The University of Tennessee at Martin offers a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Strategic Communication through its Department of Mass Media and Strategic Communication. This mostly online program is designed for professionals seeking to expand their skills and expertise in strategic communication. The program combines online instruction with three to four required on campus sessions that are spaced throughout the program. These sessions take place at the beginning (one Saturday for an orientation), the middle (one Saturday to introduce students to the capstone requirements), and near the end of the program (one weekend for students’ written comprehensive exams). These sessions also allow students and faculty members the chance to professionally network and develop personal and mentorship relationships face-to-face.
This 33 credit-hour program is typically completed in five to seven semesters, which equates to 20 to 28 months. Coursework in the M.A. in Strategic Communication program focuses on cultivating five main knowledge areas: theories of communication research, strategic planning and messaging, management and leadership, global influences, and ethics. All students must take six hours of foundations courses (which consist of seminars on professional development, a media and communication theory course, and a capstone project or professional portfolio as students’ final graduation requirement). They are also required to complete a 3-credit course in applied research methods for professionals, and a leadership theory and practice course. After fulfilling these requirements, students choose 21 credit hours of “Communication Strategies and Tactics” elective courses.
To graduate with their M.A. in Strategic Communication, students must receive a B or higher in each of these courses. After completing their coursework, students must take and pass a written comprehensive exam in-person. Their final graduation requirement, as mentioned previously, can be either a capstone project where students work independently with faculty to develop specialized knowledge of a particular aspect of strategic communication, or a professional portfolio featuring final class projects and assignments that showcase their mastery of the strategic communication skills they have acquired during their time in the program. Both the capstone project and the professional portfolio options are meant to act as a valuable resource for students seeking to advance their careers after graduation.
The University of Tennessee at Martin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Overview
Department: Department of Communications
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with limited campus visits
Instruction Methods: Inquire with school about online instruction methods
Campus Visits Required: Yes (4 throughout the program)
Program Length: Program can be completed in 20 to 28 months (5 to 7 semesters)
Start Dates: Inquire with school for start dates
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 33 credits
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Professional portfolio or capstone applied research project
Example Courses: International Public Relations; Social Media Management; Strategic Communication Campaigns; Digital Media Production for Corporate Environments; Media and Communication Theory for Professionals; Organizational Communication; Leadership Theory and Practice; Crisis Communication
Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; resume; three letters of recommendation; statement of professional goals
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.5
Testing Requirements: GRE or GMAT required (GRE may be waived for students with a GPA greater than 3.25, for students with a GPA greater than 2.5 plus 7 years of professional experience in communication, or for students with a GPA greater than 3.0 with 5 years of professional experience in communication)
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$21,252 + fees (in-state); ~$23,166 + fees (out-of-state)
Cost per Credit Hour: $644 per credit hour (in-state); $702 per credit hour (out-of-state)
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
