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Strategic Communications Master's Degree

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Program Overview

Establishing clear communications between critical stakeholders is essential to the success of any business, nonprofit, or public agency. As a result, strategic communication professionals often find themselves at the highest levels of industry, health care, government, and other sectors, advising leaders during times of crisis, new product launches, or sweeping public policies that impact individuals around the world.

The evolving and expanding global community, which is catalyzed by technological innovation in communication, creates great leadership challenges. There has never been a greater need for professionals who can use careful planning and new technology to foster the flow of ideas in an ethically and socially responsible manner.

The Master of Arts in Strategic Communications program at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., is designed to develop these skills and deliver immediate career growth for both those already in the field and recent college graduates.

people who have earned an online communications masters at a conference table looking at marketing materials

What can you do with a Master of Arts in Strategic Communications?

Professionals who have a master’s degree in strategic communications find success as chief communications officers for multinational corporations, public information officers for major government agencies, communication directors for elected officials, and consultants who run their own agencies in health care, public policy, and business. Marketing professionals, writers, entrepreneurs, non-profit advocates, and leaders from all industries rely on strategic communications for success.
two people in suits shaking hands, an example of what you will do with a masters of communication

What makes the King’s Strategic Communications Program Different?

This completely online, 30-credit master’s program is the only one of its kind in Northeastern Pennsylvania. By following the suggested course sequence, students can complete the program in as little as 21 months.

We want our graduates to become leaders and innovators. We’ll show you how to closely align strategy and tactics with meaningful goals that deliver tangible results for businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits. You’ll learn more about the latest trends, emerging technologies, and best practices that maximize the marketable value you bring to future employers and business opportunities.

All of that is available to you at a reasonable cost. Not only is each credit competitively priced at $775, but you’ll also have access to affordable eBooks and other resources that are tailored to maximize savings with information you will actually use to succeed in the program and beyond.

King’s Alumni will also have access to an additional 10% discount.

We also offer an accelerated 4+1 bachelor’s to master’s track for incoming undergraduate communications students, who can earn an advanced degree with just 12 additional months of study.

student sitting in a lounge area using a laptop

Additional Info

Graduate Application Requirements

Because this field often involves an interdisciplinary approach, students with any bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. institution or foreign equivalent are welcome to apply to the program.

Applicants must submit a resume or CV and an official transcript from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended, showing completion of a baccalaureate degree and graduate courses (for transfer consideration).

One letter of recommendation is required—from professors, supervisors, or professional colleagues. A second letter may be requested if additional information is needed to complete the application review.

Also provide a brief personal statement describing your interest and goals related to the degree.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores or other admissions test scores are not required.

While the suggested undergraduate GPA is 3.0, work experience is also considered in our admission process.

Curriculum

Our program curriculum is designed to help you become:

  • An effective communicator—You’ll learn how to influence hearts and minds as you engage critical stakeholders both externally and within your organization.
  • Information literate—You’ll be able to create, share, and evaluate information in various online, social, and traditional media formats.
  • Ethically and socially responsible—As a reflective practitioner you’ll develop tools that enable and support ethical behavior while you strive for solutions to problems that are informed by global and social perspectives.
  • A successful leader—You’ll learn how to lead in a respectful, accountable, and goal-focused way so you can inspire and help teams reach their goals.

Detailed curriculum information and curriculum options are available on our degree requirements page and our course descriptions page respectively.

Certificate Options

Leadership & Media Literacy Certificate

COMM 501 and 502

Participants of the graduate certificate in Leadership & Media Literacy will explore the diverse roles of communication, uncovering how media shapes and is shaped by cultural landscapes worldwide. Participants will develop critical media literacy skills for informed contextual understanding, analyzing the relationship between media and culture through a deliberate framework. Students will also develop executive-level communication, equipping them to lead through strategic influence in a dynamic media landscape.

Digital Media Innovation & Intercultural Communication Certificate

COMM 503, 505 and 506

The graduate certificate in Digital Media Innovation & Intercultural Communication empowers students to leverage digital media innovation for impactful communication, as students craft messages for diverse audiences. Students will investigate emerging technology, such as artificial intelligence, social media, and mobile platforms, exploring how media drives connection and collaboration across cultures. They will navigate the complexities of communicating across boundaries and related social and cultural impact, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, students will investigate the ethical and legal considerations for leaders and communication practitioners in the digital realm.

Crisis Communication & Change Management Certificate

COMM 504 and 507

Students in the graduate Crisis Communication & Change Management Certificate program explore methods for leaders to drive organizational change and manage crises. Students will utilize change processes, analyze leadership and communication functions, explore methods for building effective teams, and cultivate their own leadership philosophy. Participants will also investigate how leaders effectively manage and communicate during crisis, identifying potential crises, analyzing their ethical implications, and exploring ways to anticipate, plan, manage, and communicate during organizational crises.

Contact Us

Office of Graduate Admission
(570) 208-8519