Designed for the working professional
Flexibility is everything for the working professional—and we know that.
This program offers ultimate flexibility, featuring an online format and course topics customizable to your current or aspiring career goals. This 30-semester-hour graduate program is hosted entirely online with Zoom classes in the evening. Often, you can take what you learn during class and apply it to your professional work the next day.
What you can expect
Typically completed in 2-4 years, you will benefit from a comprehensive curriculum consisting of core courses, diverse electives, and a hands-on capstone project that will showcase your skills in a tangible, real-world setting.
"I cannot speak more highly of this program and its flexibility. I deployed to Kuwait and could take two asynchronous classes."
Core Courses
There are five required courses every MA strategic communication student must complete. This totals 15 semester hours, with each course contributing three hours. You will need to take each of these courses:
- Foundations of Strategic Communication: Lay the groundwork for your degree with a comprehensive exploration of the foundational principles and public relations theories guiding strategic communication.
- Digital Strategic Communication: Delve into the strategies and tactics crucial to navigating the digital landscape.
- Strategic Communication Research: Develop the research skills needed for data-driven decision-making.
- Strategic Communication Writing: Master strategic writing techniques tailored to diverse audiences and goals.
- Capstone Project in Strategic Communication: Apply your learning in a real-world context by completing a capstone project that serves as a culmination of all you have learned.
"All of the professors were really wonderful in tailoring the assignments, the research projects, and even the capstone to each student’s background, whether you were looking for job advancement or completely changing your career."
Elective courses
Hand-pick your elective courses to match your career interests. You'll need to take five electives, at three semester hours each, to total 15 semester hours. Customize to fit your interests. Here is a sample of electives:
Industry-specific electives
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Strategic Political Communication
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Strategic Communication for Nonprofits
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Strategic Health Care Communication
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Strategic Communication Externship
Skill-based electives
- Copywriting for Strategic Communication
- Digital Analytics for Strategic Communication
- Media Management for Strategic Communicators
- Strategic Communication Campaigns
Topical electives
- Topics in Strategic Communication
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Strategic Global Communication
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Risk Communication
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Leadership Communication
Ultimate choice and flexibility
You also have the flexibility to enroll in up to two outside electives. Courses are offered by the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and by other University of Iowa departments and programs. You can work with your academic advisor to explore and make those selections.
Expand your options. Add an MBA
With the MBA & MASC Dual Degree, you can earn both degrees in just 2.5 to 3 years. You’ll graduate with a powerful mix of strategic communication and business skills that employers across industries are looking for.
Instructors
Director
Joanna Krajewski, PhD
Faculty
Eric Nelson
Julie Kraft
Rachel Fisher
Belle DuChene
Bruce Japsen
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Whether you're ready to apply, looking for more information, or have a specific question, drop us a line and we'll be in touch!
Frequently asked questions
What courses are required for the online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication?
The program requires 10 courses totaling 30 credit hours. There are 5 required core courses and 5 electives you choose based on your career goals. Each course is 3 credit hours.
Can I choose electives outside of the program?
Yes. Students build a customized course plan by choosing electives within the program and from graduate offerings across the University of Iowa — including opportunities through colleges like the Tippie College of Business. This cross-disciplinary flexibility allows students to align the degree with career interests in leadership, healthcare, business, public affairs, and more.
What is the capstone project?
The capstone is a hands-on final project where you apply everything you've learned to a real-world communication challenge. Many students use their own workplace as the context, so the work has immediate professional value, not just academic value.
Who teaches the courses?
Courses are taught by faculty and communication professionals with experience in digital marketing, public relations, corporate communications, analytics, and content strategy. Students learn from instructors who bring real industry experience into the classroom.
Can I earn an MBA at the same time?
Yes. Iowa offers a dual MASC/MBA degree that can be completed in 2.5 to 3 years through a partnership with the Tippie College of Business. It's a strong option for professionals who want both communication and business leadership credentials.