Strategic Communication, MA, Online
Quick Facts
Credit Hours: 30 | Estimated Time to Completion: 18-24 months | Cost Per Credit Hour: $500 | Start Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- graduate
- Academic Pathway
- major
- Degree/Program Type
- MA Master of Arts
- Format
- online
- Course Info
- Course Sequence
- College
- Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences (BCAS)
- School/Department
- School of Communication
Program Contact
- Andrea Meluch, Ph.D.
-
Graduate Coordinator & Associate Professor
330-972-5189
Program Overview
The University of Akron Online offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Strategic Communication designed to help you gain the skills needed to influence organizational decision-making, develop communication strategy, and connect with audiences across professional contexts.
You’ll learn from the same expert faculty who teach on campus, gaining both theoretical insight and practical experience grounded in current industry trends. Coursework is built with input from academic and industry leaders, ensuring your learning reflects real-world demands.
With flexible online delivery and a curriculum built for working professionals, the program prepares you to advance your career or transition into strategic communication roles across industries.
What You'll Learn
Develop the strategic thinking and applied skills needed to create, manage, and evaluate communication across digital, organizational, and public-facing environments.
Skills Gained
Develop and execute strategic communication plans
Analyze and interpret social media data and audience insights
Create targeted messaging for diverse audiences and platforms
Manage communication during crises and high-risk situations
Apply research methods to evaluate communication effectiveness
Apply communication strategies to lead teams and manage organizational change
Core Practice
Design and manage communication campaigns across digital channels
Use analytics to inform messaging and decision-making
Respond to communication challenges in health, crisis, and organizational contexts
Collaborate with teams across marketing, media, and public relations
Translate communication theory into real-world application
Key Topics
Strategic social media communication
Health and crisis communication
Communication research and analytics
Leadership and organizational communication strategy
Risk communication and public messaging
Career Outcomes
Graduates may find opportunities with organizations such as health systems, agencies, corporations, and nonprofits across Ohio and beyond.
Job Titles
Social media manager
Strategic communication specialist
Public relations manager
Health communication specialist
Digital marketing strategist
Crisis communication consultant
Content strategist
Communication manager
Organizational development specialist
Where You’ll Work
Health care systems and organizations
Marketing and public relations agencies
Corporate communication departments
Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
Government and public service agencies
Media and digital publishing companies
Additional Program Information
Strategic Communication Curriculum
The curriculum combines core communication theory, applied research, and specialized coursework to prepare you for strategic roles in digital and organizational communication.
Core Foundations
Build a strong foundation in communication theory, research methods, and graduate-level study. You’ll develop the analytical and strategic skills needed to evaluate communication challenges and design effective solutions.
→ View full program requirements
Degree Specialization
As you progress, you’ll select one of three focused pathways to specialize your degree:
- Leadership Communication: Focus on the communication skills that drive effective leadership within organizations. Build expertise in team communication, change management, and conflict resolution.
- Strategic Social Media: Focus on creating, managing, and analyzing communication across digital platforms. Develop skills in content strategy, audience engagement, and social media analytics.
- Health and Crisis Communication: Focus on messaging in high-stakes environments. Build expertise in risk communication, health campaigns, and crisis response across organizations and communities.
These cognate options allow you to align your coursework with your professional interests and career direction.
→ View required courses per cognate area
Applied Learning and Capstone
Apply your knowledge through hands-on coursework that connects theory to practice. You’ll complete a capstone experience that integrates your skills into a real-world communication project.
General Electives
Customize your degree with 9 credit hours of graduate-level electives that align with your interests and career goals. You may choose courses within the School of Communication or explore related areas to broaden your skill set.
Program Focus
Specialized for High-Demand Communication Roles
We’re proud to offer the only online master’s degree in Ohio focused specifically on social media, health, and crisis communication, preparing you for leadership in rapidly growing fields.
Flexibility
Designed for Working Professionals
Complete your degree fully online with a flexible format designed to help you balance coursework with your professional and personal commitments.
Rankings
Recognized Among Top Online Universities
UAkron Online has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s top online universities, reflecting a strong commitment to quality and student success.
