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Prepare for your career.

The Master of Science in Strategic Communication degree allows Radford University students to prepare for many advanced career positions or for the pursuit of a doctoral degree. Explore courses in public relations, political communication, pedagogy and instruction, training and development, interactive media and analytics and more.

The strategic communication curriculum has a broad approach to allow students to learn multiple communication tactics. Students can take specialized classes to develop their skills in areas such as video production and social media and analytics. The 36 credit hour program allows full time students to complete the coursework in two years while working professionals can still easily manage to take one to three courses throughout the year while continuing their career.

Why choose Radford?

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Expand job opportunities

Prepare for a career in public relations, strategic communications, corporate training, management and a variety of others.

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Financial assistance

Various assistantships available including Graduate Assistant, Graduate Research Fellow and Graduate Teaching Assistant.

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Flexibility

Jumping into your career or planning to get a doctoral degree? Choose between a non-thesis or a thesis track.

Succeed in your field.

Strategic Communication graduate Max Esterhuizen

Learn within state-of-the-art facilities.

The School of Communication is located within the brand new College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences (CHBS) building, a 143,600 square-foot home to unique learning spaces including:

  • Broadcasting studio
  • Emergency operations center
  • Social media watch center
Strategic Communication graduate students learn with state-of-the-art technology in brand new facilities

Choose a course of study.

Students may choose one of two courses of study:

NON-THESIS OPTION (36 SEMESTER HOURS)

The non-thesis option is for students not planning on pursuing a doctoral degree. Non-thesis students, in addition to completing 18 hours of required classes, must complete 18 hours of electives as approved by their advisers. Students pursuing a non-thesis course of study must also pass a written examination prior to graduation.

THESIS OPTION (36 SEMESTER HOURS)

Thesis students, in addition to completing 18 hours of required classes, must complete 12 hours of electives as approved by an adviser. Instead of a final examination, thesis students must apply for permission to complete a thesis worth 6 credit hours. Prior to graduation, students will present an oral defense of their thesis, which will be evaluated on the basis of the student's argument and research.

The Communication master's program prepared me for my career. I worked for two national-level athletic reporting organizations, giving me valuable experience as a reporter. Radford’s state-of-the-art facilities boosted my own education as well as benefited me as a graduate teaching fellow."