Named an “Apple Distinguished School” for 2021-2024
Ranked a “Best National University” for 2022 by U.S. News & World Report
Online Master’s in Strategic Communication and Leadership Program Guide
New communication tools emerge constantly in today’s digital world. What’s trending today may be obsolete tomorrow. Every shift has the power to transform the way an organization connects with and engages specific audiences — and it’s more important than ever to stay ahead of the curve. Maryville University 100% online master’s in strategic communication and leadership is designed with technical certificates embedded in your courses so you can stay on top of trends — and stand out with employers.
Start your journey
At a glance
Apply with no application fee or entrance exams.
Explore eligible transfer credit options
Access 100% online coursework with no campus visits required
Earn real-world certifications from Google, Salesforce, and Hubspot
Build dynamic, practical skills that are relevant to nonprofit and business careers
Curriculum
At Maryville, we don’t succeed unless you do. That’s why our online master’s in strategic communication and leadership degree is career-based and future-focused. Choose this 36-credit-hour program, and you can personalize your studies to align with your professional goals. Whether you want to run a communications department or start your own consulting business, we offer the industry-relevant courses to match.
Strategic Leadership Core Courses
- COMM 501 Foundations of Leadership
- COMM 520 Evidence Based Research
- COMM 523 Organizational Communication
- COMM 525 Professional & Organizational Ethics
Strategic Communication Core Courses
- COMM 502 Foundations: Theories and Application
- COMM 503 Best Practices: Models and Systems
- COMM 522 Global Communication
- COMM 516 Issues and Crisis Management
Emerging and Digital Media Concentration Courses (Optional)
- COMM 516 Issues and Crisis Management
- COMM 571 Integrated Marketing Campaigns
- COMM 605 Digital Media Campaigns
- COMM 610 Digital Marketing Metrics & Analytics
- COMM 630 Digital Visual Communication
- COMM 673 Social Network & Search Engine Optimization
Strategic Communication Electives
Personalize your educational experience by choosing elective courses that relate to your career goals and interests. Pick two electives from strategic communication and/or graduate business electives (6 credits).
- BUS 640 Project Management
- BUS 641 Legal Environment of Business
- BUS 643 Business Ethics
- BUS 676 Global Business
- HRMG 640 Human Resources Management
- MGMT 670 Interpersonal Management Skills
- MGMT 687 Leadership
- MKT 660 Strategic Marketing
- MKT 663 Consumer Behavior
- MKT 680 Branding
*COMM 685 – Comprehensive Examination must be taken in the last semester of coursework before graduation.
To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry demands.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- 3.0 cumulative GPA required for full admission
- Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement may be considered for provisional admission
- Official transcripts required for all institutions previously attended
- 300-500-word minimum personal statement required
- Resume required
- International applicants (if applicable): Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL with a score of 563, speaking sub-score of 23, writing sub-score of 20, reading and listening scores of 21, and a combined score of 85 or higher)
- No GMAT, GRE, or letters of recommendation required
- Click to view our transfer credit policy
- The acceptance of transfer credit is at the discretion of Maryville University
Explore our additional resources to help guide your admissions journey.
Accreditation and rankings
Why Maryville Online?
We’ve been progressively challenging the norms of higher education for nearly 150 years. We started as one of the first universities to educate women. Today, we continue to push the boundaries and prepare students like you for a digital world. At Maryville, we understand what it takes to step beyond your comfort zone.
Maryville University is a nationally ranked private college recognized for comprehensive and innovative education focused on student learning, outcomes, and success — both online and on campus. We’re located just 22 miles from downtown St. Louis.
Enhance your skills. Broaden your career.
Top 8 skills you can develop:
- Communication, management, and leadership
- Knowledge of current trends in modern communication
- Individualized experiential learning
- Storytelling
- Foundations of leadership
- Strategic communication best practices
- Professional and organizational ethics
- Digital media campaigns
Top 6 careers you can pursue:
- Social Media Manager
- Digital Strategist
- SEO Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Director of Communication
- Creative Director
Start your journey today
Learn more about the Maryville University online master’s in strategic communication and leadership.