Maryville University's College of Arts and Sciences - Online Master’s in Strategic Communication and Leadership

Maryville University’s College of Arts and Sciences offers an online Master’s in Strategic Communication and Leadership program. This program is 100% online with no required campus visits, and utilizes asynchronous instruction to maximize students’ ability to schedule coursework around their professional and personal obligations. Students access course content and assignments through a learning management system, and apply class concepts directly to hands-on projects that are relevant to their desired career. In addition to their master’s degree, students have the option to graduate with up to four professional certifications through the program.

The online Master’s in Strategic Communication and Leadership program is comprised of 36 credits divided across 12 courses, and can be completed in as few as three terms (though students can take longer to complete the program if needed). Classes focus on providing students with the skills in digital media management and communication strategy to pursue a variety of career paths, including public relations, marketing, community relations and engagement, social media, and fundraising. The program’s curriculum covers the principles of leadership, foundations of strategic communication, organizational communication tactics, professional and organizational ethics, integrated marketing communication, digital media metrics and analytics, and crisis management. Students can take electives in areas such as emerging media, persuasive campaigns, strategic storytelling, and team dynamics.

The Master’s in Strategic Communication and Leadership program also offers an optional concentration in Emerging & Digital Media; to fulfill this concentration, students choose four of the following classes, which take the place of their elective classes in the program: Digital Media Metrics and Analytics, Social Network & Search Engine Optimization, Digital Media Campaigns, Digital Visual Communication, Integrated Marketing Communication, and Issues and Crisis Management. In addition to their coursework, students are required to complete a comprehensive assessment that evaluates their readiness to enter the field of advanced strategic communication.

To be eligible for admission, students are required to hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0 during their undergraduate degree. Students must also submit a statement of purpose. GRE scores and letters of recommendation are not required.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.