Overview
An Master of Science in Strategic Communication teaches the theory and practice of communicating to help organizations achieve their goals. The curriculum allows students to learn multiple communication tactics with courses in public relations, organizational communication, social media analysis, communication change, and innovation—to equip students with expertise to enter the workforce.
Why Study Strategic Communication at Radford?
- Our curriculum prepares you for versatile communication positions and industries.
- We have multiple locations.
- You’ll have the option to choose a thesis or comprehensive exams.
- Various class delivery formats (in-person, online, and hybrid).
Careers and Internships
Graduates of the program work in various areas of expertise and industries, such as public relation firms, government, non-profit, gaming, higher education, financial institutions, healthcare, and more. Our graduates hold positions such as:
- Event Manager/Logistics Coordinator
- Marketing and Communications Coordinator
- HR Educational Specialist Trainer
- Financial Advisor
- Media Relations Officer
- Community Development Representative
- Manager of Public Relations
- Talent Acquisition Partner
- Healthcare Senior Account Executive
In the United States, the salary for a person with a Strategic Communication M.S. can range from $50,000-$100,000 per year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earning a master’s degree in communication, in general, will qualify students for management or senior positions in the field.
Average salary based on different occupations vary but are typically in the range of $60,000-$115,00, annually. If you pursue a career in a role such as communication manager, communication director, or marketing manager in the U.S., you can earn an average salary of $65,199-$74,245 annually. For public relations managers, you can earn a median annual salary of $116,180.
Opportunities for Strategic Communication students at Radford
In recent years, more than 20 collaborative works from our graduate students and our faculty were presented at high-impact conferences in the field of communication, such as the National Communication Association annual conferences and International Public Relations Research annual conferences.
Research collaborations between our graduate students and our faculty were published in peer-reviewed communication journals. For example, Dr. Dunn and Professor Collier worked with 2 of our graduate students, Sheena Butler and Katelyn Meeks, on voting attitudes and behaviors and their work was published in Communication Quarterly.
Students on campus also have opportunities to work and research in the SMART (Social Media Analytics and Research Technology) lab to learn the newest software to conduct social media data analysis. Our graduate students use what they learned in class related to social media and digital communication to obtain assistantships by working for the IMPACT program. The skills and knowledge students learned in class also help them find jobs at places such as Virginia Cyber Academy at Virginia Tech.
Admissions Requirements
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
- Official transcripts
- Application essay
- 3 references
- A personal resume
Note: GRE is not required
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20-30 students in the Strategic Communication program
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6:1 average student-teacher ratio
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72% job placement upon graduation
Accelerated Options for Professionals
We offer cohort programs at higher education centers in Abingdon, Martinsville, South Boston, and Roanoke. The cohort program features a two-year study plan (including summer sessions) and is tailored for working professionals who want to advance their education in Strategic Communication. Courses are mostly delivered in an online, asynchronous format with several core courses being offered in a hybrid format at our higher education centers.
"Enrolling in Radford University's Strategic Communication master's program was the best investment for my personal and professional development thus far. The program is structured for students to learn about communication as a discipline and the fundamental skills needed to stand out in the growing career industry."