The University of Iowa’s Master of Arts in Strategic Communication (MASC) program has always been designed with professionals in mind—flexible, affordable, and rooted in real-world practice. This year, we’re excited to share two new program options that make the degree even more accessible and adaptable for the next generation of leaders.

The U2G Program: From undergraduate to graduate

Our new Undergraduate to Graduate (U2G) pathway allows current Iowa undergraduates to begin earning graduate credit while completing their bachelor’s degree. Students can take up to three MASC courses during their junior or senior year, giving them a head start toward the master’s program.

The U2G option is ideal for students eager to accelerate their career preparation. By overlapping coursework, participants save time and money while building advanced skills in writing, research, digital strategy, and leadership. Graduates of this pathway enter the workforce with both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, an advantage that sets them apart in a competitive field.

A dual MBA + MASC degree

In partnership with the Tippie College of Business, we now offer a dual MBA/MASC degree. This option is designed for professionals who want the combined strengths of advanced communication expertise and business leadership training.

The dual degree program blends strategic communication with core MBA coursework in management, finance, and analytics. Together, these skill sets prepare graduates to lead in corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, and entrepreneurial settings. By pursuing the degrees together, students save time compared to completing them separately, while gaining a powerful combination of credentials.

Looking ahead

Since its launch in 2013, the MASC program has grown into a nationally respected online master’s degree with more than 220 alumni across the country. These new offerings, the U2G pathway and the dual MBA option, represent the next chapter in our commitment to flexibility, innovation, and student success.

For current undergraduates, the U2G program provides a seamless transition to graduate study. For working professionals, the dual degree offers unmatched value at the intersection of

communication and business. And for our alumni, these new opportunities showcase just how far the program has come in its mission to meet students where they are and prepare them for what’s next.

To learn more about the MASC program and these new pathways, visit journalism.uiowa.edu/graduate/ma-strategic-communication.