Overview

The Strategic Communication programme at the University of Minnesota is a professional master's degree specifically tailored for individuals working in advertising, public relations, and corporate communications. This curriculum focuses on the advanced study of communication strategy, planning, and evaluation to prepare graduates for high-level leadership roles. Students engage in a collaborative cohort model that balances academic theory with practical, real-world application.

Why Strategic Communication at the University of Minnesota?

Choosing this programme means joining the prestigious Hubbard School, where students benefit from a flexible hybrid format that accommodates full-time employment. The faculty consists of a unique blend of renowned academic researchers and industry-experienced professionals from the Twin Cities agency community. This connection ensures that the curriculum remains at the forefront of digital media trends, brand building, and organisational leadership. Small cohort sizes foster deep engagement and provide a built-in network of lifelong professional connections.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 2601 per credit
National fee: USD 2601 per credit
Local fee: USD 1665 per credit

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of 30 graduate credits completed over 24 months. Students follow a structured sequence of core courses followed by a final individual project. Modules may include:

Research and Insight
Business Essentials for Communicators
Theory That Powers Practice
Brand Thinking
Digital Strategy
Content That Connects
Communication Leadership
Campaign Planning
Crisis Leadership

In place of a traditional thesis, students complete a Capstone Project. This final requirement involves planning, writing, and presenting a comprehensive strategic communication campaign or case study for a chosen organisation, demonstrating mastery of research, execution, and evaluation.

Careers with Strategic Communication

Graduates are equipped to become next-generation leaders in the global communication landscape. The programme enhances marketability and productivity, enabling professionals to drive strategic decisions within their organisations. Alumni currently hold influential positions across a diverse range of sectors, including Fortune 100 corporations, international advertising and public relations agencies, and major non-profit organisations. Common career paths include roles in trend tracking, state agency communications, and leadership within educational institutions or small manufacturing firms.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Strategic Communication Research Methods

Factors Affecting Communication Strategy

Strategic Communication Theory

Generation and Selection of Communication Strategies

Digital Strategy and Analytics

Integration of Communication Strategy Across Media

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-08-10 00:00:00
Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

More details

Rolling Deadline: We will accept applications through June 15 on a space available basis

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Minneapolis, United States

Disciplines

Corporate Communication View 128 other Masters in Corporate Communication in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Professionals in strategic communication currently employed in an advertising, public relations or marketing firm, or in a communication function within a corporation, nonprofit, or government entity, may apply. Other applicants whose experience or qualifications indicate the likelihood of their success will also be considered.

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited US institution or its foreign equivalent. At least two years of professional experience in any of the following areas is preferred:

Account planning, account management, advertising management, media planning or buying, or media sales or promotion

Corporate or nonprofit communications, public affairs, public relations, or investor relations

Direct marketing, sales management, marketing management, brand management or marketing, or public opinion research

Journalism, reporting, or writing

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

39015 USD / year

≈ 39015 USD / year
Out-of-State

39015 USD / year

≈ 39015 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

24975 USD / year

≈ 24975 USD / year

Living costs

Minneapolis

United States

1130 - 2045 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

Interested in financing your studies? Find a student loan that works for you.

MPOWER Financing No cosigner. No collateral. No hidden fees.

Check your Eligibility

Get the funding you need to study in the U.S. or Canada - with a process that's fast, simple, and built for international students.

Flexible loans from US$2,001 to US$100,000
Fixed interest rates -- no inflation surprises
No upfront fees or prepayment penalties
Accepted at 500+ universities across the U.S. & Canada
100% online application -- instant conditional offer
Free visa & career support through our Path2Success program

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Strategic Communication.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Strategic Communication

About

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Minneapolis

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners