Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Akron, USA
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
Key Summary
Is this for me?
This program is for students and professionals interested in strategically creating and managing messages in the contexts of social media and health and crisis communication. You will develop skills in social media analytics, data storytelling, informatics, data analysis, multimedia production, and more.
Why Akron?
While there are several online master's degree programs in communication in Ohio, our program is the only one that focuses specifically on social media and health and crisis communication. Our regional relationships also contribute to our uniqueness.
Program Requirements
Required Courses
- Crisis Communication
- Introduction to Graduate Study in Communication
- Mixed Methods of Communication Research
- Applied Communication Theory
- Communication in Organizations
- Intercultural Communication Theory
Cognate Area Courses
Social Media
Required course:
- Strategic Social Media
Select nine credits from the following:
- Media Entrepreneurship
- Social Media Metrics and Analytics
- Advanced Communication Studies
- Business Analytics and Information Strategy
- Strategic Marketing
Any graduate elective.
Health and Crisis Communication
Required course:
- Health Communication
Select nine credits from the following:
- Risk Communication
- Health Informatics
- Advanced Communication Studies
- Strategic Marketing
- Any graduate elective
Comprehensive Examination
Learning beyond the classroom
Our goal is to connect theory to practice, enabling you to emerge from the classroom as a civically engaged, skilled, and adaptable leader.
That's why our curriculum is guided by advice from top experts in academia and industries in the region — ensuring that what happens in the classroom reflects the trends and demands of the workplace. We provide hands-on, experiential learning opportunities in every class, and we work with UA's EXL Center for Experiential Learning, the business school's social media command center, the health and engineering departments, and local industry experts to provide additional real-world experiences.
How long is the program?
The typical length of this program is 18-24 months; however, you may be able to finish in one year, depending on your external commitments. We can work with you to create a flexible schedule that meets your needs.
What can I do with this degree?
There is a growing demand for communication experts in social media and health and crisis communication. Social media management and marketing have grown exponentially over the past decade, and there is a continual need for communication professionals in regional health organizations such as the Summa Health System, the Cleveland Clinic, and University Hospitals.
More broadly, this degree can equip you to work in nearly every industry, including public relations and marketing agencies, pharmaceutical companies, nonprofit organizations, corporate communication organizations, political consulting and campaign firms, multimedia and web publishers, and media outlets.
This program can also prepare you for an academic career. Our graduates are found in doctoral programs — and teaching in universities — throughout the country.