M.S. in Communications-Strategic Communication Specialization

Credit Hours

Month Completion

Class Type

100% onlineSee state availability

Next Start Date

Jan 6, 2025

Placement Tests

GMAT/GRE not required for admission

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Manage complex communication issues with a master’s in strategic communications

Gain the applied skills and knowledge necessary to guide organizations through complex communication challenges with Franklin University’s 16-month, online M.S. in Communications with a Specialization in Strategic Communication. Hands-on coursework enables you to adapt to an evolving digital landscape, while also building the expertise to craft messages that align with organizational goals and resonate with diverse audiences.

Program Availability

Online

On Site

M.S. in Communications-Strategic Communication Program Overview

Craft comprehensive communication strategies that align with organizational goals

Learn how to combine communication tools and tactics to achieve PR and communication goals. By working on behalf of a client you select, you’ll create a communication plan that includes a brand map, personas and a SWOT analysis. You’ll use case studies to identify methods of integrating various tools into an organization’s public relations plans and processes. Franklin’s theory-to-practice approach provides the opportunity for you to learn-by-doing as you strengthen your understanding of communication principles and strategic planning.

Master effective crisis communication management

Communication at the touch of a button has its benefits - but it comes with a great deal of risk as well. Protecting your organization’s reputation and maintaining stakeholder trust is an essential skill in today’s fast-paced and unpredictable environment. As a student in the strategic communications master’s program, you’ll be prepared to make a significant impact within your organization by fostering a culture of transparency, responsiveness and strategic insight.

You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of crisis prevention, response and recovery. Course assignments include a “hot-seat” role play in which you’ll assume the role of a media spokesperson for an organization facing a crisis to take questions from the instructor and your classmates, who will act as reporters. You’ll also work with an organization to provide proactive reputation management.

Develop applied skills in social media tools, mobile apps, AI and analytics

Communication is an ever-evolving discipline. Remaining conversant with new tools and technology is key to staying at the top of your game and your assignments within the master’s in strategic communication will ensure you do. As part of Franklin’s contemporary strategic communication master’s program, you’ll examine the strengths and weaknesses of various social media tools and apps. You’ll interact with AI systems to design an AI use policy and best practices training for PR. You’ll also leverage and cite AI to create customer personas and create key messages.

Through courses in analytics, text mining and data analytics, you’ll acquire skills to use data to inform your communication strategies and tailor messages more effectively. Proficiency in statistical software will enable you to analyze campaign performance, measure impact and identify areas for improvement.

Excel in a variety of industries

Build a versatile skillset that makes you an asset in internal communications, community liaison and communication consulting roles in a number of sectors including corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, government and media. Foundational courses in communication theory and graduate-level writing help you to hone your ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and effectively. You’ll also learn to draw on research in order to craft well-structured, persuasive proposals.

Future Start Dates

Your Best Value M.S. in Communications-Strategic Communication

Affordable Tuition

$670

PER CREDIT HOUR

Affordable tuition rates for the M.S. in Communications-Strategic Communication provide value and quality.

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MONTHS TO COMPLETE

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Student Satisfaction

98%

STUDENT SATISFACTION

98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

Info Copy: Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Summer 2023).

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Instructor Led

Online courses taught by in-field experts = a winning combo for you.

M.S. in Communications-Strategic Communication Courses & Curriculum

33 Semester Hours

Major Foundational

COMM 701 - Communication Theory and Practice (4)

This course covers major theories, frameworks, and approaches to the study of communication, emphasizing current trends and professional skills. Students examine one theory in-depth, teaching that theory to fellow students, and critiquing potential applications of frameworks and theory.

ENG 700 - Graduate Research Writing (4)

This course prepares students for graduate-level writing genres including research reports, research articles, and thesis papers. Students will review the conventions and rhetoric of writing in their profession and compare these with the norms of scholarly writing. Students will examine how writing supports the development of new ideas that allow researchers to make a meaningful contribution to their discipline.

Specialization

Strategic Communication:

COMM 702 - Public Relations Tools & Strategy (4)

In the fast-changing field of communication, practitioners need to be aware of new channels of communication and understand the culture and etiquette of emerging communication contexts. In this course, students apply current tools, such as social media and mobile applications, to address a public relations challenge for an organization. The strengths and weaknesses of current tools will be discussed, using case studies to identify methods of integrating current tools in an organization's public relations plans and processes. The organization's overall communication strategy for achieving communication-related goals is addressed in this course with an emphasis on tools and tactics that align with the identified goals.

