MS in Strategic Integrated Communication Frequently Asked Questions

The Master of Science in Strategic Integrated Communication is a fully online master’s degree designed for communication professionals who want to advance into strategic, leadership, and senior-level roles. The program focuses on the development and execution of integrated communication strategies that align communication efforts with organizational and business goals.

Students learn to integrate public relations, marketing, branding, research, digital media, analytics, and leadership communication into cohesive, high-impact strategies. Delivered entirely online, the program offers flexibility for professionals balancing work, life, and graduate studies, making it well-suited for mid-level professionals, career changers, and those preparing for upper-management or executive roles in communications.

The program builds advanced strategic, analytical, and leadership communication skills. Students learn how to:

• Plan and manage integrated, multi-channel communication campaigns across paid, earned, shared, and owned media
• Develop strategic writing for leadership communications, brand messaging, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement
• Apply qualitative and quantitative research methods, including social listening, analytics, evaluation, and ROI measurement
• Build and manage brands across platforms and audiences
• Lead communication initiatives involving change management, internal communications, crisis response, and executive messaging
• Manage projects, teams, and workflows in complex communication environments
• Leverage emerging technologies and AI tools to enhance communication strategy and effectiveness

This combination prepares graduates for senior roles in communication, public relations, marketing, corporate communication, brand management, and consultancy.

The MS in Strategic Integrated Communication is delivered fully online and consists of 8 courses (32 credits), each taught in an asynchronous seven-week modular format.

The flexible structure makes the program especially attractive to working professionals who want to advance their careers without stepping away from their jobs. Many students are mid-level professionals seeking to move into leadership, management, or more strategic communication roles, while others are career changers building advanced credentials in integrated communication.

The program requires completion of eight 7-week courses (32 credits). Students typically finish the degree in approximately 16 months when taking two courses per semester (including summer). Because of the modular and asynchronous design, students can adjust their pace depending on workload, career demands, and personal commitments. Entry terms are offered in Fall and Spring.

The curriculum covers both foundational and advanced topics in strategic integrated communication, including:

• Strategic communication planning and campaign development
• Integration of public relations, marketing, branding, and digital media
• Research methods for communication strategy and evaluation
• Strategic writing for influence, including leadership, crisis, and thought leadership communication
• Brand strategy and brand development
• Project, content, and workflow management
• Leadership communication, including internal communications, stakeholder engagement, and change management
• The application of AI and emerging technologies in communication practice

The program culminates in a capstone-style course in which students complete a portfolio-worthy project that demonstrates mastery of strategic integrated communication applied to a real or simulated professional challenge.

Graduates complete a substantial, portfolio-ready project that showcases their ability to:

• Think strategically about communication challenges
• Design and manage integrated communication campaigns
• Apply research, analytics, and measurement
• Produce high-level strategic and leadership communication
• Integrate multiple communication channels effectively

Students also gain a deeper understanding of contemporary communication issues, including digital transformation, analytics, AI, and complex stakeholder environments, positioning them to lead communication initiatives or transition into consultancy or executive-level roles.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Application materials include:

• Unofficial transcripts
• A résumé or CV
• Two letters of recommendation
• A personal statement outlining your professional goals and interest in the program

GRE or GMAT scores are not required. International applicants whose undergraduate degree was not in English may need to demonstrate English proficiency, though waivers may be available in some cases.

Yes. The MS in Strategic Integrated Communication is specifically designed for working professionals. Its fully online delivery, seven-week course structure, and part-time enrollment option make it possible to balance graduate study with employment and other responsibilities.

The asynchronous format allows students to engage with coursework on their own schedule, and many students are able to apply concepts and assignments directly to their current professional roles, enhancing both academic and real-world impact.

Graduates are prepared for senior-level and leadership roles across communications and related fields. Common career paths include:

• Chief Communications Officer (CCO)
• Vice President or Senior Director of Communications, Public Relations or Marketing
• Director of Brand Management or Corporate Communications
• Senior Campaign or Strategy Director
• Head of External Relations or Internal Communications
• Digital Strategy or Content Strategy Director
• Consultant in communications, public affairs, or brand strategy

The program equips students with the strategic, analytical, and leadership skills needed to manage high-responsibility roles within organizations, agencies, or consultancies.

This program is an excellent fit for professionals with experience in communication, marketing, public relations, media, or related fields who want to advance into more strategic, management, or leadership-focused roles.

It’s also well-suited for individuals seeking a formal graduate credential in integrated communication while continuing to work. If your goal is to bridge PR, marketing, branding, digital media, research, and leadership communication, and to do so with flexibility and real-world relevance, the MS in Strategic Integrated Communication at BU offers a strong, career-focused pathway.