Online M.A. in
Strategic Communication
& Digital Strategy
Create coordinated messaging
campaigns for modern media channels.
20+ Months
11 Courses
33 Hours
$818/CH
The OU Online M.A. in Strategic Communication and Digital Strategy is a 33-credit program that prepares graduates to create coordinated, proactive messaging campaigns for modern media channels in as few as 20 months. Students will learn the skills necessary to use data analytics for campaign evaluation, leverage the power of social media to create communities, produce engaging content, successfully handle crisis communications, and build media relationships. To better prepare you for today’s evolving communication landscape and enhance your career readiness, the program includes an embedded certificate in one of three areas – crisis communication, media analytics, or social media – giving you specialized knowledge and an additional credential in a focused area based on your career goals.
Admissions Deadline
Rolling admissions (applications due 14 days before the intended start date).
Program Start Terms
Fall, Spring, Summer
Academic Term
Stay up to date with OU holiday closings, deadlines, and more.
Communication Master's Degree
Strong Alumni Network
Gain the Gaylord Edge and join a global network of Sooner alumni who are changing the world. This growing community is a family-like network that includes thousands of alumni, faculty, and professionals.
Expand Your Knowledge
Gain conceptual and applied knowledge that opens doors to new career paths and goals, including management and leadership. Enhance your professional credential with an embedded certificate in one of three relevant areas – crisis communication, media analytics, or social media.
Flexible Format
Learn in a flexible online program designed for working professionals. You’ll engage in online discussions with professors and fellow students while learning to lead in the growing strategic communication and digital strategy field.
OU Online graduates find employment within six months after graduation*
OU Online graduates report earning an annual salary of $75,000 or more*
OU Online students say the skills they gained in their program made them more competitive in their career field*
*Source: OU Online Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023
Pursue your
Strategic
Communication
Master's degree
The M.A. in Strategic Communication and Digital Strategy is a fully online program that features courses ranging from eight to 16 weeks in length. A blend of asynchronous coursework and online classes offer flexibility for working adults. You’ll learn a mix of strategy social media expertise and analytical development. As part of your program, you’ll earn an embedded certificate in one of the following areas, completing a capstone project in your specialty area that showcases your skills.
Course Offerings
- Introduction to Research Methods
- Marketing & Media Analytics
- Social Media Marketing
- Digital Behavior
- Professional Seminar in Strategic Communication
- Crisis Communication
- Management & Leadership
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Ethics of Strategic Communication
- Strategic Planning & Brand Strategy
- Digital Strategic Communication Campaign (Capstone)
Getting Started Today
To apply to the online M.A. in Strategic Communication and Digital Strategy program, you must hold a baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university (or appropriate international equivalent). You should have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in your undergraduate studies and at least three years of work experience.
To apply, students must:
- Complete the online application at https://gograd.ou.edu/apply/
- Submit a current resume
- Provide official college transcripts from all institutions
- Submit a personal statement
- International students must demonstrate English proficiency
Note: The GRE is not required if you have three or more years of professional experience in strategic communication.
Application Timeline
Questions about Admissions?
For more information on the admissions process, please complete the contact form below, and an admissions counselor will be in touch shortly.
Paying for School
If you would like to compare the estimated cost of your program with a typical financial aid package, use the cost calculator on our OU Online financial aid page.
Graduate tuition waivers cannot be applied to OU Online programs. OU Online programs qualify for the OU Faculty/Staff Tuition Waiver & Fee Exemption, and we encourage you to check your eligibility.
Tuition waiver and fee exemption package application
If you have questions regarding financial aid for your online program, please get in touch with the Online Aid office by emailing onlineaid@ou.edu or calling 405-325-2929.
Crisis Communication Certificate
Master the art of managing organizational challenges and leading through high-pressure situations. Courses include Crisis Communication & Management and Leadership for Crisis Communication. You’ll learn to:
- Develop expertise in reputation management, stakeholder communication, and crisis response strategy
- Develop and implement strategic communication plans for crisis management
- Evaluate leadership roles and decision-making in high-pressure scenarios
Media Analytics Certificate
Become fluent in data-driven decision-making for communication campaigns while learning to interpret digital metrics, understand audience behavior, and optimize content based on analytical insights. Courses include Media Analytics and Digital Behavior. You’ll learn to:
- Analyze data from digital channels to inform strategy and evaluate campaigns
- Assess audience interactions with digital content to create targeted communication
Social Media Certificate
Develop comprehensive skills in platform-specific strategy, content creation, and digital campaign management. Courses include Social Media Marketing and Strategic Planning & Digital Strategy. You’ll learn to:
- Focus on creating effective social media campaigns and strategic digital planning
- Build integrated approaches to maximize engagement across digital channels
same academic excellence
Earning an M.A. in Strategic Communication and Digital Strategy degree from OU Online gives you the skills to succeed in a growing and evolving field. It also gives you access to career support and an expanded professional network as part of the global OU alumni community. Stand out where the industry is moving while enjoying the potential for higher pay, career advancement, and new opportunities.
Tuition and fees for the program are $26,994 ($818 per credit hour). Books and additional materials are not included.
Once accepted into the program, students must submit a $350 nonrefundable deposit within two weeks. Deposits are applied toward tuition expenses and secure a student’s place in the upcoming class. There is no application fee for this degree.
Tuition Calculator
Our tuition calculator can help you estimate your tuition and financial aid for your program of interest.
Why OU Online?
We are a top-tier public institution offering high-quality, affordable, professional undergraduate and graduate programs committed to maintaining academic excellence online.
Our Online Programs
Every OU Online program is built on the foundation of world-class faculty mixed with professors of practice providing valuable instruction. By linking industry experts with our online programs, we offer the most advanced curriculum and prepare students for future career success.
Our OU Family
When you graduate from an OU Online program, you’ll join the network of 250,000 OU alumni and be forever part of the OU family. Become part of the tradition of excellence that OU has established in its 130-year history.
