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Strategic Communication

Master's

PROGRAM SNAPSHOT

Address organizational issues with a communications approach that is multicultural and inclusive. Lead strategy and content creation using ethical principles.

Why Study Strategic Communication at Winona State?

Nearly every organization has a communications department, from businesses, schools, and hospitals, to tech companies, retailers, and non-profits.

Strategic communication is an essential part of any organization’s success. Employers need more responsible, equity-minded leaders in every industry.  

That’s where the online Strategic Communication master’s degree through WSU’s Mass Communication Department comes in. 

Many courses in this program focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues facing the strategic communication fields. 

This program is meant for: 

  • professionals who currently work in advertising, communications, marketing, multimedia, or public relations. 
  • professionals who want to switch careers and build their expertise in mass communications. 
  • students who recently earned a bachelor’s degree in a similar field. 

Students with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What Will You Learn as a Strategic Communication Student?

As a Strategic Communication student, you’ll learn how to create and implement communication plans for different audiences, using state-of-the-art research and evaluation techniques.

You’ll also: 

  • understand how messages should be communicated under different cultural and social contexts. 
  • use modern tools and technologies to communicate with various audiences and stakeholders. 
  • drive collaboration by creating partnerships needed to be successful in today’s professional world. 
  • support organizational goals by developing strategies in crisis communications, media relations, brand identity and awareness, employee communications, and team building.

Your coursework will be a mix of individual and group work. This will help you understand the importance of collaboration, while also building your expertise as a leader. 

Program Highlights
Flexible Coursework

Coursework is delivered entirely online, making this program great for anyone who wants to fit their education into their personal and professional lives.

With synchronous classes, you’ll attend class on a specified day and time for live instruction and discussions.

And with asynchronous classes, you can complete your assignments anytime, anywhere. This means you can take your career to the next level at your own pace.

Real-World Projects

You’ll find opportunities to improve your workplace. You’ll recommend changes and evaluate the impact of those changes on your job’s communications.

Projects are designed to have real-world implications for your job. These projects also make where you work your classroom too.

You’ll also complete a research thesis or professional project before you graduate. Research a current topic in mass communication or develop a strategic communications plan for a company.

Expert Instructors

You’ll learn from faculty who have decades of experience in the field.

You’ll also take classes taught by real-world industry experts. These experts will share their first-hand experiences as strategic communicators.

This means you can build your network with people who understand the work you learn about while earning credit at the same time.

Customized Emphases

Your electives allow you to tailor what you learn from your core classes to your current field or your next career.

Enroll in graduate English, leadership, multicultural education, health care management, or sports marketing courses to pave your own path.

Hear from Strategic Communication Students
I was drawn to this program because I was looking for one with a focus on DEI in the field of communication, rather than in business or HR. Plus, coursework being offered entirely online allows me to fit this program into my busy schedule.
Bethany Robertson ‘25
I was able to immediately implement things I’ve learned in the classroom within my work at a major health organization. The courses have helped me gain a more strategic approach to marketing information to a multicultural nation.
Jen Riemenschneider ‘25
This program has helped me to consider a career that is more aligned with my interests and to learn more about communicating with different cultures on both a global and local level.
Robert (RJ) Beal-Lancaster ‘25
Careers & Outcomes

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, managerial positions in public relations and fundraising as well as managerial positions in advertising, promotions, and marketing all anticipate a 6% growth by 2032. 

Not F-1 Eligible

This program does not meet F-1 visa requirements for international students.

However, more than 90% of Winona State’s majors and programs meet F-1 visa criteria.

Learn More about International Services
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