10 Online Master's in Strategic Communications Programs 2025

Strategic communication is a field of communication studies that focuses on the best ways to use communication to further an organization's goals. Students in strategic communications programs learn key communication skills as well as strategies and initiatives for all kinds of communications.

Often, students choose to continue their studies with master's in communications programs in order to further their career paths. Many schools offer strategic communications degrees online for working professionals. Keep reading to discover some of the best online master's in strategic communications.

Top Online Master's Degrees in Strategic Communications

Many schools offer online master's programs in communications, but not all focus on strategic communications. Below, we've featured some of the top master's degrees in strategic communications online.

1. Michigan State University

Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, MI. It offers an online Master of Arts (MA) in strategic communication.

This top-ranked program covers topics like professional communication ethics, crisis communication, digital media, and organizational communication. The program takes two years to complete and requires a capstone project.

Average in-state tuition: $893 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,729.50 per credit hour

Financial aid: MSU accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid like scholarships and fellowships, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Drexel University

At Drexel University, students can earn a Master of Science (MS) in strategic and digital communication online. This program focuses on communication policy, ethics, theory, and the role of media in the digitized world.

Drexel, a private research institution, is located in Philadelphia. Its online communications program is broken into 10-week quarters.

Average in-state tuition: $796 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $796 per credit

Financial aid: Drexel offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

3. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware offers an online MA in strategic communication. UD is a public research university in Newark, DE.

This online degree takes 18 months to complete and studies the principles, theories, research practices, and ethics of strategic communication. Specializations in public relations and digital and social media are available.

Average in-state tuition: $1,069 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,069 per credit

Financial aid: UD offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.

Accreditation: MSCHE

4. American University

An online master's in global strategic communication is available through American University. This program trains students to pivot messaging and market strategies amid rapidly changing environments and trends.

American University, located in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit private research institution. Its global strategic communication degree takes 24 months to complete and includes courses on communication theory, communications research, crisis communications, and digital advocacy. The program concludes with a capstone course.

Average in-state tuition: $1,299 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,299 per credit

Financial aid: American University accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.

Accreditation: MSCHE

5. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri is a public research institution in Columbia, MO. It offers an online MA in journalism with a concentration in strategic communication.

Courses in this program cover topics like mass communications, media ethics, digital marketing, and more. Most students finish within two to three years, and one on-campus visit is required.

Average in-state tuition: $1,050 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,050 per credit

Financial aid: Mizzou accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.

Accreditation: HLC

6. University of South Carolina

Students at the University of South Carolina can earn a Master of Mass Communication (MMC) online. This degree focuses on strategic and integrated communication, preparing students for a range of career opportunities.

USC, a public research institution, is located in Columbia, SC. The school's communications program included courses on mass communication, communication campaigns, communication research methods, and marketing communications. This program also includes a real-world practicum experience.

Average in-state tuition: $572.25 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,240 per cerdit

Financial aid: USC offers institutional financial aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

7. Washington State University

Washington State University offers an MA in strategic communication online through its global campus. WSU is a public research university in Pullman, WA.

This online learning program is for those who want to excel in communication, advertising, public relations, and corporate communication. Courses cover topics like communication strategies, crisis communication, research methods, and marketing communication. A capstone course is required.

Average in-state tuition: $692 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $692 per credit

Financial aid: WSU offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

8. University of Oklahoma

An online MA in strategic communication and digital strategy is available through the University of Oklahoma. This program teaches students the research skills to use data analytics for campaign evaluation, leverage the power of social media to create communities, produce engaging content, successfully handle crisis communications, and build media relationships.

OU, located in Norman, OK, is a public research university. Courses in its strategic communications program range from eight to 16 weeks, and students can finish in as few as 20 months.

Average in-state tuition: $818 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $818 per credit

Financial aid: OU accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.

Accreditation: HLC

9. State University of New York at Oswego

The State University of New York (SUNY) at Oswego is a public institution in Oswego, NY. It offers an MA in strategic communication online.

The degree trains students to craft and distribute ethical messages through the strategic use of face-to-face and mass media channels. The flexible academic program allows students to choose between an internship or an applied project.

Average in-state tuition: $471 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $1,001 per credit

Financial aid: SUNY Oswego accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: MSCHE

10. University of Maryland Global Campus

Through the University of Maryland Global Campus, students can earn an online master's degree in strategic communications. This program is designed to help working professionals obtain the communication skills they need to stand out in the market and advance their careers.

UMGC is the online campus of the public University System of Maryland. Its communications online program includes core courses on communications theory, crisis communications, and communications management, and also includes a communication campaigns capstone.

Average in-state tuition: $544 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $659 per credit

Financial aid: UMGC offers institutional aid, including scholarships. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

To choose the top online strategic communications degrees, we focused on:

• Accreditation: Every program on this list is accredited through a regional accreditation agency, ensuring programs meet educational standards and allowing you to transfer credits if needed.
• Program reputation and quality: In addition to accreditation, all schools are either public or private nonprofit, so students know they will receive a high-quality education.
• Online format: Each program has fully online classes, although a few may require in-person internships or experiences.

FAQs About Online Master's in Strategic Communication Degrees

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about online master's degrees in strategic communication.

What Can You Do With a Strategic Communication Degree?

There are multiple communication careers you can pursue with a degree in strategic communications, including:

• advertising manager
• communications manager
• marketing manager/director
• media relations manager
• public relations specialist
• social media specialist

Additionally, if you're already a communications professional, earning a master's degree can help you further your career trajectory according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Some of the best communications degrees online offer specializations to help you focus your degree on your intended career path. Others are flexible with elective coursework, allowing you to choose the courses most relevant to your career goals.

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Strategic Communications Program?

The admissions requirements for online master's degrees in strategic communication can vary. Some common requirements may include:

• bachelor's degree in communication studies or a related field
• submission of official transcripts
• minimum undergraduate GPA
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
• application fee
• letters of recommendation

Most programs will list the admissions requirements on the website along with application deadlines and start dates.

How Much Does a Master's Degree in Strategic Communications Cost?

Like with admissions requirements, the cost of a master's degree in strategic communications can vary. There are many cheap communications degrees online. For example, SUNY Oswego charges less than $500 per credit hour for its online master's degrees.

Other schools charge more, sometimes upwards of $1,000 per credit hour. However, many schools offer financial aid to help, and many accept aid through FAFSA and private sources, like various organizations or through your employer.

Explore Online Graduate Programs

Find the ideal online graduate degree in communications by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to request info on admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.