Courses - MA in Strategic Communication

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.

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"I cannot speak more highly of this program and its flexibility. I deployed to Kuwait and could take two asynchronous classes."

Matt Doyle, Public Affairs Officer

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."

Tamara Kuehl, Operations Manager

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

Strategic Political Communication
Strategic Communication for Nonprofits
Strategic Health Care Communication
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
Strategic Global Communication
Risk Communication
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.

Instructors

Director

Joanna Krajewski, Ph.D.

Joanna Krajewski holds a PhD in Mass Communication, emphasis in Environmental Risk Communication, an MPH in Community and Behavioral Health, and a BA in Communication Studies, all from the University of Iowa. Krajewski worked previously as a professor of and director of strategic communication at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. As an educator, she hopes to inspire students to create communication campaigns that are effective and help make a positive difference in the world.

Faculty

Eric Nelson

Eric's been an adjunct for the Master of Arts in Strategic Communication since 2013, teaching Digital Strategic Communication, Digital Analytics for Strategic Communication, and Copywriting for Strategic Communication.

Julie Kraft

Julie Kraft has an extensive background with the media, having worked in television, radio, management and TV consultation for many years. She currently consults and coaches executives, develops strategic communication plans, advises on media relations, teaches at the university level, and works with various clients on marketing, organizational development, and crisis communication.

Rachel Fisher

Rachel Fisher holds a MA in Communication Studies with an emphasis in corporate communication. Rachel firmly believes that each person can make THE difference in communication and organizational growth. Rachel currently provides leadership, motivation and marketing training to organizations and corporations around the United States. Her research deals with employee motivation and engagement. Rachel is currently pursuing her PhD in Leadership & Change.

Rachelle Biderman

Rachelle has taught a variety of MASC classes since 2017. While she enjoys the study of communication and public speaking, the most rewarding aspect of teaching in the MASC program is seeing those intersections reflected in the lives and practice of the students.

Belle DuChene

Belle DuChene is an award-winning content producer with a background in public relations, journalism, digital marketing, talent management, and affiliate commerce writing. She currently owns an award-winning content creation agency where she represents more than 100 midwest-based influencers.

Bruce Japsen

Bruce Japsen specializes in writing and communicating about healthcare. Japsen writes about healthcare for Forbes and is the author of “Inside Obamacare: From Barack and Michelle to The Affordable Care Act.”

Annie Korkowski

Annie specializes in storytelling for strategic communication and milestone events. She currently serves as Vice President, Senior Creative Director at brand experience agency, August Jackson.

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!