Strategic Marketing Communication, M.A.

The Strategic Marketing Communication program prepares students for a diverse range of careers in marketing and communications. Students can customize their individual program experience by selecting elective courses to match academic or career interests or follow recommended Professional Paths that allow them to gain specific industry skill sets. These Professional Paths are: Strategic Planning, Digital Strategy, and Brand Strategy. The 40-credit program allows for maximum flexibility related to time and structure, and lets students complete the program within a two-year, full-time or part-time option. Courses are offered primarily in the evening, allowing working professionals to participate in our program and leaving time for students to participate in internship and networking opportunities.

Following are the Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the Strategic Marketing Communication program:

• Students will learn to create cohesive communication plans for a business with positioning that resonates with their customers.
• Students will be equipped with a deep knowledge of evolving strategies and media that can be used together to tell the stories of organizations operating in a global marketplace.
• Students will learn to be marketing communication professionals who are not only great storytellers, but are also innovative problem solvers who can command today’s tools and technology and seamlessly adapt to those of tomorrow.
• Students will learn to conduct research and analyze data to identify marketing challenges and opportunities.
• Students will learn to develop marketing and communication plans that connect to measurable business objectives and integrate elements of digital advertising, social media, PR, promotion, branding, direct marketing, and more.

Admission Requirements

Students in the Department of Marketing Communication come from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. The admission committee considers the applicant’s previous academic record, test scores, prior employment experience, recommendations, leadership experiences, and other evidence of maturity and motivation to succeed in graduate studies. Applicants should have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or better. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) are optional.

Degree Requirements

The Master of Arts in Strategic Marketing Communication requires the successful completion of 40 credit hours. There are five required core courses that create the foundation of the program and establish key skills for the industry. The other five requirements are electives allowing for students to explore a personal or professional focus crafted to align with one of the many professional areas within the marketing industry.