Online Master’s in Strategic Communication Programs in 2025

Are you looking to advance your career in PR or another area of communications? A master's degree in strategic communication could be the ticket to get you there. In 2025 and beyond, strategic communications will be vital for any communications teams within corporate settings. This graduate-level degree pathway prepares students in various communication specialties to excel at using strategic tools and insights. Upon completing the program, grads will have the skills to problem-solve communications challenges, integrate marketing communications plans, and deliver messages across platforms.

A master's in strategic communications can open the door to coveted job titles, such as:

  • Public Relations Manager
  • CEO
  • PR/Marketing Consultant
  • Communications Director
  • Senior Account Executive
  • Creative Director
  • Government Information Officer

Enrolling in an online master's in strategic communications program is an excellent way for a busy professional to advance their education and, thus, their career.

2025 Best Online Masters in Strategic Communication Programs

Looking for the best online masters in strategic communication programs? mastersincommunications.org has you covered. Our rankings highlight top programs that blend flexibility with quality education. These programs prepare you for leadership roles in communication fields. Learn more about what makes these programs stand out. ranking methodology.

#1

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA - Private 4-year - drexel.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Strategic and Digital Communication

Concentration: Strategic Communication - Online Learning - Visit Website

Drexel University's Strategic Communication master's program equips communication professionals with advanced digital media expertise. Targeting career-driven students, the curriculum blends strategic communication theory with hands-on digital skills across 45 graduate credits. Students explore innovative communication strategies, develop leadership competencies, and gain practical experience through customizable electives and mandatory internship or co-op opportunities. The program's flexible design accommodates both full-time and part-time learners, enabling completion in as little as one year with online and on-campus learning options. Graduates emerge prepared to navigate complex communication landscapes and drive organizational messaging effectively.

  • 45 total graduate credits required
  • Full-time or part-time options
  • On-campus and online learning
  • Two specialization tracks available
  • Internship or co-op experience required
  • Flexible elective course selection
  • Evening class scheduling possible
  • Quarterly academic calendar
  • Optional graduate co-op experience
  • No mandatory GRE scores

Master's - Master of Science in Strategic and Digital Communication

Concentration: Digital and Social Media Communication - Online Learning - Visit Website

Drexel University's Digital and Social Media Communication concentration offers a comprehensive 45-credit master's program designed to cultivate advanced digital communication expertise. Students develop sophisticated leadership skills through immersive coursework exploring emerging digital communication trends, strategic messaging, and social media innovation. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, allowing learners to tailor studies to individual career objectives. With flexible learning formats, including online and campus options, students can balance professional commitments while gaining cutting-edge communication competencies. The program prepares graduates to excel in dynamic digital communication roles across diverse organizational contexts.

  • 45 total graduate credits
  • Full-time or part-time options
  • Campus and online learning
  • Two program specializations
  • Internship or co-op experience
  • Flexible elective coursework
  • No GRE required for most applicants
  • Tailored individual study plans
  • Leadership communication skills
  • Internship waiver available
Show More 1 Programs ˅
#2

Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus

Indiana, PA - Public 4-Year - iup.edu

Master's - Strategic Communication, MS

Concentration: Applied - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Applied Strategic Communication Master's program provides professionals a transformative educational experience in digital communication strategies. Through its 36-credit hybrid curriculum, students gain advanced skills tailored to applied communication challenges across diverse industries. The program's applied track emphasizes practical skill development, enabling graduates to craft sophisticated communication solutions in corporate, healthcare, and technology environments. Participants benefit from flexible learning formats, rolling admissions, and opportunities for graduate assistantships, positioning themselves for leadership roles in strategic communication.

  • 36 total credit hours
  • Full and part-time options
  • Applied and research tracks
  • Rolling admission process
  • Graduate assistantships available
  • Focus on digital communication skills
  • Career-ready skill development
  • Internship and job market preparation

Master's - Strategic Communication, MS

Concentration: Research - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Research Strategic Communication Master's program offers an academically rigorous pathway for professionals seeking deep insights into communication methodologies. This comprehensive 36-credit hybrid curriculum focuses on advanced research techniques, enabling students to critically analyze and develop strategic communication frameworks. The research-oriented track prepares graduates to conduct sophisticated communication studies, generate innovative insights, and contribute meaningful scholarship to the field. With flexible full- and part-time options, the program equips students with advanced analytical skills applicable across corporate, media, healthcare, and technology sectors.

