Master of Science in Strategic Communication
The Master of Science in Strategic Communication degree proposed by Troy University’s Hall
School of Journalism and Communication is innovative and deviates from many traditional
graduate programs. This program focuses on contemporary communication issues and positions
graduates to respond to the new realities facing today’s communication industries. It will prepare
students to develop, implement and evaluate communication strategy in an increasingly complex,
multifaceted and online environment.
The Strategic Communication graduate program appeals to professionals across various
disciplines seeking to add the skills of effective communication and creating solutions to
challenging communication issues which are recognized as valued and critical to professional
success in all major professions. In addition, students will gain knowledge in emerging
communication technologies, crisis communication management and the strategic use of social
media in an innovative communication environment.
Prior to completion of the program, the student will pass comprehensive exams as well as
successfully complete a capstone strategic communication course.
Upon completion of the degree program, students will have a thorough knowledge of strategic
communication concepts developed through a myriad of theoretically grounded courses focused
on the new realities facing communicators and the communication industries. This program will
foster strategic and critical thinking, logical analysis and creating solutions to the challenging
issues facing a diverse communication industry. Students will also have formed a professional
network and will display professional communication skills.
The expected program learning outcomes of students enrolled in the Master of Science in
Strategic Communication are that students will:
 Apply their knowledge of digital media and multi-media platforms and use their critical
thinking skills to solve strategic communication issues.
 Construct a research study related to strategic communication or related scholarly fields.
 Develop a framework for using evolving communication models to convey information.
 Describe emerging communication trends including the impact of online media on the public
and on communication industries.
1.
Is it likely that this program will reduce enrollments in other graduate programs at
your institution? If so, please explain.
The proposed M.S. in Strategic Communication degree is unique and
addresses changing landscape facing communicators and the
communication industries. It is unlikely that this proposed program will
reduce enrollments in any existing graduate degree program offered by
Troy University.
2.
List new courses that will be added to your curriculum specifically for this
program. Indicate number, title and credit hour value for each course.

 COM 6691 – Strategic Communication Inquiry and Research (3 semester
credit hours)
The examination and evaluation of research methods used with strategic
communication data. Students will apply this knowledge in a study of
communication problems. A grade of “B” or better is required.
 COM 6605 – Strategic Communication Theories (3 semester credit hours)
Students will explore communication theories from classical to current times
along with their practical applications. Special attention is placed on crisis
communication and the role of new technologies.
 COM 6600 – Communication and Influence (3 semester credit hours)
This class is designed to increase the students’ understanding of and ability to
use social media in an advocacy role. Students will study argument,
interaction and political communication in personal, print, and online
environments. Emphasis is placed on persuasion theories and the role of
messages as agents for change.
 JRN 6640 – Communication Law and Ethics (3 semester credit hours)
This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of existing
communication ethics, regulations and policies along with their application to
media. Students will study how these legal doctrines and ethical
considerations have evolved and will continue to evolve.
 COM 6635 – Strategic Organizational Communication (3 semester credit
hours)
This course allows students to discuss the impact of mediated communications
within organizations and how to use digital and conventional communication
technologies to reach diverse publics.

 COM 6630 - Strategic Communication and Emerging Media (3 semester credit
hours)
Students will examine the strategic use of emerging media in communication
campaigns. Topics include Internet usage, audience analysis, media relations,
public relations media plans, social media advertising, blogs, electronic
publishing and web design.
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 COM 6620 – Contemporary Issues in Strategic Communication (3 semester
credit hours)
The study of contemporary issues related to strategic communication and
appropriate delivery mechanisms. Students will develop communication plans
for critical audiences facing problematic situations.

 JRN 6615 – Public Relations and Strategic Communication (3 semester credit
hours)
Students will examine how the changing media environment affects outreach
methods and explores practical solutions to achieve communication goals.
Emphasis is placed on crisis public relations problems. Topics include the
importance of research, designing a strategic communication program,
advertising and the pervasive effect of public relations.

 COM 6610 – Leadership and Media Strategies (3 semester credit hours)
Using leadership skills to approach communicate effectively with a variety of
media tools. Topics include media relations, media characteristics, media
decisions, the impact of emerging communication technologies on the
communication process, mentoring communication skills, presentation skills
and media budgets.

