Skills you'll take with you

Upon completion of the Iowa MA in Strategic Communication, you can expect to make an immediate impact as a professional communicator, marketer, or leader using best practices in writing, digital, research, and strategy. You can apply this expertise in a variety of settings from corporate, to non-profit, government, politics, media, healthcare, and more. 

You'll walk away with many skills including:    

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Strategic expertise

You'll acquire a deeper understanding of strategic communication principles from foundational concepts to advanced skills using digital, research, and analytics. 

Research literacy

Learn research skills to inform and enhance your decisions as a strategic communicator using data and best practices.

Effective writing

Hone your ability to craft compelling and strategic messages for diverse audiences and purposes that help move the needle.

Real-world impact

Through the capstone and other course projects, you will gain hands-on experience and immediately applicable skills that you can take from class and apply to your work quickly.

Career possibilities

With more than 220 graduates since the program’s inception in 2013, our alumni hold impactful positions all over the country, including:  

  • Director of Communications 
  • Director of Internal Communications
  • Director of Public Relations
  • Executive Director of Brand Marketing and Strategy 
  • Senior Brand Manager 
  • Senior Content Strategist  
  • VP of Marketing and Business Development 

Alumni success stories

Tamara Kuehl

Tamera Kuehl isn't a professional marketer. She works in business management, but says Iowa's MA in Strategic Communication helped her develop writing skills that have enhanced her career in business. 

 

 

Katie Linder

Katie Linder was a journalist looking to make a career change to communications. She says Iowa's MA in Strategic Communication program was so flexible that it allowed her to balance courses while experiencing several major life changes, and has helped her advance her career. 

Matt Doyle

Matt Doyle was working in public affairs and an active member of the Iowa National Guard while enrolled in Iowa's MA in Strategic Communication. He was able to balance two courses while deployed and says his MA has helped him attain an upper-management role within the government. 

Sheridan Parker

Sheridan Parker entered the program right after completing her undergraduate degree. While research and the scientific aspects of communication are more her niche, Iowa's MA in Strategic Communication gave her technical experience and knowledge to take on projects and consulting work. Now she is pursuing her doctorate. 

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!

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Frequently asked questions

What jobs can I get with an MA in Strategic Communication?

Iowa MASC graduates hold titles including Director of Communications, Director of Public Relations, Senior Brand Manager, Senior Content Strategist, and VP of Marketing and Business Development. The degree opens doors across all industries.

Is this degree valuable if I'm already working in communications?

Yes, the program is specifically designed for working professionals looking to move up, not just enter the field. Many graduates use the degree to transition from practitioner roles into director or leadership positions. The skills in research, digital strategy, and analytics are what move people from "doing the work" to "leading the strategy."

What if I'm coming from a completely different field?

Iowa's Masters in Strategic Communication is a strong fit for career changers. The curriculum builds communication skills from the ground up while letting you apply them to your existing professional context, so your prior experience becomes an asset, not a liability.

How many people have graduated from this program?

More than 220 students have earned the Iowa MASC degree since the program launched in 2013. Graduates work across the country in roles spanning government, health care, higher education, corporate communications, agencies, and more.