Columbia University's School of Professional Studies - Online Master of Science in Strategic Communication

Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies offers an online Master of Science in Strategic Communication that is designed for professionals working full-time who want a flexible, part-time program that hones their skills in organizational communication, strategic communication research, and digital media tactics and analytics. While this program’s coursework is delivered online, students are required to attend three on-campus residencies as part of their core courses. Columbia University uses Canvas as its learning management system, which allows students to attend lectures, collaborate with peers, complete and submit assignments, and review course materials online.

The Master of Science in Strategic Communication consists of 36 course credits, divided between five core courses (which includes a capstone experience) and seven electives. The first three core courses that students take, Strategic Communication Management, The Compelling Communicator, and Ethical Decision-Making for Communicators, each require an on-campus residency. Through these residencies, students participate in hands-on projects, network with peers, and receive in-person mentorship from program faculty. The concepts covered in the first three core courses that students take include identifying and addressing stakeholder needs, crafting compelling rhetoric for organizations, corporate social responsibility, and organizational reputation management.

After the first three core courses, the remaining classes students take are delivered entirely online. The fourth core course that students take, Communication Research and Insights, prepares students to gather and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to arrive at insights that inform communication strategies for diverse organizations. Upon completing the core curriculum, students have the option to specialize through selective courses in Communication Tools and Technologies; Interpersonal, Team, and Organizational Communications; and Global Strategic Communication. Examples of selective courses include Digital Media and Analytics, Gender and Communication in the Workplace, The Authentic Leader, and Global Communication for Professionals.

For elective courses, students can choose from a wide variety of courses both within the School of Professional Studies and through other departments and schools at Columbia University. Electives allow students to individualize their course of study, and they cover topics in areas such as crisis communication, behavioral science in communication, brand development, employee motivation, strategic storytelling, public relations, and political communication.

For students’ culminating experience in the program, they are required to complete a Strategic Communication Capstone Project that involves tackling a real-world communication challenge, applying the concepts and strategies they have learned in their content coursework. Students receive support and advice from faculty and industry experts during their work on their capstone.

Columbia University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.