MA in Strategic Marketing Communication
Boston, USA
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 1,402 / per credit **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* Priority decision: March 1. Late application deadline: July 1.
** additional fees may apply. Scholarships are available
Key Summary
About: The MA in Strategic Marketing Communication offers a comprehensive understanding of marketing communication strategies and practices.
This program prepares students to navigate the complex landscape of digital and traditional media, enhancing skills in branding, advertising, and public relations.
The curriculum is designed to foster analytical and creative thinking, ensuring graduates can effectively develop and implement communication strategies.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can pursue various career paths, including roles in marketing management, communication consultancy, brand management, and public relations.
Opportunities exist across diverse sectors, ranging from corporate environments to non-profit organizations, equipping students for a successful future in the marketing field.
Program Highlights
- 5+5 curriculum structure that presents you with 5 foundational marketing courses and 5 courses in the focus area of your choice: Strategic Planning, Digital Strategy, or Brand Strategy
- Customizable program experience ensures you learn the skills you need to fulfill professional and personal goals
- Full-time and part-time options available, with courses primarily offered in the evenings to allow you flexibility in your schedule
- No GRE requirements to apply
Curriculum Requirements
Our 40-credit program is perfect for working professionals, allowing for maximum flexibility related to time and structure; students can complete the program in 1.5 to 2 years (full-time) or they can attend part-time. Courses are offered primarily in the evening, leaving time for students to participate in internship and networking opportunities.
5 + 5 Curriculum
5 core courses: You will learn the foundational skills for success in industry careers. From courses such as Marketing and Brand Management to Creative Thinking and Problem Solving, students learn industry principles and how strategy and creativity are interwoven to form a customer-centric strategic marketing plan and integrated marketing communication.
Required Core Courses
| Number | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MK 601 | Principles of Strategic Marketing Communication | 4 |
| MK 610 | Marketing/Brand Management | 4 |
| MK 636 | Creative Thinking and Problem Solving | 4 |
| MK 669 | Behavioral Economics | 4 |
| MK 668 | Professional Applied Experience in Strategic Marketing Communication | 4 |
5 electives: The elective courses in the program allow you to focus on a Professional Path in Strategic Planning, Digital Strategy, or Brand Strategy with recommended courses, or pick-and-choose electives that best meet personal career goals or academic interests. These electives complete the 5 + 5 curriculum.
Professional Paths: Students can choose between crafting an individualized program of study that draws from electives that satisfy professional pursuits or academic interests, or one of the following Professional Paths with recommended electives, allowing expertise to be developed, focused and applied:
- Strategic Planning: Develop your skills and knowledge in planning and managing strategic marketing campaigns and communication initiatives from research through implementation and review.
- Digital Strategy: Prepare yourself for a career focused on digital marketing with recommended courses that build your skills and knowledge in the areas of digital design, analytics, and strategy.
- Brand Strategy: Focus your industry skill set and knowledge on branding and brand strategy, creating the stories and strategies that develop both intangible and tangible assets for recognized—and soon to be recognized—brands.
Professional Paths include, but are not limited to, the following recommended courses.
Note: Course offerings or availability are subject to change.
Professional Path: Strategic Planning
| Number | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MK 604 | Market Research and Account Planning | 4 |
| MK 649 | Managing Investments in Marketing | 4 |
| MK 650 | Market Planning: Customers, Companies, Collaborators | 4 |
| MK 661 | Strategic Planning and Marketing Communication | 4 |
| MK 667 | Integrated Strategy | 4 |
Professional Path: Digital Strategy
| Number | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MK 627 | Digital Marketing | 4 |
| MK 651 | Descriptive Analytics and Predictive Models | 4 |
| MK 662 | Content Marketing | 4 |
| MK 640 | User Experience Design | 4 |
| MK 620 | Civic Media Design Studio 1 | 4 |
Professional Path: Brand Strategy
| Number | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MK 604 | Market Research and Account Planning | 4 |
| MK 621 | Creative Writing and Storytelling | 4 |
| MK 630 | Advertising and Sales Promotion | 4 |
| MK 663 | Design Strategies in Communication | 4 |
| MK 665 | Global Cultures: Anthropology and Sociology | 4 |
Career Outlook for Strategic Marketing Communication Graduates
Marketing and communications is projected to be one of the fastest-growing career paths in the next 10 years, with a median annual wage of $156,580 for manager-level positions as of 20231. Graduates of the School of Communication’s Strategic Marketing Communication graduate program will have the flexibility to work in any number of industries, including entertainment, technology, healthcare, and education.
Potential careers include:
- Art Director
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Director of Marketing
- Events Coordinator
- Marketing Manager
- Media Specialist
- Social Media Specialist
Strategic Marketing Communication Alumni
Alumni of the Strategic Marketing Communication MA program work for agencies, corporations, and even own their own businesses. They apply the skills learned in our program and approach any industry with confidence ranging from healthcare, finance, technology, and merchandise. Our students gain access to exclusive networking opportunities with alumni through Emerson’s alumni platform, Emerge.
Our alumni have gone on to work for companies such as:
- Converse;
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute;
- Dell;
- Philips;
- SimpsonScarborough;
- TikTok.
Financial Aid
Emerson College is proud to offer students and families financial aid options and resources.
Scholarships
Upon applying to an Emerson Graduate Program, the Graduate Admission team automatically reviews every accepted student’s scholarship eligibility.
Career Outlook for Strategic Marketing Communication Graduates
Marketing and communications is projected to be one of the fastest-growing career paths in the next 10 years, with a median annual wage of $156,580 for manager-level positions as of 20231. Graduates of the School of Communication’s Strategic Marketing Communication graduate program will have the flexibility to work in any number of industries, including entertainment, technology, healthcare, and education.
Potential careers include:
- Art Director
- Digital Marketing Manager
- Director of Marketing
- Events Coordinator
- Marketing Manager
- Media Specialist
- Social Media Specialist