 COM 6699 – Strategic Communication Capstone (3 semester credit hours)
This course provides a culminating experience in which students will integrate
the theoretical and practical strategic communication skills developed in prior
courses. Students will apply these skills by developing an effective
communication campaign. A “B” or better is required. This course is open
only to students who have completed 18 hours of coursework in the program.
3.
Please list any existing undergraduate programs at the institution which are
directly or indirectly related to the proposed graduate program. If this is a doctoral
proposal, also list related master’s programs at your institution.
Troy University currently offers undergraduate programs in journalism,
broadcast journalism and communication arts/studies. This proposed M.S.
in Strategic Communication will enable the students in these
undergraduate degree programs to continue their education and earn their
graduate degrees.
4.
Program Completion Requirements
Successful completion of the courses listed above with an overall grade
point average of 3.0 or better and successful completion of the required
comprehensive examination is necessary to fulfill requirements for the
degree. If a student makes a “D” or “F” in a core or concentration course,
the course must be retaken. If the student earns a “D” or “F” in an elective
course, the course may be retaken, or another elective course taken in its
place.
Credit hours required in major courses: 30 semester credit hours
This proposed program will not offer a thesis option for the students.
C.
Program Admissions Requirement, Enrollment Projections and Completion
Projections
1.
Describe briefly the criteria and screening process that will be used to select
students for this program.
The criteria for selecting students will follow the guidelines set by Troy
University’s Graduate School and the Hall School of Journalism and
Communication.
Candidates for admission must hold a baccalaureate degree from a
regionally accredited college or university. Students not holding an
undergraduate degree in communication, mass communications,
journalism, public relations, advertising or a directly related field may be
required to successfully complete six hours of foundational classes in
communications. Students are encouraged to contact a program adviser for
more information about prerequisites.
Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in Strategic
Communication
Unconditional Admission
To qualify for unconditional admission to the program, applicants must
meet the following requirements:
1.
Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited
college or university with a minimum overall undergraduate
grade point average of 2.5 (4.0 scale) or a 3.0 grade point
average on the last 30 semester hours. All hours attempted in
the term in which the 30 semester hours were reached will be
used to calculate the grade point average.
AND
2.
AND
Have an acceptable score on the appropriate entrance exam.
Official test score required.
3.
Provide an official Troy University Letter of Recommendation
that addresses the individual’s potential for success in the
Master of Science in Strategic Communication.
AND
4.
Provide an official baccalaureate transcript from a regionally
accredited college or university.
Conditional Admission
Conditional admission may be granted under certain circumstances to
applicants who cannot satisfy all unconditional admission
requirements.
Students admitted conditionally only because of a low undergraduate
grade point average will be cleared of their conditional status if, at the
completion of nine semester hours, they have achieved a 3.0 grade
point average or greater on all graduate work attempted. Students
must clear the conditional admission requirement of a 3.0 average at
the completion of nine semester hours, or they will be dropped from
the graduate program for one calendar year after which they may
petition the Dean of the Graduate School to re-enter.
Baccalaureate Degree Holders
Students who have earned a baccalaureate degree from a regionally
accredited college or university, but lack the required grade point
average and/or acceptable test score (official test score required) to be
admitted unconditionally, may be granted conditional admission for a
maximum number of nine semester hours. Students admitted under
conditional status may, with the consent of their academic adviser,
enroll in as many as nine semester hours during their first semester.
Here are some of the types of positions people with a Master of Science in Strategic
Communication degree may be able to obtain.
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Media and Communication Workers
News Analysts, Reporters and Correspondents
Public Relations Managers
Public Relations Specialists
Writers and Editors
Term T1
COM 6691 – Strategic Communication Inquiry and Research -3 credits
COM 6605 – Strategic Communication Theories - 3 credits
Term T2
COM 6600 – Communication and Influence - 3 credits
JRN 6640 – Communication Law and Ethics - 3 credits
Term T3
COM 6635 – Strategic Organizational Communication - 3 credits
COM 6630 - Strategic Communication and Emerging Media -3 credits
Term T4
COM 6620 – Contemporary Issues in Strategic Communication - 3 credits
JRN 6615 – Public Relations and Strategic Communication - 3 credits
Term T5
COM 6610 – Leadership and Media Strategies - 3 credits
COM 6699 – Strategic Communication Capstone - 3 credits
ADMISSION STANDARDS FOR UNCONDITIONAL ADMISSION
1) Students must have earned a baccalaureate degree in journalism, communication, mass
communication, advertising, public relations, speech or a closely related discipline from a
regionally accredited university.
2) Students must have either a 2.5 or higher overall GPA in their undergraduate programs or a
3.0 or higher during their last 30 hours of their undergraduate programs.
3) Troy does require either the GRE or the MAT as an entrance exam. The minimum scores are:
850 combined for the OLD version of the GRE
286 combined for the NEW version of the GRE
33 on the OLD version of the MAT
385 on the NEW version of the MAT
4) Provide Troy with an official letter of recommendation addressing the individual's potential
for success in the selected graduate program as well as his or her written and oral communication
skills.
5) Students must provide Troy University's Graduate School with official transcripts from the
universities attended.
Students having earned a master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited university may
be admitted without having to furnish Troy with letters of recommendation or GRE/MAT test
scores, but must provide an official transcript showing the earned graduate degree.
CONDITIONAL ADMISSION
Students not meeting these minimum requirements, may be admitted as conditional students.
Conditional students must earn a 3.0 or better over their first nine hours of graduate study. If the
student's undergraduate degree is in not in a JRN/COM or related discipline, he or she will be
required to complete a core of undergraduate classes before taking graduate classes.