  • 36 total credit hours
  • Two program tracks available
  • Rolling admission process
  • Full and part-time options
  • Applied and research tracks
  • Career-focused curriculum
  • Graduate assistantships available
  • Competitive professional advancement
Show More 1 Programs ˅
#3

King's College

Wilkes-Barre, PA - Private 4-year - kings.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communications

Online Learning - Visit Website

King's College's Master of Arts in Strategic Communications delivers a dynamic online program tailored for communication professionals seeking transformative career advancement. Through a meticulously designed 30-credit curriculum, students develop sophisticated strategic communication skills applicable across diverse sectors including marketing, government, healthcare, and nonprofit domains. The program emphasizes ethical leadership, digital media navigation, and comprehensive communication strategy development. Its flexible 21-month format, competitive $750 per credit pricing, and inclusive admission policy make it an attractive option for professionals committed to enhancing their strategic communication expertise without traditional academic barriers.

  • Fully online master's program
  • 30-credit comprehensive curriculum
  • Completed in 21 months
  • No GRE required
  • Open to all bachelor's degrees
  • $750 per credit
  • 10% alumni discount
  • No specific GPA cutoff
  • Strategic internship included
  • 4+1 track available
#4

Troy University

Troy, AL - Public 4-Year - troy.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Strategic Communication

Online Learning - Visit Website

Troy University's online Master of Science in Strategic Communication empowers professionals to elevate their communication expertise through a dynamic, accelerated curriculum. The program strategically equips students with advanced competencies in digital media strategies, crisis communication management, and targeted messaging techniques. By leveraging comprehensive project-based learning, graduates develop robust skills applicable across diverse communication landscapes, including advertising, public relations, and corporate communication sectors. The flexible nine-week course format enables working professionals to seamlessly integrate advanced academic training with their existing career commitments, positioning them for leadership opportunities in strategic communication domains.

  • Fully online master's program
  • Completable in under a year
  • 9-week term flexibility
  • Designed for working adults
  • Preparation for advanced roles
  • No application deadline
  • Multiple start terms
  • Experienced online faculty
  • Applicable across industries
  • Potential doctoral pathway
#5

University of Central Oklahoma

Edmond, OK - Public 4-Year - uco.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Strategic Communications - Leadership in Communications

Concentration: Leadership in Communications - Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Central Oklahoma offers an online Master of Arts in Strategic Communications with a concentration in Leadership in Communications, tailored for professionals aiming to elevate their careers. This program emphasizes advanced research, organizational communication, and navigating industry challenges, preparing graduates for leadership roles. With a focus on ethics, technological advancements, and organizational culture, students gain the skills to address complex communication issues. The program requires 36 credit hours, offers flexible capstone/thesis options, and is designed for those with a minimum 2.75 GPA, providing an accelerated pathway for degree completion.

  • Exclusively online graduate degree
  • 36 total credit hours required
  • Flexible capstone/thesis options
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA admission
  • Career development focused
  • Professional research skills
  • Diverse communication electives
  • Accelerated degree pathway available
  • Focuses on organizational communication
  • Addresses industry change strategies

Choosing an Online Master's in Strategic Communication Program

Going back to school for a graduate-level degree is a big decision. The next crucial decision is selecting the right school and program for you. There are many online master's in strategic communications programs available nationwide, so making sure you pick one of high quality is of utmost importance.

Accreditation

Searching for an accredited college/program is a great place to start when researching schools. The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ASEJMC) is an example of a respected accrediting agency. Accreditation from regional bodies such as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or the Higher Learning Commission.

Program Cost

While many schools offer master's in strategic communications programs, their costs aren't always the same. Many things impact the total program price, such as location, full-time/part-time attendance, etc. Students will need to cover the cost of tuition, textbooks and supplies, and any other mandatory fees. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities may be available to students to help cover these costs.

Program Length

Most students complete the master's in strategic communications program in roughly two years. Typically, anywhere from 30 to 37 total credits are required in order to complete the program. Some online programs are more flexible than others about how many courses a student can complete each semester.

