Strategic Communication and Media (Online)

  • MA
  • Master's
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A Modern Media Communication Degree

As messages spread faster and audiences grow more savvy, strategic communication has become a business necessity. Montclair’s Online strategic communication master’s prepares professionals to lead with strategy, insight and modern communication tools in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Through immersive agency simulation experience and applied coursework that incorporates AI for media strategy, this online communication master’s emphasizes adaptability in a dynamic field. Graduates are prepared to analyze audiences, shape messaging and lead complex communication efforts that have real impact.

  • Learn online in a flexible, asynchronous format that is convenient for working professionals.
  • Complete an affordable, 30-credit media communication degree that can be finished in as little as 12 months.
  • Build practical, leadership-level expertise in analytics, stakeholder engagement and brand positioning and messaging.
  • Use AI-powered content creation tools within immersive coursework that emphasizes ethical, data-informed communication strategy.
  • Gain real-world experience through Agency Immersion, featuring professional agency workflow training in the New York–New Jersey communication and media market.

The program features an Agency Immersion, a hands-on, high-impact experience that places students alongside industry professionals working on real-world projects. Set in one of the nation’s most influential communication and media regions, this experience prepares graduates to step confidently into communication leadership roles across industries.

A Flexible Online Degree with Stackable Credentials

Montclair’s Online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Media is designed to meet you where you are and adapt as your goals evolve. Rather than fixed concentrations, the program is built around focused modules that support real-world campaign development and let you shape a degree aligned to your interests and career direction. The program combines asynchronous flexibility with real community and connection.

A Custom Degree, On Your Time

Select any five modules to complete your strategic communication master’s while earning stackable, career-relevant micro-credentials along the way. This modular structure allows you to tailor your learning without sacrificing depth, rigor or real-world relevance. Choose five out of six to build your path.

Learn how to analyze audiences, identify stakeholder priorities and translate insights into actionable communication strategy. This module builds the foundation for informed decision-making across complex communication environments.

Develop the skills to plan, manage and evaluate communication initiatives aligned to organizational goals. You’ll focus on message strategy, campaign planning and applied communication strategy.

Explore how to create and manage compelling content across digital platforms while aligning creativity with strategy. Coursework emphasizes data-driven storytelling techniques, content planning and execution in a fast-moving media landscape.

Build leadership skills for guiding teams, projects and communication strategy in digital-first environments. This module focuses on decision-making, collaboration and leading change in evolving media organizations.

Learn how to design, implement and assess social media strategies that support brand goals and audience engagement. You’ll examine platform strategy, analytics and emerging trends shaping social communication.

Apply what you’ve learned in a simulated agency environment that delivers professional agency workflow training. You’ll collaborate on real-world projects that integrate strategy, execution and accountability.

See the curriculum.

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Applied Learning. Industry Connections.

  • Online, asynchronous degree integrating ethical AI and analytics
  • Agency Immersion delivers hands-on project experience
  • Designed for communicators advancing into leadership roles

Where Strategy, Technology and Ethical Communication Meet

With real-world relevance, strategic focus and applied learning through immersive agency experience, this strategic communication master’s is designed to help you lead with confidence and credibility.

Learn more about Montclair’s Online Master’s in Strategic Communication and Media in an upcoming webinar. See upcoming webinars. 

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Why Study Strategic Communication Online at Montclair?

Built for What’s Next – Strategic communication aligned with a rapidly evolving media landscape 
Agency Immersion – Professional agency workflow training through hands-on projects and an optional agency immersion 
Online and Asynchronous – Flexible options for working professionals 
Relevant and Responsible AI Training – Apply AI and data-driven storytelling techniques that you can use immediately in practice

Graduate student on laptop studying

The College of Communication and Media’s Practice-Driven Approach

The College of Communication and Media brings strategy to life through practice-driven graduate education within a forward-looking media communication degree. Industry-aligned coursework, data-driven insight and applied learning that integrates artificial intelligence in marketing to empower students to think boldly and execute with confidence. It’s a dynamic approach designed for communicators ready to lead in a fast-moving media landscape.

Support That Moves With You

Student Success & Resources

Montclair provides personalized support designed for students in this online communication master’s. Through Online Student Resources, you can access academic support, program-specific guidance, career development through Career Services, financial aid guidance and technical support, along with the digital tools that power your coursework.

