MA in Strategic Communication Courses

The MA in Strategic Communication is a 36-credit program that is designed to prepare both aspiring and practicing strategic communication professionals to plan, implement, and assess communication strategies in business and industry.

Review here for all course descriptions.

Courses in Specialization (36)^**

Required Courses (15 credits) Core Required Courses (18 credits)

COM 9139 Communication Strategy
COM 9638 Intro to Research Methods
COM 9510 Legal and Ethical Issues in Strategic Communication
COM 9700 Final Masters’ Project Bootcamp OR COM 9900 Independent Study in Strategic Communication (Prerequisites: Students entering in Fall 2026 or later must complete COM 9638. Students who entered before Fall 2026 must have completed COM 9635 and COM 9640.

Exit Requirement
Either COM 9991 MA Thesis in Strategic Communication or COM 9992 MA Capstone Project in Strategic Communication (Prerequisites COM 9635, COM 9640, and COM 9700 or 9900)

Students who are preparing to register for Thesis or Capstone should review the Thesis/Capstone Overview.

ELECTIVES (21 Credits)
CHOOSE SEVEN (7) OF THESE REGULARLY OFFERED ELECTIVES

COM 9620 Corporate Communication
COM 9140 Organizational Storytelling
COM 9671 Organizational Responses to Social Movements and Social Media
COM 9141 Rethinking Cultures of Work
COM 9142 Thought Leadership
COM 9642 Power, Privilege & Difference
COM 9505 Media Analysis for Corporate Communication

COM 9625 Corporate Culture & Sustainability

COM 9626 Counseling the Corporation
COM 9630 Corporate Media Relations
COM 9651 Theories of Persuasion
COM 9652 Crisis Communication
COM 9653 Investor Relations
COM 9654 Internal Communication
COM 9656 International Business Communication

COM 9658 Reputation Management
COM 9660 Selected Topics in Corporate Communication
COM 9661 Special Topics in Corporate Communication (1 credit)
COM 9662 Special Topics in Corporate Communication (2 credits)
COM 9663 Special Topics in Corporate Communication (1.5 credits)
COM 9800 Internship in Corporate Communication
COM 9900 Independent Study

^All courses are 3 credits, unless noted otherwise.

**The MA program title of Strategic Communication replaced the title of Corporate Communication in June, 2025. This course listing reflects curriculum effective in Fall 2026.

December 2024 Thesis and Capstone Presentations