MA in Strategic Communication
Rowan's M.A. in Strategic Communication is a 33-credit program with online flexibility, preparing graduates for careers in PR, advertising, and communications.
Why choose Rowan's strategic communications program?
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.
Key considerations
Quick Facts
Credits
Application Deadlines
Fall Entry Term
Spring Entry Term
Summer Entry Term
Studying strategic communications at Rowan
What You'll Learn
The M.A. in Strategic Communication is a graduate program that is offered as a full-time or part-time, campus-based program designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to complete most, or possibly all, of your courses online. Our online courses blend asynchronous learning with live, interactive sessions, all accessible from anywhere without the need to come to campus. 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
Required Courses: 21 S.H.
| Course Number | Title | S.H. (Credits) |
| MAPR 01543 | Graduate Strategic Case Studies and Public Relations Planning | 3 |
| MAPR 01620 | Strategic Communication Seminar | 6 |
| 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
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.
- No application fee required
- 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.
Tuition and Aid
At Rowan University, we pride ourselves on being vigilant and frugal about tuition. We work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
We know paying for tuition can be a challenge. That is why Rowan provides students with the financial resources needed to put their education first by offering grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.
Strategic communications student stories
"When I met my department faculty, International Center and the other communities around Rowan, everyone was very supportive of me."
Aysha S.
Bangladesh
Careers and outcomes
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.
Upcoming virtual information sessions and events
Brandon West
