of public communication strategies with focus on communication
campaigns, public opinion, the media, the role of research, audience identification, message development,
and communicating to various publics. Explores the role of strategic communication in society, politics,
culture, business and various other institutions, and examines the ethics of persuasion.
COMM-644: Writing for Strategic Communication
Writing for strategic communication. Explores the relationship among audience, message structure and
medium. Develops practical skills in the preparation of news releases, pitch letters, brochure copy,
speeches, Web site materials, opinion pieces, broadcast applications, magazine features and advertising
copy.
COMM-738: Research Methods in Communication
Understanding and application of research for program management, planning, diagnosing and evaluating
public relations programs. Explores emerging trends in research.
COMM-735: Public Communication Theory
Survey of relevant theories of public communication, including theories of interpersonal communication,
persuasion, public relations, public opinion, mass communication and media studies. Understand theories
of research methodologies and their application to public communication practices.
COMM-552: Social Media Strategies and Tactics
This course explores the ever-changing world of social media and its impact on the public relations
profession, and how social media has changed the way communication strategists approach their work. It
focuses on understanding how organizations, including corporations, nonprofits, and the government, use
various social media tools. Search engine marketing, mobile communications, and viral campaigns are also
examined. The course features case studies, hands-on use of social media tools, and experts in social media
from various fields.
COMM-696: Marketing & Business Skills for Communicators (Title is TBD)
Semester
Fall 2013
(Sept. 7, 21, 28, Oct.
5, 12, 19)
Fall 2013
(Oct. 26,
Nov. 9, 16, 23, Dec. 7,
14)
Spring 2014
(Jan. 25, Feb. 1, 8, 22,
Mar. 1, 8)
Spring 2014
(Mar. 22, 29, Apr. 5,
12, 26, May 3)
Summer 2014
(May 17, 31, June 7,
14, 21, 28)
Summer 2014
(July 12, 19, 26, Aug.
2, 9, & 16)
COMM-642: Strategic Communication Management
Course focuses on the interpersonal communication and leadership skills needed to successfully manage
communication projects. Students explore management of the proposal process, and management skills
such as counseling strategies, conflict management, negotiations, leadership styles, interpersonal agendas
and group dynamics.
Fall 2014
COMM-541: Crisis Communication
This course examines the nature of issue and crisis management from a strategic communication
perspective. Students study various issues, risk and crisis situations, as well as the current literature on
strategic issue, risk, and crisis communication methods. Students develop a crisis communication plan for
a chosen organization.
Fall 2014
COMM-646: Strategic Communication Practicum
Applies the principles and skills from other strategic public communication courses to practical case study
experiences. As the culminating skills component of the graduate program, students produce a
professional portfolio for a client that may include media promotional items, broadcast applications, direct
mail and web-based products, as well as newspaper, newsletter, magazine materials, and other
communication products.
Spring 2015
COMM-744: Strategic Communication Capstone
The capstone project for graduate students employs what they have learned about the processes and
effects of public communication. Emphasizes how to develop and support a thesis statement. Capstone
may take the form of a scholarly, creative or journalistic work, and students are expected to advance an
idea, research it, and write or create their final product. Students are advised to gear their work for
publication or professional presentation. Course may involve idea development, justification of thesis
statement and research plan, and independently supervised projects.
Spring 2015
Updated 6/20/13
Grade