About the Master of Science in Strategic Communication at TROY
Clear and effective communication is essential to organizational — and personal —
success. Troy University’s Master of Science in Strategic Communication program trains
you in the skills you need to build on your media, communications or industry career.
Flexible but rigorous, TROY’s online strategic communication master’s program will
prepare you for advanced roles in your field, educational positions or further graduate
study. In our program, you’ll learn to develop skills essential to helping organizations
succeed, including leveraging emerging technologies, crisis communications, social
media and leadership. You’ll learn how to create, implement and evaluate communication
strategies in today’s increasingly complex online environment. You’ll also discover
new career options and ways to leverage your knowledge and skills in unique ways,
whether in industry or the classroom.
“With no formal education in this field, my Master of Science in Strategic Communication
from TROY has greatly positioned me to work as a communications professional. Generally
speaking, most employers in this field will require some type of formal public relations
education. Having this extra credential not only makes me an optimal candidate for
future positions, but it has also given me the knowledge I need to effectively execute
strategic communication strategies.”
Emma Johnson | 2020 Graduate, Master of Science in Strategic Communication | Policy Communications
Manager Delta Air Lines
A Fully Online Strategic Communication Master’s Program
Complete your strategic communication graduate program in under a year, entirely online.
Designed for working adults and offered in 9-week terms, our program helps you balance
your academic, professional and personal commitments. Start classes in one of five
terms and take on the course load that works for you — or sit out a term when you
need to. You’ll also benefit from a faculty with years of experience in online instruction
and teaching adult learners. Even online, you’ll receive the individual attention
you need from strategic communication experts.
Learn to Apply Strategic Communication to Any Industry
Thoughtful, effective communication is one of the drivers of success in an organization.
In TROY’s program, you’ll learn skills and abilities that are valued and needed in
any organization or industry. You’ll refine your ability to communicate with various
media, learn to solve challenging communication issues and craft compelling messages.
You’ll also gain experience with new technologies and innovative communication strategies.
And, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue doctoral work in strategic communication so
you can teach in colleges and universities.
Strategic Communication Master’s Program Locations
Get the flexibility you need by taking courses online from anywhere. For more information
about program availability and delivery options, call 1-800-414-5756
Whether working on your capstone or studying global communications abroad, you’ll
have numerous opportunities to apply what you’ve learned in the real world. TROY’s
strategic communications degree equips you with practice in audience analysis, digital
media, crisis management and several other skills crucial for communications. You’ll
also develop media plans, presentations and a full communication campaign. By the
time you graduate, you’ll have the experience and portfolio projects you need to advance
your strategic communications career or apply to Ph.D. programs.
Strategic Communications Jobs
After completing the strategic communication master’s program at TROY, you’ll
be prepared to enter roles in advertising, marketing, digital media, public relations,
journalism and business. Industries and sectors with a strong need for strategic communication
include mass media, government, higher education, finance, nonprofit, corporate and
advertising.
Faculty Profiles
Dr. Bridgette Colaco
Dr. Bridgette Colaco is an Assistant Professor with over 25 years of professional
and academic experience in journalism and international communications. She served
as assistant editor of the Hindustan Times in Mumbai, India, and holds a Ph.D. in
mass communication and media arts from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. [c]Dr.
Colaco is also a fellow of the Business Journalism Professors program at Arizona State
University.
Dr. Shari Hoppin is an associate professor in the Hall School of Journalism and Communication.
She earned a B.A. from the University of Ottawa, Canada, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees
from the University of Southern California. Dr. Hoppin is the author of The Dark Side
of Persuasion. She has published articles and delivered conference presentations at
regional, national, and international levels. Her current research interests include
the philosophy of communication, persuasion and influence, and communication in health
care contexts. Dr. Hoppin taught at the University of Southern California and at Florida
State University before joining the faculty at Troy University. She is a member of
the University’s graduate faculty and teaches in the Master of Science in Strategic
Communication degree program in addition to teaching undergraduate courses. Her other
professional and academic experience includes working as a reporter and editor and
coordinating the Hall School’s internship program.
FAQ About the Master’s in Strategic Communication Degree
Learn more about the field of media and strategic communication and our program.
What is a master’s degree in strategic communications?
Strategic communication is the use of written, verbal, visual, and other types of
communication to reach and motivate various audiences and, ultimately, achieve specific
goals. It requires intentional planning, design, delivery and evaluation of messaging
tailored to a target group. It considers the target audience’s needs, interests, motivations
and other factors that affect behaviors.
Strategic communication helps organizations and institutions grow and build trust,
reputation, and influence among their stakeholders and new audiences. It can also
effect social change, help resolve conflict and foster collaboration. Strategic communications
graduate programs provide you with the advanced competencies you need to leverage
messaging to inspire and motivate.
What can you do with a strategic communications degree?
A master’s in strategic communication degree prepares you for advanced roles in a
variety of fields, including advertising and marketing, journalism, mass media and
business. Specific careers include advertising director, communications specialist,
SEO director, journalist, communications senior consultant, director of strategic
communication, marketing director, corporate communications director, communications
strategist, public relations director, content strategist and many others. It can
also prepare you for doctoral programs and teaching careers.
Is a master’s in strategic communications worth it?
Whether a master’s in strategic communications is worth it depends on you and your
career goals. Strategic communications graduate programs help you develop advanced
knowledge and skills in areas such as public relations, marketing, media and digital
communications. These can open up opportunities for leadership positions, higher salaries
and a broader professional network.
However, graduate programs in any field have rigorous courses that involve a substantial
time commitment, meaning you will need to balance your studies with your work and
other commitments. To help you do so, TROY offers its master’s in strategic communication
online while still providing the faculty mentorship and professional relationships
you’d gain from a face-to-face program.
In short, a master’s in strategic communication is worth it if you have a goal to
advance in your career and the time and motivation to complete graduate-level coursework.
Alumnus Parlays Master’s Degree into Communications Job with Georgia Senate
At just 22 years old, Emma Johnson is the owner of a master’s degree in communications
and a communications career with the Georgia Senate Press Office.
