MA in Strategic Communication

Earn a Graduate Degree in Strategic Communication

For more than 30 years, the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication at Rowan University helped students build careers in strategic communication and its related fields of Advertising, Public Relations, Marketing, and Branding. Our graduates serve organizations of all types throughout the country including Virtua Health, Lockheed Martin, and Rowan University. With a convenient class schedule that can easily be completed alongside a full time job, learn more about why a M.A. in Strategic Communication may be right for you!

Hear from six strategic communication graduate students about why they chose Rowan University.

About the program

Formerly known as the Masters of Arts in Public Relations, the newly renamed Master of Arts in Strategic Communication has a more flexible structure in terms of both timing and specialization. Students have the freedom to focus on coursework that best matches their professional interests: media relations, strategic writing, event planning and management, visual communication, online public relations, or school public relations.

Most faculty members who teach in our graduate program have advanced degrees and they all serve as practitioner consultants, trainers, planners, and researchers in their fields. They are experienced educators in public relations, public affairs, advertising, and integrated marketing communication. Each graduate student has access to individual consultations and mentoring provided by faculty and the immediate professional network supporting the program.

Do you have additional questions about our graduate program? Please contact Dr. Bokyung Kim, Graduate Program Coordinator

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of careers are available with a M.A. in Strategic Communication?

Our students typically choose or advance career paths as counselors, specialists, and managers in teams conducting communication and public relations for corporations, businesses, industries, schools, colleges, and non-profit organizations. Many of our alumni work for--or run their own--public relations and advertising firms. Some graduates use their M.A. in Strategic Communication as a stepping stone to a doctorate in communication-related fields, while others apply their skills in positions spanning the entire spectrum of for-profit, non-profit, education, and public policy organizations.

How long will it take to graduate?

Graduation timeline: students attending full-time may be able to complete the program course requirements in one calendar year if taking advantage of all our fall, winter, spring, and summer sessions. Students attending part-time generally complete the course requirements over 2-3 years.

Students who started in either the B.A. in Advertising or B.A. in Public Relations are eligable for the 4+1 program, which may significantly reduce the amount of time required in the graduate program.

To complete the program, students must successfully earn a minimum of 33 semester hours (36 if a foundation course in publication layout and design is needed), maintain a 3.0 GPA, pass a comprehensive exam, and complete an approved graduate project.

What skills do I need to succeed in this program?

Our students come with mixed experiences with strategic communication. Some are entering the field and learning about it for the first time, some come right from our undergraduate programs, and others have years of experience as working professionals in the industry. No matter your background, your professors will work with you to help develop and refine the skills needed for success in strategic communication.

Recent students work in fields as wide-ranging as radio, university admissions, healthcare, and government and bring undergraduate education in psychology, political science, mathematics, and engineering. This diversity helps strengthen classroom discussions and group projects.

Is a graduate project required?

In order to graduate from the M.A. in Strategic Communication program, students must complete a graduate project on any aspect of public affairs, media relations, or corporate communication. The project adds academic rigor to the program and provides students with the opportunity to conduct original research and publish their findings. Graduate project topics range from advertising, corporate communication, crisis management, consulting, education, community relations, new media, to integrated marketing communication and strategic planning. Students research and write about their chosen topic as part of the Strategic Communication Seminar course and are assigned an advisor who will help them complete the project.

Recent graduate project titles:

Jason Bruey. Using Engagement and Transparency to Create Fitness Center Loyalty and Increase Enrollment
Nicole Collins. The Efficacy of Live Entertainment Appeals to Better Engage Millennials
Jennifer Green. Music Industry Marketing: Exploring Conversational Human Voice and Purchase Habits
Hope Holroyd. How YouTube Celebrities Drive Brand Awareness to Gen Y and Z through Sponsored Content
Georgia Maitland. An Analysis of Millennial Online Dating Culture: Transactional vs. Relational Interactions
Christine Mora. Expectation and Engagement of Generation Z in the Multigenerational Workplace
Alaina Murphy. Sustainable Packaging: Its Impact on Consumer Buying Behavior
Nick Sammartino. Analyzing Two Mindsets and their Impact on the Perception of Promoted Messages
Carlie Widdifield. Peer to Peer Engagement on Instagram: Advocating Travel Envy Among Millennials

What is a comprehensive exam?

Completed the spring before your anticipated graduation date, all students are required to take a comprehensive exam that asks questions about related coursework. The exam is divided into two parts, completed over two days: (1) a written exam with open ended questions based on concepts from your classes and (2) an oral presentation based on a case study assigned in advance.

Most students who study easily pass the comprehensive exam. Students often form study groups starting in the spring semesters and a panel of recent graduates visits the program to answer questions and give advice.

Is financial aid available?

In some semesters, the Department of Public Relations and Advertising offers graduate work assistantships to qualified students. Financial aid information is also available through Rowan Global.

What mentorship opportunities exist?

The program hosts multiple mentoring events throughout the year to help partner current students with professionals. Our extensive alumni network readily volunteers for annual events such as Mentor Night and the Comprehensive Panel to meet with current students, provide advice, and review post-graduation plans. Mentors regularly give feedback on resumes and cover letters, share internships and job opportunities, and serve as references for job applications. Graduate students are encouraged to take advantage of mentoring as part of the complete program.

Can I work full time and complete the program?

Most of our students work full time or part time. Some undergraduate students are taking graduate classes as part of their 'senior privilege' option. Our program can be completed via evening face-to-face classes, online classes, taking a full time or part time load, even one course at a time.

How does the 4+1 program work?

The 4+1 program allows students to complete a B.A. in Advertising or Public Relations AND a M.A. in Strategic Communication in just 5 years. Apply for the program in your junior year by contacting the graduate advisor, Dr. Bokyung Kim. Successful applicants need to have a 3.25 GPA in the major (including required and related electives) or a 3.0 GPA overall. Applications are due before March 1 of your Junior year.

Learn more about the 4+1 program here.

How do I apply?

Interested students should apply via online application in the Rowan Global portal. In addition, the following are required:

Take the General GRE test and send official score to Rowan University. The Subject GRE test is not required. A GRE may not be required of current undergraduate students.
Send undergraduate/graduate official grade transcript to Rowan University.
Pre-requisite foundation coursework: publication layout and design (MAPR 02317, not included in 33 s.h.). Foundation coursework can be waived with adequate proof of prior coursework or professional work in publication layout and design, completed during past five years. The waiver is requested from, and approved by, the program coordinator.
Writing samples from applicant's portfolio of brochures, flyers, statements, news stories, and other written/printed/published professional works. Term papers should not be used as writing samples.

Other considerations:

International applicants: same requirements as domestic applicants, plus language/visa/educational credential process as explained on the Rowan University International Admissions site. If you have additional questions, please contact the program coordinator.
Current undergraduate students: do you qualify for senior privilege? GPA 3.5 or higher; 90 or more credits completed in the Public Relations or Advertising major.