Curriculum

Some Strategic Communications courses naturally lean on the classic positioning frameworks that have dominated the field for decades. These courses emphasize the rigorous, research-based analysis of target audience, competitive environment, and organization. Other courses emphasize "strategic intuition" and the use of critical thinking to solve problems and reframe issues and messages. What it means to be "strategic" is explored at every level of the strategy chain, from goals to strategy to tactics, and in a multitude of settings, from consumer marketing to politics, from media relations to advertising, from leadership and vision to evaluation.

The master's degree curriculum assumes that students have some experience in the communications field.

All master's degree candidates must take Strategic Communications: Analysis, Theory, and Ethics in their first semester. Introductory core courses ground students in strategic thinking, while advanced core courses examine more complex strategies and concepts. Elective courses give intense exposure and practical application in many specific subject areas. Students who wish to focus on a particular area, such as corporate communications or public relations, can take elective courses in certain concentrations.

See the Degree Requirements for more detail.