Explore Online Student Resources

Tech & Tools

Montclair equips online students with the digital tools they need to succeed, including free access to Microsoft Office® and Google Workspace®, along with exposure to AI-powered content creation tools and AI for media strategy. Reliable technology resources make it easy to collaborate, complete coursework and stay productive from anywhere. 

See Student Tech Resources

One-Stop Student Services

Through Red Hawk Central, students can access essential services such as financial aid and scholarship opportunities in one place. Centralized support for planning costs, requesting transcripts and managing next steps helps remove barriers so you can focus on progress.

Your Support System: View All Resources

Strategic Comms for the Modern Workplace

Ready to Apply? Here’s How

  1. Choose Your Program

    This Master’s in Strategic Communication is a fully online, asynchronous program with multiple start terms throughout the year. Review the application requirements and deadlines to ensure you’re prepared to submit all materials on time. 

    Have questions about whether the program aligns with your goals? Connect with an Online Enrollment Specialist for guidance on fit, timing and next steps. Call 973-658-4535, email discover@enroll.montclair.edu or schedule an appointment to get personalized support as you explore the program. 

    Important Note for International Applicants: This online program is not eligible for F-1 or J-1 visa sponsorship.

  2. Begin Your Application

    Start your application by registering through Montclair’s online application portal. Once registered, you’ll be able to upload documents, track your application status and manage required materials in one place. 

    Start your graduate application

  3. Submit Required Materials

    All application materials should be submitted through the online portal. A checklist is provided during the application process to help you stay organized. Required for All Applicants:

    • Official Transcripts: One from each college or university attended. Applicants with non-U.S. degrees should visit the International Applicants page for U.S. degree equivalency information.
    • Résumé: A current résumé outlining academic, professional and relevant experience.
    • Essay/Personal Statement: Explain why you are interested in pursuing the MA in Strategic Communication and Media, what you would contribute to the Montclair learning community and how the program will help you strengthen skills in three of the following areas:
      • Research-driven stakeholder insights
      • Strategic communication
      • Digital content creation
      • Digital leadership
      • Social media strategy
    • Letters of Recommendation: Two letters are required.

    For questions about eligibility, materials or deadlines, Montclair’s Online Enrollment Specialists are available to help guide you through the process. 

Where Our Strategic Communication and Media Grads Go

From crisis communication and stakeholder engagement to digital branding and analytics-driven messaging, this strategic communication master’s prepares professionals to lead communication across industries. With an emphasis on applied strategic communication and real-world campaign development, graduates gain the skills organizations need to communicate clearly, credibly and strategically in complex, high-stakes environments. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for public relations specialists is projected to grow 5% through 2034, faster than average. In the New York–Newark–Jersey City region, strategic communication roles show strong demand and earning potential, with 7,609 jobs, 685 monthly postings and median compensation of $190,529, all well above national averages for comparable markets.* Graduates are prepared for roles such as Director of Communications, Brand Strategy Manager, Crisis Communication Manager, Strategic Communication Consultant and Digital Marketing Director, with support from Montclair’s industry connections and Career Services to help plan what comes next. 

*Data from Lightcast

Real Students, Real Results

Kwami Ngaojia smiling and looking to his right
The program strengthened how I think about strategy, stakeholder relationships and storytelling, while also giving me the chance to collaborate with like-minded students who care about real impact.

Kwami Ngaojia

Program: Strategic Communication and Media:

Career: Chief Relationship Officer at Beard & Bowler:

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Tuition & Aid: A Smart Investment in Your Communication Career

Montclair’s Online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Media is a 30-credit program designed to deliver strong professional value in a flexible, affordable format. With transparent tuition, financial aid and a program that can be completed in as little as 12 months, you can grow as a communication professional without pressing pause on life.

Funding options include:

  • Scholarships and grants
  • Payment plans
  • Federal financial aid through the FAFSA
  • Employer tuition reimbursement or company-sponsored tuition assistance programs

Montclair makes it easier to invest in your future.

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Own the Message. Lead With Strategy.

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Questions? Find the right contact below.

From your first class through graduation, you’ll have access to resources and guidance to help you navigate online learning with confidence. Support is designed to help you stay organized, balance school with life and keep moving forward.

Connect with our enrollment team for personalized guidance on admission requirements, the application process, key dates and your next steps toward enrollment.