Strategic Communication: Online Courses

The Perfect Balance of Strategic, Analytical, and Creative Knowledge

When you choose an online Master's in Strategic Communication from American University, you choose a program that has been developed for the way we communicate today. This program will provide a balance of theoretical insight and practical application to help you shape initiatives and bring your ideas to life. Each course weaves in strategic, analytic, and creative knowledge to connect with target audiences and align communication with the goals of your client or organization.

Over the course of this master's program, you will:

  • create strategic communication campaigns
  • develop a professional writing portfolio with traditional and digital media samples
  • use quantitative and qualitative research to define content, purpose, and target audience
  • tell compelling stories through creative messaging and understanding the key factors in persuasive communication
  • learn to integrate digital and social media strategies and tactics with traditional methods
  • use metrics to track and evaluate campaign performance
  • understand and explore international approaches to communication, including public diplomacy and cross-cultural communication
  • examine crisis communication messaging and decision-making
  • explore messaging strategies specifically for creating change and action around social or political causes (in the Advocacy and Social Impact concentration)

The online program consists of 10 courses (30 credits), each eight weeks long, culminating with a capstone course that allows you to apply everything you have learned to a project in your specific area of interest. Further focus your studies, and choose from two concentrations:

  • The Advocacy and Social Impact concentration provides you with the opportunity to focus on strategies and tactics related to social justice, political, and advocacy communication.
  • The Digital Strategy and Analytics concentration focuses on ways to integrate analytics, cutting-edge trends, and the latest technology to craft communications that produce results.

In the end, you'll be able to pursue better careers in strategic communications.

American University is pleased to offer select students an Online Merit Scholarship, which is limited based on funds. Admitted students will be eligible for scholarship consideration based on academic credentials, professional experience, and exceptional leadership skills.

Course Requirements (15 credit hours)

Electives (15 credit hours)

Complete 15 credit hours from the following courses:

Elect An Optional Concentration in Advocacy and Social Impact

Highlight advocacy and social impact expertise on your resume, LinkedIn, and other social media profiles by choosing at least 3 electives marked with an asterisk in the above list. Please note that this concentration will not be listed on diplomas, transcripts, or your degree audit.

Learn more today. Call us at 855-725-7614 to speak to an admissions adviser, or request more information here.