Texas Tech University (TTU) offers an online Master’s in Strategic Communication and Innovation through its College of Media and Communication. The program is offered fully online and uses asynchronous instruction, which allows students to access course materials and study on their own schedule, at any time day or night. Some instructors may incorporate synchronous (live) sessions or offer live office hours through video chat if they feel it will enhance student learning. TTU uses the Blackboard learning management system for online course delivery. Through Blackboard, students access course syllabi and materials, submit assignments, review grades, participate in class discussions and message boards, communicate with instructors, and more.
The Master’s in Strategic Communication and Innovation is a 30-credit hour program that has three start dates per year, in the fall, spring or summer. Students work with the program director to develop a personalized course plan that allows them to complete degree requirements in one to three years, depending on their course load. The program’s curriculum emphasizes professional skill development in strategic communication for individuals preparing for or seeking senior level positions.
The ten-class curriculum is divided between required coursework (18 credits), electives (9 credits) and a final project (3 credits). The required courses include a Seminar in Mass Communication Theory; Research Methods; Strategic Communication Planning & Writing; Media Management, Entrepreneurship, & Consulting; Communication in Organizations; and Strategic Communication in a Global Environment. These courses cover the fundamental theories and concepts of mass communication, introduce students to central research methods and practices in strategic communication, and also provide them with skills and training in global communication strategy, innovative media management, and organizational leadership. The required coursework also teaches students how to develop strategic communication plans, identify goals and set objectives, analyze and select appropriate audiences, manage media budgets, and create effective messages and delivery mediums. Students become familiar with navigating human communication in different organizational settings and learn about best practices in digital media content production, distribution and analysis.
After completing their required courses, students progress to their electives. Students can choose three electives from a selection of courses that explore a range of topics related to innovation and strategic communication. Potential courses include Advanced Social Media Practice, Production of Digital Media Content, Multimedia Story Telling, Interpersonal Communication, Audience/Data Analysis & Reporting, and Special Topics in Strategic Communication. Through these courses, students can further their skills in digital and new media, data analysis for strategic communication, and social media tactics.
The program culminates with an applied research project, also called the master’s report final project. The project is a capstone experience that allows graduate students to apply their knowledge of and skills in mass communication to develop an original piece of scholarship in an area of professional interest.
Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Master's in Strategic Communication & Innovation
Overview
Department: College of Media & Communication
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses asynchronous instruction
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in ~1 to 3 years (depending on whether students take 1, 2 or 3 classes per semester)
Start Dates: Four starts per year: Fall, Spring, Summer I and Summer II admission
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 30 credits (9 courses + project)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Applied research project
Example Courses: Seminar in Mass Communication Theory; Research Methods; Strategic Communication Planning & Writing; Media Management, Entrepreneurship & Consulting; Communication in Organizations; Strategic Communication in a Global Environment; Multimedia Story Telling; Advanced Social Media Practice; Production of Digital Media Content; Audience/Data Analysis & Reporting; Interpersonal Communication
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; resume; personal statement; three references for recommendations; answers to essay questions
GPA Requirements: No minimum GPA required to apply
Testing Requirements: GRE not required
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$14,940 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $498 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