COMM 703 - Public Relations and Crisis Communication Management (4)

In today's hyperconnected world, organizations face an ever-increasing risk of reputational damage due to the rapid spread of information and heightened public scrutiny. Effective issue management and crisis communication are crucial for organizations to protect their reputations and maintain stakeholder trust. This course equips you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of crisis prevention, response, and recovery.

AND

MGMT 707 - MBA Foundations (4)

More than ever before, the ability to understand and be understood is critical for success in the corporate world. Communication is no longer limited by the narrow definitions of the past. Achieving a business leadership position today means not only being adept at both oral and written communication, but also understanding communication from a strategic point-of-view and knowing how to effectively organize and present information to audiences of all sizes. In this course, you will develop and refine these capabilities. What you gain from this course will be of value throughout your MBA program, as well as in the workplace.

OR PSYC 601 - Introduction to Business Psychology (4)

A brief history and overview of the fields of business and psychology as well as a discussion of the issues and opportunities related to their integration. Topics include brain organization and dominance, neuroethics, neurolinguistic programming, multiminds, mindmapping and the application of positive psychology to work settings. Includes the application of recent discoveries in cognitive psychology and neuroscience to resolve contemporary issues in the workplace.

AND

At least 1 credits from the following courses:

GRAD 610 - Experiential Learning for Graduate Studies (1-4)

Learning through doing has been widely recognized as a best practice to accompany formal classroom education. Internships, field experiences, and practicums are frequently used to fulfill experiential learning goals. This course provides a structured, repeatable, accountable, and reflective way to incorporate academically relevant experiential learning into a graduate-level program of study. Students must have a confirmed experience (job offer, internship, volunteer position, etc.) with an organization registered with the university in a role that is aligned with the outcomes of their degree program. The duration of the experience must fully overlap with the entire length of the course. Admission to the course requires an application process and Program Chair approval.

COMM 705 - Professional Portfolio (1)

Launch your career with a professional portfolio that showcases your skills, experience, and accomplishments. This graduate-level course will teach you how to leverage current technologies (e.g., AI and social media) as you curate a portfolio that demonstrates program outcomes and supports achieving your personal and professional goals.

Health Communication:

COMM 702 - Public Relations Tools & Strategy (4)

HCM 735 - Healthcare Delivery Systems (4)

The course provides an extensive overview of leadership in the U.S. health services system. The focus of the course will be on the role health services leadership plays in the delivery of healthcare services, to include managing with professionals, financial management, services utilization, and other aspects of the U.S. healthcare system. The student will explore the key theoretical and practical elements of leadership as well as current issues clarifying how the U.S. health services system is organized, managed, and financed.

HCM 752 - Health Policy (4)

This course will explore the essential conceptual and analytical understanding of health policymaking and politics, including their impact on health administration and leadership. Selected policy issues will be explored through the application of political concepts and behavioral models, including a system model of policymaking. The emphasis will be on understanding the health leader?s approach to the policymaking system, become involved in it, and work through it to attain their objectives and those of their organization.

AND

At least 1 credits from the following courses:

GRAD 610 - Experiential Learning for Graduate Studies (1-4)

COMM 705 - Professional Portfolio (1)

Research Core

MATH 601 - Introduction to Analytics (4)

This course provides an introductory overview of methods, concepts, and current practices in the growing field of statistics and data analytics. Topics to be covered include data collection, data analysis and visualization as well as probability, statistical inference and regression methods for informed decision-making. Students will explore these topics with current statistical software. Some emphasis will also be given to ethical principles of data analytics.

MTHD 705 - Text Mining and Text Analysis (4)

Text mining is used to discover interesting patterns, extract useful knowledge, and support decision making. This course introduces learners to text mining research methods and software tools that are used across academia as well as by companies and government agencies. Text mining is commonly used in marketing research and Communication scholarship. Students will learn how to use social media postings, interview-based data, and open-ended survey responses to answer specific research questions. The course is interdisciplinary as many types of research questions may be addressed using text mining and text analysis. Students will learn how to construct a viable research project based on online sources.

