M.A. in Counseling in Educational Setting
The M.A. in Counseling in Educational Settings at Rowan University is a comprehensive p...
M.A. in Strategic Communication
Glassboro
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in Strategic Communication at Rowan University is a flexible, hybrid program designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in public relations, advertising, public affairs, and integrated marketing communication. Taught by experienced industry professionals, the curriculum emphasizes real-world applications of theories and techniques, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Students benefit from personalized mentorship and access to a strong professional network. The program culminates in a comprehensive examination with both written and oral components, preparing graduates for leadership roles in various communication-intensive industries.
Curriculum: The 33-credit hour curriculum grounds students in four key areas: writing, research, problem-solving, and planning. Required courses, totaling 21 semester hours, include Graduate Strategic Visual Communication, Graduate Strategic Case Studies and Public Relations Planning, Strategic Communication Seminar, Graduate Strategic Communication Overview, and Graduate Strategic Writing I & II. Students then choose 12 semester hours of elective courses based on their professional interests, potentially focusing on areas like organizational/corporate public relations, public affairs, or educational public relations. A foundation course in Publication Layout and Design may be required but does not count towards the degree credits.
Research Focus: The program emphasizes the application of research to strategic communication practice. Students learn to conduct and utilize research to inform communication strategies, understand public opinion, and evaluate campaign effectiveness. Courses like "Introduction to Graduate Strategic Communication Research" equip students with the necessary skills. The culminating graduate project requires students to undertake a research project in an area of strategic communication, allowing them to apply their research skills to real-world scenarios.
Industry Engagement: Rowan University's M.A. in Strategic Communication boasts strong ties to the communication industry. Faculty members are active practitioners, serving as consultants, trainers, and researchers in their respective fields. Students benefit from networking opportunities, guest speakers, and potential internships. The program's location provides access to a vibrant network of public relations and advertising professionals in the region. Student-run agencies and active PRSSA and Ad Club chapters further enhance industry engagement and provide hands-on experience.
Global Perspective: While the program's primary focus is on the U.S. communication landscape, the principles of strategic communication are globally applicable. The curriculum encourages students to consider diverse audiences and communication contexts, which can include international considerations. Case studies and discussions may incorporate global examples of strategic communication campaigns and challenges, fostering an awareness of cross-cultural communication dynamics.
Location
Glassboro
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19150
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $65
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Rowan University offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in their academic pursuits. Understanding that studying abroad can be a significant financial investment, Rowan provides merit-based scholarships, awards, and grants to help ease the financial burden and reward academic excellence and leadership potential.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at Rowan University may be eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These scholarships can range from partial to substantial tuition awards and are typically renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Global Academic Excellence Scholarship: One of the key awards available to incoming international undergraduate students is the Global Academic Excellence Scholarship, which recognizes outstanding academic records and exceptional leadership qualities. This scholarship helps reduce tuition costs and encourages high-performing students to join Rowan’s diverse community.
Departmental Scholarships and Awards: Many of Rowan’s individual colleges and departments offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing degrees in specific fields such as business, engineering, communication, or health sciences. These awards are often competitive and based on academic merit, portfolio submissions, or departmental recommendations.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, Rowan provides assistantships and fellowships that offer tuition remission along with a stipend in exchange for teaching or research support. These positions not only help finance graduate education but also provide valuable professional experience and academic networking opportunities.
Graduates of the M.A. in Strategic Communication program at Rowan University possess a versatile and highly valued skillset, opening doors to a multitude of exciting and rewarding career opportunities across various industries and sectors.
Public Relations Manager: Developing and executing public relations strategies, managing media relations, and shaping public perception for organizations.
Marketing Communications Manager: Overseeing integrated marketing communication campaigns, aligning public relations, advertising, and digital marketing efforts.
Corporate Communications Director: Leading internal and external communication strategies for corporations, managing corporate reputation and employee engagement.
Social Media Manager: Developing and implementing social media strategies, managing online communities, and engaging with target audiences.
Digital Marketing Specialist: Creating and managing digital marketing campaigns across various online platforms, including SEO, SEM, and content marketing.
Advertising Account Executive: Managing client relationships and overseeing the development and execution of advertising campaigns.
Public Affairs Specialist: Developing and implementing communication strategies to influence public policy and engage with government stakeholders.
Crisis Communications Manager: Developing and executing communication plans to manage and mitigate organizational crises and protect reputation.
Communication Consultant: Providing expert advice and strategic guidance to organizations on their communication strategies and challenges.
Non-profit Communications Director: Leading communication efforts for non-profit organizations, raising awareness, and engaging stakeholders in their mission.