Admissions Requirements

While they will inevitably differ between schools, typical admissions requirements for this program may include:

  • Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum 2-3 years experience in journalism or communications-related field
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Satisfactory GRE scores
  • Transcripts from all colleges attended
  • Application essay(s)
  • At least three letters of recommendation
  • Current resume

Classes and Courses

The master's in strategic communication curriculum includes core professional courses, specialty communications courses, and usually a capstone course or final project. Hands-on training in various platforms and multimedia tools constitutes a large part of the degree's coursework.

The following are course titles from the online Masters of Strategic Communication program at Washington State University:

  • Professional Multimedia Content Creation
  • Ethics for Professionals
  • Consumer Behavior and Brand Development
  • Persuasion for Professional Communicators
  • Professional Marketing Communication Management for Campaigns

Advantages of Online Master’s in Strategic Communication Programs

Busy students are flocking to online graduate-level programs in increasing numbers due in part to the ease and flexibility of the platform. Working professionals and those with family or other obligations can enroll and attend classes from the comfort of their own homes, and usually on their own time. This is particularly important for those aspiring to earn their master's in strategic communications degree, as it allows them to continue working and/or gaining experience while they advance their education. For those in rural areas or concerned about lengthy commutes, online programs offer the ease and cost savings of learning from home. With affordable online options, advancing a strategic communications career has never been easier.

Colleges That Offer Accredited Online Master’s in Strategic Communication Programs in 2025

Select Your State:

Alabama

SchoolContact Information
Troy University
111 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(800) 414-5756

California

SchoolContact Information
California Baptist University
10370 Hemet Street, Suite 200
Riverside, CA 92503
(951) 343-3900
National University
11255 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
(855) 336-9744

Connecticut

SchoolContact Information
Sacred Heart University
5401 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT 06825
(203) 396-6877

Florida

SchoolContact Information
Florida International University
11200 SW 8th Street, MANGO 540
Miami, FL 33199
(305) 348-3125
Lynn University
3601 N. Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33431
(561) 237-7000
University of Florida
1885 Stadium Road
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 273-3412

Illinois

SchoolContact Information
University of Illinois
810 South Wright Street
Urbana, IL 61801
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
801 South Wright Street
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-0035

Iowa

SchoolContact Information
University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 335-3500

Louisiana

SchoolContact Information
University of Louisiana at Monroe
700 University Avenue
Monroe, LA 71209
(318) 342-1400

Michigan

SchoolContact Information
Michigan State University
404 Wilson Road
East Lansing , MI 48824
(517) 355-1794

Missouri

SchoolContact Information
Maryville University
650 Maryville University
St. Louis, MO 63141
(888) 266-0574
University of Missouri
120 Neff Hall
Columbia , MO 95211
(573) 882-2491
Webster University
470 E. Lockwood Ave
St Louis, MO 63119

New York

SchoolContact Information
Fordham University
441 E Fordham Rd
Bronx, NY 10458
(212) 636-6538
SUNY - Oswego
7060 State Route 104
Oswego , NY 13126
(315) 312-2265

North Carolina

SchoolContact Information
Queens University of Charlotte
1900 Selwyn
Charlotte, NC 28274
(866) 313-2356

Ohio

SchoolContact Information
Ashland University
401 College Avenue
Ashland, OH 44805
(419) 289-5688
Bowling Green University
306 Kuhlin Center
Bowling Green, OH 43403
(419) 372-8349

Tennessee

SchoolContact Information
University of Tennessee at Knoxville
2441 Dunford Hall, 915 Volunteer Blvd.
Knoxville, TN 37996
(865) 974-3031
University of Tennessee at Martin
305 Gooch Hall
Martin, TN 38238
(731) 881-7556

Texas

SchoolContact Information
Texas Tech University
2500 Broadway
Lubbock , TX 79409
(806) 742-2011

Virginia

SchoolContact Information
Liberty University
1971 University Blvd
Lynchburg, VA 24515
(800) 424-9595
Regent University
1000 Regent University Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
(800) 373-5504

Washington

SchoolContact Information
Washington State University
PO Box 645220
Pullman, WA 99164
(509) 335-7333

Washington, DC

SchoolContact Information
American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
(855) 725-7614