COMM 708 - Capstone Experience (4)

In this integrative capstone course, students will complete a thesis or project on a communication topic. Under the guidance of an advising professor, students will design and conduct an original research study or applied project, analyze the findings, and write a thesis that contributes to the field of communication.

M.S. in Communications-Strategic Communication Program Details

Tuition Costs

2023 - 2024 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition per credit hour	$670
Nursing programs MSN-FNP, MSN-PMHNP, MSN-AGPCNP, Post-Graduate FNP Certificate, Post-Graduate AGPCNP Certificate and Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate	$670
MSN-Generalist, MSN-Nurse Administrator and MSN-Nurse Educator	$598
RN-MSN Pathway (NURS 500)	$298
Current service members	$536
Graduate Prerequisite Courses (500 level)	$398
Graduate Prerequisite Courses (500 level) - International Students	$526

2024 - 2025 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition per credit hour	$670
Nursing programs MSN-FNP, MSN-PMHNP, MSN-AGPCNP, Post-Graduate FNP Certificate, Post-Graduate AGPCNP Certificate and Post-Graduate PMHNP Certificate	$670
MSN-Generalist, MSN-Nurse Administrator and MSN-Nurse Educator	$598
RN-MSN Pathway (NURS 500)	$298
Current service members	$536
Graduate Prerequisite Courses (500 level)	$398
Graduate Prerequisite Courses (500 level) - International Students	$526

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Degree Requirements

To be awarded a graduate degree, students must:

Successfully complete all required curriculum courses.
Maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00.
Complete the residency requirement:
1. M.S. in Communications students must earn at least 22 of the 33 required credits at Franklin University.
Complete the payment of all requisite tuition and fees;
Not to be under disciplinary dismissal due to academic dishonesty or violation of Student Code of Conduct.

Transfer credit awarded based on experiential learning shall not count toward the residence requirement at Franklin University.

Admission Requirements

The admission process reflects Franklin University’s efforts to clearly identify the performance standards that can help predict student success in graduate level study. The selection criterion for Franklin’s graduate programs, as determined by faculty, emphasizes academic ability, contributory work experience, and personal qualities and characteristics.

Requirements for admission include having earned a bachelor's degree from an institution accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and School Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), or a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)-recognized accrediting organization with a GPA of at least a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.

Applicants who earned at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in their earned bachelor’s degree will automatically be granted conditional enrollment status. Applicants who earned lower than a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in their earned bachelor’s degree can petition for conditional enrollment status to the program chair by submitting an essay detailing other criteria that the applicant believes should be considered to demonstrate their ability to be successful in a graduate program. This petition could include details on the applicant’s work experience, work ethic, level of professionalism, personality characteristics, level of difficulty of program of study previously completed, etc.

Conditional enrollment requires students to achieve a final grade of “B” (3.0 GPA) or better in the first graduate-level course of their program. If the terms of the conditional enrollment are not met, the student will not be allowed to advance in their program and will be unable to earn this graduate degree from Franklin University.

English Language Testing & TOEFL IELTS

Prospective students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. The requirement is met through any of the following:

The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the official language.*
The applicant has received a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution located in an English-speaking country in which the courses were taught in English.*
The applicant has earned appropriate scores on language proficiency exams taken within the last two years, as listed in the Academic Catalog.

*For more information about English proficiency, including a list of English-speaking nations, please visit our International Students section.

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Employment Outlook

14%

From 2022-2032, jobs in Marketing & Communications are expected to increase by 14%

Occupation

Median Salary (2022)

Job Postings (2022)

Projected Growth (2022-2032)

