Frequently Asked Questions
- Will this program provide me with practical skills? I’m interested in being able to apply what I am learning.
- Is this program available to international students?
- I do not work in the communications field. Will my lack of experience be a hindrance?
- I would like to make a career change and don’t have any background in communications even though I think I would be good at it. Is this program right for me?
- I work in a small organization where I am expected to wear many hats. What can the program offer me?
- I work full-time and have the occasional evening obligation. Will this program fit into my schedule?
- What if I need to miss classes?
- If I am admitted to the program, how long will it take me to complete it? Can I take a break for a semester if my schedule gets hectic?
- If I have a full-time job can I reasonably expect to complete the program in two years?
- What are the benefits of the program?
- What are the prerequisites for acceptance?
- How selective is the program?
- Should I take the GRE?
- How do you keep the curriculum current?
- Where do classes meet?
- Is an interview required for admission?
- Do I have to begin the program in the fall?
- I took communications courses as an undergraduate. May I apply the credit toward this program?
- Does the program accept nondegree students?
- Can I enter the program as a nondegree student and subsequently apply as a candidate for the degree?
- I have questions that have not yet been answered. What should I do?
Will this program provide me with practical skills? I’m interested in being able to apply what I am learning.
Yes. Many courses require students to complete projects that involve planning a strategy and recommending tactics. The goal of the program is to give students the skills needed to integrate theory with practice and apply to real-work situations.
Is this program available to international students?
No. Because it is a part-time program, enrollment does not qualify international students for a student visa. The program is designed for working professionals and best-suited candidates are those who currently hold positions in the communications field.
I do not work in the communications field. Will my lack of experience be a hindrance?
Not necessarily, but your learning curve may be steep. While most students do have communications experience, those who are good critical thinkers and strong writers, with the ability to analyze and synthesize information, can be good candidates. It is important to note, however, that the majority of students are currently working in the communications field and students are encouraged and expected to bring communications challenges from the workplace into class to enrich the discussion.
I would like to make a career change and don’t have any background in communications even though I think I would be good at it. Is this program right for me?
In rare cases students have come to the program with experience in other disciplines. You would have to demonstrate to the admissions committee that you will be able to adapt and meet the challenge of learning a new field. The program is relevant for conceptual thinkers, problem solvers, and skilled writers who want to become adept in the analysis and resolution of complex communications problems. While the introductory core courses provide a thorough grounding in the strategic communications field, they are aimed at students who are familiar with the subject but don’t have a comprehensive understanding. Elective courses provide an opportunity to focus on one specific area, and the advanced core courses enable students to integrate and measure communications efforts.
I work in a small organization where I am expected to wear many hats. What can the program offer me?
The program is ideally suited to those who need to fill in specific gaps in a number of areas. You may also take one or more courses as a nondegree student depending upon your specific needs, and space availability.
I work full-time and have the occasional evening obligation. Will this program fit into my schedule?
The program was designed specifically with the needs of working professionals in mind. All classes meet once a week for two or three hours in the evening. In addition, there is group project work, and students are expected to spend approximately ten hours per course outside of class, completing assignments and preparing for class. If your evening obligations are frequent, this program is not suitable for you. In addition, during registration periods and periodically, students are required to take care of University requirements in person on campus, which may mean taking time from normal work hours.
What if I need to miss classes?
The classes are rigorous and intensive. Missing classes is not desirable. If your work schedule is such that you cannot commit to coming to class, then this program is not suitable for you.
If I am admitted to the program, how long will it take me to complete it? Can I take a break for a semester if my schedule gets hectic?
Yes. Students may request a leave and return to the program to resume their coursework, providing the program is completed in four years. Depending upon the term admitted, students taking two courses per semester can complete the program in six semesters, or two years. Note: the final course is only offered in spring and fall semesters.
If I have a full-time job can I reasonably expect to complete the program in two years?
The program is designed to be combined with full-time employment. All Strategic Communications program courses meet in the evening to accommodate those working during the day. However, depending on the obligations of your job, taking two courses per semester may be too ambitious. If you generally work a 9-5 day, with few other commitments, and you can devote the required time to your coursework, then it is possible to complete the program in two years depending on the term admitted. (The final course is only offered in the spring and fall semesters.) However, if you are expected to work more than 40 hours per week or if you have other regular obligations, it is suggested that you begin with one course per semester.
What are the benefits of the program?
This program focuses on applied learning, exploring the day-to-day realities faced by communications professionals. The coursework reflects the experiences of today's world and the practicing faculty. Throughout the program you will learn and work with fellow students, peer professionals in the communications field bringing the intensity of their issues and problems to the class.
What are the prerequisites for acceptance?
A bachelor’s degree at minimum is required. For complete admission requirements, see Apply to This Program. The curriculum is rigorous and students are expected to spend at least ten hours per week per class doing homework and preparing for class in order to make satisfactory academic progress.
How selective is the program?
We currently receive more than 100 applications per semester and typically admit 25 percent to 30 percent of those applying. More than 90 percent of those admitted, enroll as degree candidates.
Should I take the GRE?
The GRE will strengthen your application, especially if your undergraduate transcript or work experience does not demonstrate an emphasis on critical thinking or analytical writing. Please note that the Math section of the GRE is less relevant for this program.
How do you keep the curriculum current?
The curriculum has been designed by professionals who are working in the field. Course content is continually reviewed and modified to remain current. Additionally, the curriculum is subject to regular monitoring by the Strategic Communications Advisory Board and instructional staff.
Where do classes meet?
Classes meet in the evening at Columbia's Morningside Heights campus, at Broadway and 116th Street.
Is an interview required for admission?
Interviews are occasionally required, but program advisers and instructors are available to speak to interested individuals and answer your questions. Some applicants will be required to take the School’s graduate writing test to further demonstrate the ability for analytical and critical thinking.
Do I have to begin the program in the fall?
No. Students may begin in the fall or spring terms and continue during the summer. There is no enrollment during the summer term.
I took communications courses as an undergraduate. May I apply the credit toward this program?
No transfer credit is accepted into the program.
Does the program accept nondegree students?
Nondegree students may only take classes on a space-available basis and must first request approval from the program director. There is often no space available for nondegree students. See Enrollment Options.
Can I enter the program as a nondegree student and subsequently apply as a candidate for the degree?
No. Individual course enrollment is not appropriate for those who may subsequently apply for admission to the Master of Science Program.
