This graduate degree in strategic communication for professionals features eight courses delivered in seven-week modules, balancing rigorous academics with practical application. Building on BU COM’s longstanding strengths in media science, advertising, and public relations, the curriculum emphasizes hands-on, applied learning. You’ll develop advanced skills in campaign strategy, communication leadership, research methods, AI and emerging technologies, and in integrated marketing communication, all from a top communication school.
Delivered fully online, the program offers maximum flexibility—so you can pursue graduate study on your own schedule while continuing to advance in your career.
Ready to learn more? Fill out the interest form to get updates and announcements regarding the application, deadlines, and events.
Program Format & Timeline:
- Part-time or full-time, fully online asynchronous courses, with synchronous opportunities to participate in live cohort events
- Typical completion: 16 months (two seven-week courses per semester, including summer)
- Entry: Fall or Spring
Why Choose BU COM’s Master’s in Strategic Integrated Communication?
- Advance your career and lead in communication: Gain the tools to expand your influence, whether moving into management, pivoting into integrated communication leadership, or preparing for the C-suite or consulting roles.
- Learn communication campaign strategy through practical curriculum: Develop hands-on skills in crisis communication, project management, and strategic writing that’s applicable across industries. You’ll apply your knowledge directly to workplace challenges.
- Focus on AI and digital communication strategy: Learn to leverage AI in strategic communication and harness new technologies that are reshaping communication and audience engagement today.
- Complete the program at your own pace: The integrated communication degree for working professionals has a flexible online format that offers asynchronous 7-week courses and optional synchronous cohort events.
- Build your network: Collaborate with fellow professionals pursuing similar paths in an enriching online learning community, creating connections across industries and geographies.
- Learn from experienced faculty with industry expertise: COM’s distinguished faculty combine academic scholarship with real-world communication leadership experience.
- Earn a BU credential: Your graduate degree in strategic communication from one of the nation’s leading communication schools will demonstrate your mastery of the field and enhance your career.
Career Outcomes With a Master’s in Communication Leadership
The MS in Strategic Integrated Communication prepares you for leadership roles across communication fields. Alumni will prepare to step into roles such as:
- Chief Communications Officer
- VP of Public Relations
- VP/Senior Director of Digital Content & Strategy
- VP of Internal Communications
- VP of Transformation & Change
- VP/Director/Head of External Relations
- VP/Director of Brand Management
- VP of Marketing
- Senior Director of Integrated Marketing Communications
- Director/Senior Director of Market Research & Analytics
- Senior Campaign Director
- Senior Public Information Officer
- Group Account Director
- Marketing Director
- Strategy Director
- Head of Account Management
- Executive Consultant in Communication Strategy
What You’ll Learn in the MS in Strategic Integrated Communication
Through eight courses in seven-week modules, you’ll integrate public relations, advertising, marketing, branding, and research into unified strategies that achieve organizational goals.
- Develop multi-channel communication expertise across paid, earned, shared, and owned media.
- Strengthen leadership communication skills for crisis response, change management, thought leadership, and internal communication.
- Apply project management systems to lead teams and initiatives in agencies, corporations, and matrixed organizations.
- Elevate strategic writing capabilities to succeed in high-stakes communication scenarios.
- Master research methods and analytics, including social listening frameworks, to design data-informed strategies and demonstrate ROI.
- Leverage AI and emerging technologies to optimize campaigns and communication performance.
- Navigate career pathways to advance strategically into executive leadership or consultancy opportunities.
Curriculum for the Online MS in Strategic Communication
The eight-course (32-credit) MS in Strategic Integrated Communication, delivered in seven-week modules, helps you to build a strong foundation, deepen tactical expertise, and culminate in leadership preparation and a portfolio-worthy capstone.
Core Courses
An overview of the multidisciplinary approach organizations use to plan, apply, and evaluate communication activities in alignment with business outcomes such as revenue growth, organizational culture, and stakeholder trust. Learn audience analysis, strategy and message development, communication across paid, earned, shared, and owned media, as well as budgeting and project management. (4 credits)
A focused, hands-on course in qualitative and quantitative research methods for campaign design and evaluation. Explore cultural, attitudinal, and behavioral perspectives; run sentiment analysis on social media data; and enhance data visualization skills to present results that demonstrate ROI. (4 credits)
A high-level writing course for organizational leaders. Craft influential communication for high-stakes moments such as CEO speeches, investor communications, change memos, and thought-leadership op-eds—refining an executive voice to persuade diverse stakeholders. (4 credits)
An in-depth, forward-looking exploration of brand creation, management, growth, and measurement. Examine how branding impacts organizational success, learn how to build brand equity, and explore strategies for building trust or repairing reputations through modern branding approaches. (4 credits)
Covers both the systems and the human dynamics of managing strategic communication initiatives. Gain experience with digital collaboration tools, budgeting, coordination, and implementation, while also learning to navigate conflict resolution, leadership in agency and matrixed organizations, and cross-cultural/global team management. (4 credits)
Explore the role of communication in effective leadership across contexts. Topics include communicating vision, reputation management, stakeholder engagement, change communication, thought leadership, employee engagement, and crisis response. The course integrates ethical considerations and the role of AI in leadership communication, preparing students to lead with clarity and authenticity. (4 credits)
Examine how artificial intelligence, data analytics, and emerging technologies are reshaping communication practice. Gain hands-on experience with AI-driven tools and digital innovations for campaign management, messaging, and audience engagement, while considering the ethical implications of technology-enabled communication. (4 credits)
A culminating experience where students complete a portfolio-worthy project demonstrating mastery in strategic integrated communication. The course also emphasizes executive career preparation, including personal brand audits, portfolio development, and mock boardroom presentations—positioning graduates for leadership roles in corporate, nonprofit, or consultancy settings. (4 credits)
Faculty & Student Support
Learn from faculty from the College of Communication who combine academic expertise with real-world communication leadership. You’ll benefit from robust support services designed for working professionals pursuing an online degree.
Admissions Requirements for the Online Integrated Communication Degree
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. No GRE required.
Application Requirements:
- Online application
- Transcript(s) from all colleges and universities attended
- Two letters of recommendation/reference
- Resume or CV
- English proficiency exam (for international applicants from non-English-speaking institutions; waivers available with proof of proficiency)
- Personal statement (≤500 words) describing how you plan to integrate this degree into your professional goals
Comparing Programs
Learn more about our other graduate programs in communication and media, including:
- MS in Advertising: Choose Advertising to lead creative campaigns, shape brand stories with consumer insight, and gain hands-on skills in strategy, copywriting, and digital marketing through coursework and AdLab.
- MS in Public Relations: Pick Public Relations if you’re driven to shape public opinion and guide organizations through opportunity or crisis.