Occupation

Public Relations Managers

$129,438

114,605

15%

Public Relations Managers

Median Salary: $129,438
Job Postings: 114,605
Projected Growth: 15%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Public Relations Managers plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Directors of Development	18,045	16%
Communications Managers	15,907	14%
Communications Directors	8,747	8%
Outreach Coordinators	7,785	7%
Public Relations Managers	5,424	5%
Marketing and Communications Managers	5,549	5%
Community Managers	5,166	5%
Community Outreach Coordinators	6,429	6%
Major Gifts Officers	5,547	5%
Internal Communications Managers	4,214	4%
Grants Managers	4,386	4%
Campaign Managers	2,878	3%
Directors of Communications	3,073	3%
Directors of Marketing and Communications	4,406	4%
Development Officers	3,536	3%
Associate Directors of Development	3,163	3%
Corporate Communications Managers	3,032	3%
Directors of Philanthropy	2,368	2%
Marketing Communications Managers	2,419	2%
Assistant Directors of Annual Giving	2,531	2%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Marketing	59,522	42%
Project Management	34,071	24%
Fundraising	32,923	23%
Public Relations	32,530	23%
Sales Prospecting	23,716	17%
Social Media	19,741	14%
Journalism	17,779	13%
Newsletters	16,022	11%
Media Relations	15,556	11%
Internal Communications	15,453	11%
Press Releases	15,447	11%
Strategic Communication	12,108	9%
Finance	11,775	8%
Marketing Communications	11,713	8%
Customer Relationship Management	10,482	7%
Philanthropy	10,260	7%
Corporate Communications	9,941	7%
Business Development	9,256	7%
Content Creation	9,164	6%
Thought Leadership	8,614	6%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services		11%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		9%
	Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations		8%
	Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools		5%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		5%
	Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		5%
	Other		57%

Technical Writers

$79,955

74,084

15%

Technical Writers

Median Salary: $79,955
Job Postings: 74,084
Projected Growth: 15%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Technical Writers write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Technical Writers	44,594	60%
Proposal Writers	8,271	11%
Medical Writers	4,905	7%
Technical Writers/Editors	2,463	3%
Proposal Coordinators	1,565	2%
Principals	1,136	2%
Specification Writers	1,051	1%
Report Writers	1,441	2%
Technical Proposal Writers	896	1%
Procedure Writers	1,358	2%
IT Technical Writers	986	1%
Technical Writer Interns	927	1%
RFP Writers	678	1%
Technical Documentation Writers	838	1%
Contract Technical Writers	561	1%
Clinical Study Managers	358	1%
Technical Content Writers	740	1%
Lead Technical Writers	437	1%
Engineering Technical Writers	474	1%
Grants Management Specialists	405	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Technical Writing	18,684	42%
Project Management	10,227	23%
Technical Documentation	8,716	19%
Templates	7,227	16%
Marketing	6,523	15%
Proofreading	5,545	12%
Journalism	5,476	12%
Request For Proposal	5,397	12%
Microsoft SharePoint	4,898	11%
Technical Communication	4,260	9%
Medical Writing	4,251	9%
Software Documentation	4,132	9%
Workflow Management	4,057	9%
Agile Methodology	3,992	9%
Microsoft Visio	3,800	8%
Standard Operating Procedure	3,788	8%
Style Guides	3,512	8%
Computer Science	3,472	8%
Proposal Writing	3,310	7%
Proposal Development	3,092	7%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		20%
	Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services		8%
	Employment Services		8%
	Scientific Research and Development Services		7%
	Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services		6%
	Software Publishers		5%
	Other		47%

Writers and Authors

$73,154

101,787

16%

Writers and Authors

Median Salary: $73,154
Job Postings: 101,787
Projected Growth: 16%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Writers and Authors originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Copywriters	30,535	30%
Blog Writers	6,904	7%
Content Writers	23,919	24%
Article Writers	9,297	9%
Marketing Copywriters	2,699	3%
Writers	2,825	3%
UX Writers	1,700	2%
Customs Entry Writers	5,299	5%
Marketing Writers	1,248	1%
UX Copywriters	825	1%
Creative Copywriters	1,228	1%
Grant Writers	1,013	1%
Service Writers	9,060	9%
Digital Copywriters	972	1%
Marketing Content Writers	833	1%
Scientific Writers	710	1%
Digital Content Writers	785	1%
Digital Advertising Specialists	774	1%
Brand Copywriters	581	1%
Communications Writers	580	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Copywriting	17,581	37%
Marketing	16,394	35%
Proofreading	12,250	26%
Social Media	10,563	23%
Journalism	9,446	20%
Target Audience	8,027	17%
Search Engine Optimization	7,689	16%
Content Creation	6,300	13%
Punctuation And Capitalization	5,739	12%
Fact Checking	5,464	12%
Project Management	5,337	11%
Blogger (Service)	4,559	10%
Style Guides	3,453	7%
Blogs	3,384	7%
Advertisement	2,967	6%
Newsletters	2,917	6%
Digital Marketing	2,789	6%
Business To Business	2,713	6%
Content Strategy	2,675	6%
User Experience (UX)	2,632	6%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services		16%
	Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers		10%
	Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers		10%
	Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services		9%
	Motion Picture and Video Industries		8%
	Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers		5%
	Other		42%

