Strategic Communication, MA
Anyone can create content with a smartphone, but few can tell captivating stories that strategically connect messages to key audiences. Learn how to harness digital media techniques, public relations, data and content strategy to create communication campaigns that make a difference — in 12 months or fewer.
Program description
Students in the Strategic Communication program (expected in Fall 2023) will gain the media skills, techniques, critical thinking and leadership capacity to advance careers across strategic communication in agencies, sports, corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Courses in strategy development, research methods, content creation, crisis communication, ethics, campaign planning, and more develop students’ ability to strategically address communication challenges; courses in communication management, project management, finance, and leadership will nurture the next generation of communication leaders.
Students will begin their experience developing anchors in communication history, theory, and ethics. An emphasis on content creation prepares students to produce both traditional public-relations campaigns, persuasive writing, and media-relations plans, as well as innovative strategic content from client-video storytelling to digital content hubs. Then, via the Cronkite School’s teaching hospital model, students will receive immersive, hands-on training in advanced tools, cutting-edge techniques, and real client work across our faculty-led, student-run agency.
This program prepares students for professional roles in public relations, social media, brand storytelling, digital marketing, creative campaigns and media relations. Professionals go on to work in those specific sectors in specialized roles, or across them in communication agencies, athletic teams or in communication departments at large organizations.
Career outlook
The skills of strong content creation and campaign strategy are in high demand across the media industries, including integrated communication, sports, public relations, nonprofit leadership, international affairs, political advocacy and entrepreneurship.
Career examples include:
- brand storyteller
- digital strategist
- media executive
- PR professional
- media relations specialist
- internal communications manager
- content creator
- strategic communications leader
- influencer marketing
- community engagement specialist
Global opportunities
Study abroad is possible for graduate students, with more than 50 program opportunities spanning all seven continents. Faculty-directed programs tend to be the best fit for graduate students; taking courses over the summer or during academic breaks with ASU professors offers close mentorship and professional network growth in many fields of study while earning ASU credit. Exchange program participation is also possible with careful planning. Students can find more information on the Global Education website at https://goglobal.asu.edu/students/graduate-students.
Why study strategic communication at Cronkite?
Develop your professional portfolio
Students learn produce content from day one, developing skills in photo, video, audio, social and immersive media. They graduate with impressive portfolios of professional work.
Define your focus
Students can explore opportunities in social media, sports communications, media leadership, public relations, digital marketing and more, and choose from capstone experiences in Phoenix, Los Angeles and online.
Graduate funding available
All applicants are considered for Cronkite fellowships, assistantships and scholarships. Dec. 1 is the priority deadline for funding.
Learn from world-renowned faculty
Learn from award-winning agency leaders, digital strategists and media innovators at the Cronkite School.
Bilingual opportunities
Connect with audiences in English and Spanish on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, and beyond.
Accelerate your career trajectory
A dedicated Career Services team and the #CronkiteNation alumni network join forces to support your career advancement.
Learn more
If you have questions about admission, coursework or visiting the Cronkite School, please call us at 602-496-5555 or email cronkitegrad@asu.edu.