The University of Delaware offers a Master of Arts in Strategic Communication that can be completed entirely online in as little as 24 months. The program uses asynchronous instruction, meaning students can access lectures and course materials at any time, and no campus visits are required throughout the course of study. In order to earn their degree, students must complete a total of 30 credit hours, made up of intensive, seven-week courses in topics such as social media management, public relations, digital media strategy, strategic communication theory, and more. UD Online’s MA in Strategic Communication program also features optional concentrations in Public Relations or Digital and Social Media, as well as the option for students to customize their own curriculum based on personal interests or career goals.

The curriculum is comprised of 10 courses, each worth three credits. All students are required to take four core courses: Principles of Strategic Communication, Communication Research, Communication Theory, and Communication and Ethics. There is also a Strategic Communication Capstone course, in which students identify and research a real-world communication issue, then design a project or campaign based on their proposed recommendations for the problem. Along with this core coursework, students select five courses based on their concentration, or from a list of electives, if choosing to create a customized curriculum tailored to their interests.

Students in the Public Relations concentration can select from courses such as Public Relations Campaign Planning, Communication and Persuasion, Reputation Management, Crisis Communication, Public Relations Writing, and Branding. The Digital and Social Media Concentration features courses such as Social Media and Communication, Interactive Marketing, Writing for Social Media, Digital Media Content Strategy, Social Media Management, and User Data Analytics. For those designing a customized curriculum, UD Online offers a wide range of electives in communication-related fields. Examples of available elective courses include Effective Health Communication, Digital Political Strategy, Sports Communication and Branding, Media Analytics, and Communication and Leadership.

In order to qualify for admission, students need a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university. There is a minimum undergraduate GPA requirement of 3.0; however, applicants with a lower GPA may still be considered based on their other qualifications. Students with a cumulative undergraduate GPA below 3.25 will also need to submit GRE scores. Those with a GPA of 3.25 or higher may qualify for a GRE waiver. Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation from professional references, but can also include recommendations from professors or other academic references who can speak to their aptitude and potential. No prior work experience in communication is required.

The University of Delaware is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication

Overview
Department: Department of Communication
Specializations/Concentrations: Optional Concentrations in Public Relations or Digital and Social Media

Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits
Instruction Methods: Program uses asynchronous instruction and is 100% online
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Program can be completed in 24 months
Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admission

Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Credits Required: 30 credits (10 courses)
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Capstone course with project
Example Courses: Principles of Strategic Communication; Communication Research; Communication Theory; Communication and Ethics; Social Media and Communication; Reputation Management; Digital Media Content Strategy; Public Relations Campaign Planning; Public Relations Management; Communication and Persuasion

Admission Requirements
Application Requirements: Bachelor's degree; current resume; personal statement; three letters of recommendation
GPA Requirements: Average GPA 3.0 (students with a GPA below 3.0 may still apply for admission)
Testing Requirements: GRE not required

Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$25,500 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $850 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.