Editors

$73,091

40,782

Editors

Median Salary: $73,091
Job Postings: 40,782
Projected Growth: 8%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Editors plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Editors	6,860	17%
Copy Editors	4,372	11%
Managing Editors	3,116	8%
Technical Editors	2,233	6%
Editorial Assistants	3,201	8%
News Editors	2,035	5%
Content Editors	2,620	6%
Writers/Editors	2,966	7%
Assignment Editors	2,446	6%
Lead Assistant Editors	1,807	4%
Associate Editorial Directors	1,630	4%
Photo Editors	1,774	4%
Digital Editors	722	2%
Medical Editors	867	2%
Production Editors	715	2%
Copywriters/Editors	1,175	3%
Editors-in-Chief	716	2%
Magazine Editors	520	1%
Sports Editors	446	1%
Acquisitions Editors	561	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Journalism	10,694	32%
Proofreading	6,630	20%
Marketing	6,616	20%
Copy Editing	5,959	18%
Social Media	4,932	15%
Search Engine Optimization	4,619	14%
Project Management	4,428	13%
Content Creation	4,118	12%
Content Editing	3,946	12%
Workflow Management	3,900	12%
Style Guides	3,346	10%
Newsletters	3,266	10%
Adobe Photoshop	2,809	8%
AP Stylebook	2,583	8%
Punctuation And Capitalization	2,549	8%
Storytelling	2,070	6%
Analytics	1,937	6%
Digital Publishing	1,804	5%
Adobe InDesign	1,660	5%
Photography	1,641	5%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers		39%
	Motion Picture and Video Industries		10%
	Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers		8%
	Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services		5%
	Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services		4%
	Religious Organizations		3%
	Other		30%

Public Relations Specialists

$67,434

105,214

14%

Public Relations Specialists

Median Salary: $67,434
Job Postings: 105,214
Projected Growth: 14%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Public Relations Specialists promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Communications Specialists	24,563	23%
Communications Coordinators	11,257	11%
Content Strategists	6,074	6%
Marketing Communications Specialists	7,239	7%
Customer Success Specialists	7,130	7%
Content Marketing Specialists	4,228	4%
Public Relations Specialists	4,333	4%
Communications Associates	5,418	5%
Content Specialists	3,447	3%
Media Buyers	3,620	3%
Media Planners	3,271	3%
Marketing Communications Coordinators	3,882	4%
Public Affairs Specialists	2,649	3%
Demand Generation Managers	2,327	2%
Communications Assistants	4,000	4%
Communications Representatives	2,477	2%
Media Coordinators	1,859	2%
Community Relations Coordinators	2,452	2%
Internal Communications Specialists	2,437	2%
Promotions Assistants	2,551	2%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Marketing	58,367	47%
Public Relations	30,448	24%
Social Media	25,749	21%
Project Management	25,455	20%
Journalism	22,016	18%
Newsletters	17,918	14%
Press Releases	17,274	14%
Content Creation	15,323	12%
Marketing Communications	14,051	11%
Media Relations	12,298	10%
Proofreading	11,110	9%
Internal Communications	10,471	8%
Graphic Design	10,049	8%
Digital Marketing	8,897	7%
Adobe Photoshop	8,871	7%
Strategic Communication	8,427	7%
Search Engine Optimization	8,408	7%
Analytics	8,346	7%
Branding	7,671	6%
Corporate Communications	7,529	6%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services		14%
	Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations		6%
	Religious Organizations		5%
	Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		5%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		5%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		4%
	Other		62%

M.S. in Communications-Strategic Communication Knowledge & Skillsets

Gain in-demand skills sought by employers with curriculum that teaches you:

Strategic Communication & Public Relations Management

Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with organizational goals
Utilize current digital tools and technologies, including social media and AI, to address public relations challenges effectively
Audit and analyze organizational communication profiles to identify strengths and areas for improvement
Navigate legal and ethical considerations in communication practices, including AI use policies and best practices
Create and execute data-informed internal and external communication campaigns at local, national and global levels
Apply critical thinking and analysis to interpret complex data and make informed decisions

