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Online Master's in Strategic Communication and Media

Elevate Your Strategic Communication Career

Montclair State University’s Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Media uniquely bridges the gap between strategic thinking and practical execution, preparing you for the communication and media jobs of the digital age.

In this dynamic program, you will accomplish the following:

Develop communication strategies to reach key stakeholders
Learn to leverage the power of data and analytics
Become content creation experts
Develop cutting-edge skills in social media strategy, audience research, and crisis communication

Through flexible, online coursework taught by faculty experts, the Master’s in Strategic Communication and Media will prepare you for your career as an industry leader.

Apply for: Fall 2025
Start class: August 29
Program Length: 12 months
Course Format: Online, 7 week sessions
Credit Hours: 30
Upcoming Information Session

To learn more about Montclair Online programs, complete the form below and check your email for next steps.

Why Study Strategic Communication Online at Montclair?

Flexible, Relevant Courses

Our program integrates the three essential pillars of modern communication: audience research, strategic messaging, and effective execution. Online courses seamlessly integrate digital and traditional media, preparing you to lead in an increasingly complex communication environment.

Career-Enhancing Credentials

Blending theoretical knowledge and applied skill-building, you will progress through five learning modules in communication management including stakeholders, strategic communication, digital content creation, digital leadership, and social media.

New York City skyline from Montclair campus

Connection to Industry

With access to the New York City metro area, Montclair’s connection to the media industry provides unique opportunities for professional growth. Through our optional Industry Bootcamp module, you will network with industry professionals, gain hands-on experience, and build connections in the field.

What You Will Learn in an Online Strategic Communication and Media Degree

With our online degree, you will have the flexibility to balance your busy lives as you gain valuable skills such as critical thinking, communication and leadership. As you pursue your degree, you also have the opportunity to earn micro-credentials through our learning modules focused on a broad range of topics in areas such as digital content creation, digital leadership, strategic communication and more. While six, 6-credit modules are offered, you will have the flexibility to select five to complete your degree.

Learning Modules and Courses

Stakeholders Module

STCM 510: Stakeholder Insights; Fall 1
STCM 515: Data Analytics; Fall 2

Strategic Communication Module

STCM 520: Crisis Communication; Fall 1
STCM 525: Strategic Branding; Fall 2

Digital Content Module

STCM 530: Multimedia Storytelling; Spring 1
STCM 535: Applied Media Production; Spring 2

Digital Leadership Module

STCM 540: Leading Digital Social Advocacy; Spring 1
STCM 545: Guiding Innovation and Change in the Digital Media Landscape; Spring 2

Social Media Module

STCM 550: Influencer Marketing in Social Media; Summer 1
STCM 555: Social Media Strategy and Campaign; Summer 2

Industry Bootcamp

STCM 560: Industry Bootcamp ; Summer 1 & 2

With the exception of STCM 560, Industry Bootcamp–which is a 14-week experiential course–all classes run for 7-week sessions, utilizing asynchronous online learning.

Explore Strategic Communication Careers

The critical strategic thinking and communication skills and knowledge you will acquire are relevant to a variety of careers. At a glance, the job outlook for individuals in Strategic Communication and Media is positive, with 6 percent growth for public relations specialists through 2033 and 7 percent growth for communication managers through 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Professional job titles include:

Director of Communications
Brand Strategy Manager
Strategic Communication Consultant
Social Media Strategist

Crisis Communication Manager
Digital Marketing Director
Brand Communication Specialist
PR Account Manager

Multimedia Content Strategist
Creative Communication Director
Strategic Communications Advisor
Audience Analytics Specialist

Our Focus Is Your Success

Our Online Master of Arts in Strategic Communication and Media is designed with you in mind. Our fully online program combines flexibility with a hands-on interdisciplinary approach. The innovative, non-sequential structure puts you in control of your learning journey. You can complete the program in just 12 months while learning skills directly applicable to high-growth industries like crisis communication, social media strategies, nonprofits, and healthcare.

Admission Requirements

How to Apply

Submit Online Application
Transcript: One from each college attended
Letters of Recommendation: Two
Personal Essay
Standardized Test Scores:
No GRE required

Personal Essay Prompt

Please share why you are interested in pursuing an MA in Strategic Communication and Media. Specifically describe how you think this academic program can help you enhance your competencies in any three of the program’s modular topics:

Research-derived knowledge about stakeholders
Strategic communication
Digital content creation
Digital leadership
Social media

Considering your personal characteristics and life experiences, clarify what you are likely to contribute to this learning community at Montclair State University. Use this opportunity to address anything about yourself that the faculty should know—things that might not be included in your formal application materials, but which will help to familiarize yourself to us.

Apply

About the School of Communication and Media

Montclair State University’s School of Communication and Media provides groundbreaking programs that give students the tools they need to succeed in the communication and media industries. Focused coursework, hands-on internships, and mentoring by a top-tier faculty are designed to arm students with marketable skills. Because the boundaries between traditional and new media have blurred, the School of Communication and Media’s cross-disciplinary programs are customizable and flexible. Whether you want to make experimental films, produce television programs, shape public opinion, or report breaking news on multiple platforms, you will find courses and programs to help meet your goals. The School of Communication and Media offers programs in Advertising, Communication and Media Studies, Filmmaking BFA, Film and Television, Strategic Communication and Media, Journalism and Digital Media, Social Media and Public Relations and Sports Communication.

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Contact Us

For more information, please contact Montclair Online.
Email: online@montclair.edu
Phone: 973-655-7110

Graduate Program Coordinator: Dr. Yi Luo

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