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M.A. in Strategic Communication

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Program Overview

The Rowan Experience
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The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Strategic Communication offers a flexible structure taught by experienced professionals in public relations, public affairs, advertising, and integrated marketing communications. As a graduate student, you have access to individual consultations and mentoring provided by faculty and the professional network who supports the program. In our program, you have the freedom to focus on coursework that best matches your professional interests: media relations, strategic writing, event planning and management, visual communication, online public relations, or school public relations.

Curriculum
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The M.A. in Strategic Communication is a graduate program that is offered full-time or part-time in hybrid format. It requires the completion of 33 graduate semester hours. Students must pass a comprehensive exam with both a written and an oral component to complete the program. Taking the comprehensive exam helps prepare students to pass the APR exam and become accredited.

The following courses make up the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program.

  • 33 Semester Hours
  • Foundation Courses: Yes
  • Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: No
Course Number Title S.H. (Credits)
Required Courses: 21 S.H.
MAPR 01568 Graduate Strategic Visual Communication 3
MAPR 01543 Graduate Strategic Case Studies and Public Relations Planning 3
MAPR 01620 Strategic Communication Seminar 3
MAPR 01551 Graduate Strategic Communication Overview 3
MAPR 01547 Graduate Strategic Writing I 3
MAPR 01550 Introduction to Graduate Strategic Communication Research 3
MAPR 01561 Graduate Strategic Writing II 3

Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.

Admission Requirements
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The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional action or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.

  • Completed Application Form
  • Foundation Courses

    • Note about Foundation Courses: MAPR 02317 Publication Layout and Design or its equivalent as determined by the department. The foundation course may be completed while enrolled in the program, however, credits for the foundation course do not count toward the program's credit requirements.
  • $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
  • Bachelor's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
  • Current professional resume
  • Essay:

    • Topic: Describe the kind of writing you see yourself doing in your professional life or how you might use this program to advance your teaching career. Educational goals beyond the master's level, if applicable, are also relevant. Try to place your objectives within a context that includes your past experience. Especially given that this is a writing program, use the statement as an opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills
  • Two letters of recommendation

    • Letters of recommendation should be from professional administrators and include information which attests to applicant's ability to pursue a graduate degree
  • Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Submission of official GRE test results
  • Writing sample

    • Brochures, flyers, professional statements, and other written and printed works are encouraged; as well as any other materials that have been professionally published.
Strategic Communications

Career Outlook

Professionals who complete an M.A. in Strategic Communication program often advance their career paths as counselors, specialists, and managers in teams who conduct communication and public relations. These specialized teams are found across a variety of industries, including corporations, businesses, industries, schools, colleges, and non-profit organizations. Many of our alumni work for, or run their own, public relations and advertising firms.

Admissions Information

Deadlines, Tuition & Financial Aid

Prof statue on campus.
Student Success

Brandon West

"No matter what field you want to go into, whether it's PR, sports communication or teaching, this program is applicable to pretty much any career," he says.

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Ready to Start Your Journey?

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