Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business offers an online MS in Strategic Marketing Communications program for mid-level marketing and communications professionals. The program is completed online with one required three-day residency in New York City. Students in the program attend live weekly online classes and have access to other course materials though the program’s learning management system, which includes a mobile app. The program features small class sizes and the ability for students to interact with faculty one-on-one during virtual office hours.

The Master of Science in Strategic Marketing Communications program requires 33 credit hours of coursework and can be finished in as few as 12 months (four terms). Through the 11-course program sequence, students build upon a foundation of digital marketing principles and understanding consumers to learn how to create meaningful and lasting relationships between consumers and brands in the new media landscape. Courses address topics related to designing and leading crisis communication plans, applying contemporary research methods, optimizing organizational and corporate communication, and applying integrated marketing communication strategies and tactics to launch and sustain effective advertising campaigns. In addition, students learn how to leverage social media and advanced business communication skills to strengthen their firm’s strategic marketing initiatives. Students apply everything they have learned in their courses to a capstone project, enabling them to put into practice the skills they will soon deploy in the marketplace.

This program blends the latest theoretical concepts with real-world, applied learning projects throughout students’ tenure in the program. The master’s program also requires students to attend one in-person residency, held at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus in Manhattan. This experience allows students to meet their peers and instructors, network with business leaders in the marketing industry, and visit with industry professionals at prominent companies and advertising agencies.

Fordham University is accredited by the Middle States Association of the Commission of Higher Education, and the Gabelli School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

Online Master of Science in Strategic Marketing Communications

Overview
Department: Gabelli School of Business

Program Format
Structure: Online program with one required in-person residency (three days in New York City)
Instruction Methods: Program uses a combination of live weekly online classes and academic resources, such as faculty presentations, available 24/7
Campus Visits Required: Yes (one throughout the program)
Program Length: Program can be completed in 12 months (four terms) or 18 months (six terms)
Start Dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer admission

Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 33 credits (11 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Applied project
Example Courses: Marketing in the Digital Age, Integrated Marketing Communications, Contemporary Research Methods, Persuasive Corporate Communications, Crisis Communication and Media Strategies, Social and Digital Media, Understanding the Digital Consumer, Advanced Business Communication, Sponsorship, Marketing Strategy

Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; current resume; one required essay (one optional essay); recorded online interview; optional letter of recommendation
GPA Requirements: No minimum GPA to apply
Testing Requirements: GRE or GMAT not required
Work Experience: At least three years of professional experience in media, marketing, public relations, or a related field

Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$69,399 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $2,103 per credit hour

State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states

*Estimated tuition is calculated by multiplying the cost per credit hour by the number of credits required to graduate. It does not include fees or other expenses.