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.

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.

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.