Crisis Management & Media Relations

Develop and implement crisis communication and reputation management plans
Demonstrate proficiency in handling complex challenges and communicating effectively during high-stakes situations
Act as a credible spokesperson, interacting effectively with various stakeholders, including media
Utilize data analytics and visualization tools to support communication strategies and crisis response
Demonstrate graduate-level research, writing and presentation skills for various audiences and contexts
Adapt communication strategies to emerging channels and diverse stakeholder needs

Advanced Research & Business Communication

Apply communication theories and frameworks to analyze complex organizational challenges
Conduct and interpret communication assessments to inform strategic decision-making
Demonstrate proficiency in graduate-level research methods and academic writing
Utilize business databases and analytics tools to support communication strategies
Develop and present professional portfolios showcasing communication skills and accomplishments
Apply principles of business psychology to enhance workplace communication and performance

Ethics & Professional Standards in Communication

Understand and apply ethical standards for conducting communication research and practice
Analyze the implications of AI and emerging technologies on communication ethics
Develop policies and best practices that promote ethical communication within organizations
Evaluate case studies highlighting ethical dilemmas in public relations and strategic communication
Foster a culture of integrity and accountability in communication practices across various platforms.

M.S. in Communications-Strategic Communication Frequently Asked Questions

What is a master’s in strategic communications?

A master’s in strategic communication is a theory-to-practice master’s-level program with a focus on strategy, storytelling and tech-savvy communications.

What can you do with a master’s degree in strategic communications?

With a master’s degree in strategic communications, you’ll build an advanced skillset that prepares you for managing complex communication efforts that align with strategic objectives. You’ll be well-equipped for management-level positions that include strategic communications manager, PR specialist and crisis communication consultant.

Why get master’s in strategic communications?

With a master’s in strategic communications, you’ll gain a deep understanding of communication principles that enables you to take a strategic approach to managing internal communications, as well as crisis communication. A theory-to-practice program, like Franklin's, that emphasizes applied skills and knowledge ensures you are well-equipped to meet the demands of an ever-changing communication landscape.

What makes Franklin’s M.S. in Communications with a Specialization in Strategic Communication unique?

Franklin’s M.S. in Communications with a Specialization in Strategic Communication is a 16-month, 100% online program created with input from industry experts. In Franklin’s theory-to-practice program, you’ll learn through a combination of real-world simulations and case studies and be taught by in-field practitioners. You’ll also have the option to complete a work-based learning experience that provides an opportunity to translate the knowledge and skills you have learned throughout the program to a professional environment.

When can I start Franklin’s online master’s in strategic communications?

Choose from six start dates each year – fall (August, September and November) or spring (January, February and March). Additional summer start dates (May and June) may be available based on demand.

How much will my strategic communication master’s program cost?

Franklin University offers a quality education at a competitive cost so you can afford to invest in your future. Our per credit hour tuition rates (vs. per year or per term rates) enable you to get a realistic estimate of exactly how much your degree will cost. Our 2024-2025 tuition rate is $670 per credit hour. Use Franklin’s free MyCost Estimator to get a personalized estimate of your total degree cost. If you have any questions, ask our helpful staff about available financing options and financial aid programs.

How long does it take to get a master’s in strategic communications?

Franklin's master's degree programs are specifically designed for busy, working adults -- that means you could finish your master’s degree in strategic communications in as few as 16 months.

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Franklin University Founded in 1902, Franklin is an accredited nonprofit university offering flexible college degrees online and at locations in Ohio and the Midwest.

Franklin University
201 S Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215

Local: (614) 797-4700
Toll Free: (877) 341-6300
admissions@998682.com

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org/800.621.7440) and authorized by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.

Franklin University is committed to being an inclusive community free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

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Manage complex communication issues with a master’s in strategic communications

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Contemporary Curriculum

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100% Online Classes

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Craft comprehensive communication strategies that align with organizational goals

Master effective crisis communication management

Develop applied skills in social media tools, mobile apps, AI and analytics

Excel in a variety of industries

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From 2022-2032, jobs in Marketing & Communications are expected to increase by 14%

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