Admissions Information
Review the admissions requirements and next steps for applying to the online strategic communication master’s program.
Admission to the program requires meeting the general standards of The University of Akron Graduate School, as well as program-specific criteria.
Applicants must:
- Apply through The University of Akron Graduate School
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, or a related field, or complete at least 15 credit hours of approved communication coursework
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Submit a statement of purpose (maximum 500 words) outlining your interest in the program and career goals
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
Additional considerations:
Admission decisions are based on academic background and your ability to clearly articulate your goals and interest in the program
International applicants must meet the Graduate School English proficiency requirements.
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis for graduate programs.
- Ohio resident tuition: $500.00 per credit hour
- Online students benefit from a reduced out-of-state surcharge of $1 per credit hour
→ View tuition and fees for graduate students
→ Estimate your cost of attendance
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a variety of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Graduate student loans
- Work-study opportunities (when available)
- Institutional scholarships
The University of Akron provides financial aid to a significant number of graduate students each year.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers support throughout the process, including assistance with FAFSA completion, understanding your aid package, and planning for educational costs.
Admission to the program requires meeting the general standards of The University of Akron Graduate School, as well as program-specific criteria.
Applicants must:
- Apply through The University of Akron Graduate School
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, or a related field, or complete at least 15 credit hours of approved communication coursework
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Submit a statement of purpose (maximum 500 words) outlining your interest in the program and career goals
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
Additional considerations:
Admission decisions are based on academic background and your ability to clearly articulate your goals and interest in the program
International applicants must meet the Graduate School English proficiency requirements.
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis for graduate programs.
- Ohio resident tuition: $500.00 per credit hour
- Online students benefit from a reduced out-of-state surcharge of $1 per credit hour
→ View tuition and fees for graduate students
→ Estimate your cost of attendance
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a variety of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Graduate student loans
- Work-study opportunities (when available)
- Institutional scholarships
The University of Akron provides financial aid to a significant number of graduate students each year.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers support throughout the process, including assistance with FAFSA completion, understanding your aid package, and planning for educational costs.
Online School of Communication Faculty
Learn from expert faculty shaping the future of communication through research, industry experience, and applied practice.
MA in Strategic Communication FAQs
Salaries in strategic communication vary by role, industry, and experience level. For example, public relations specialists earn a median annual salary of more than $65,000, while public relations managers earn more than $130,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Other roles offer competitive earning potential as well. Market research analysts earn a median salary of approximately $75,000, while marketing managers earn above $155,000. As you gain experience or move into leadership positions, earning potential typically increases across all areas of strategic communication.
Strategic communication professionals plan, create, and manage messaging that supports organizational goals. They develop campaigns, analyze audience data, and adapt communication strategies across platforms such as social media, websites, and public channels. They may also manage brand reputation, coordinate internal communication, and respond to crises or emerging issues. Their work helps organizations communicate clearly, consistently, and effectively with their audiences.
Yes, strategic communication skills are in high demand as organizations rely on digital platforms and data to reach and engage audiences. The continued growth of social media, online content, and real-time communication has increased the need for professionals who can manage messaging effectively. Employers value individuals who can combine strategy, analytics, and communication expertise. This demand spans industries, from health care and technology to public service and corporate environments.
A career in communication may be a strong fit if you enjoy crafting messages, analyzing audiences, and solving complex challenges through strategy. This field combines creativity with data-driven decision-making and requires strong writing, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills. Communication professionals often work across teams and industries, adapting messaging for different platforms and audiences. If you’re interested in influencing how organizations connect with people, this path may align with your goals.
A strategic communication degree prepares you for roles that focus on managing messaging, brand reputation, and audience engagement. Common career paths include social media management, public relations, digital marketing, corporate communication, and health communication. You may also work in crisis communication, helping organizations respond to complex or high-risk situations. These roles exist across industries, including health care, business, nonprofit organizations, and government.
Earn your MA in Strategic Communication Online
Step into a career where your ideas shape conversations, influence decisions, and drive meaningful impact across industries.