Strategic Communication (MS)

https://journalism.uoregon.edu/academics/graduate-programs/strategic-communications

Attila Schillinger
Professor of Practice
Director, Strategic Communication Master’s Program
attilas@uoregon.edu
Phone: 541-346-3511
Office: 325 Allen Hall
City: Eugene

In our flexible Portland-based master’s program in Strategic Communication, students master a broad skill set encompassing creativity, critical thinking, strategic analysis, ethics, and practical application. The program is designed for working professionals who know that in a complex and rapidly changing world, communicating strategically is more important than ever. Classes meet evenings and weekends.

The program consists of a core of required four-credit communication courses complemented by two-credit, shorter-term classes, culminating with a capstone project. Coursework is consistent with the Public Relations Society of America’s guidelines for accreditation. 

Students may choose between two program timelines to complete the 48-credit program: the standard two-year, six-term pathway or the accelerated five-term pathway. Students may also choose to complete the program on a part-time basis and extend the total time to degree.  

Admission Process

Please visit the program's website.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate the leadership skills necessary to facilitate professional teams, design communication campaigns, and advise top-level management and clients in moving their goals forward through effective communication.
  • Understand the communication challenges faced by organizations doing business locally and globally.
  • Analyze the political, economic, and cultural significance of the media and understand the responsibility inherent in creating and distributing effective messaging.
  • Understand theoretical concepts and apply them to understanding how professionals and institutions shape communications relevant to their profession/field.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of ethical principles and apply them to work ethically in pursuit of truth, fairness, and diversity.
  • Analyze diversity in a global society as relevant to their profession/field with an expectation of engaging in equity and inclusion.
  • Critique information to determine accuracy, authenticity, and appropriateness for developing content and advancing research and communication agendas.
  • Critically evaluate self and peer work, suggesting performance improvements in materials in a variety of formats.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in the range of research methods (primary, secondary, quantitative, and qualitative) used by communication researchers.
  • Evaluate data and measure targeted outcomes associated with communication strategies.

Strategic Communication (MS) Requirements

Successful applicants for this program typically have significant professional experience as well as strong academic credentials. Candidates for this MS degree must earn at least 48 credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better. Courses that do not carry graduate credit do not count toward the graduate credit minimum and are not included in the GPA.

Note: Please review the SOJC graduate student handbook for updated program requirements, which do not yet appear in the catalog: https://sojcstudent.uoregon.edu/graduate/student-handbook/

Strategic Communication Major Requirements

Strategic Communication Core
JCOM 629Media and Communication Ethics: [Topic]4
JCOM 623Creativity in Strategic Communication4
JCOM 621Foundations of Strategic Communication4
JCOM 622Campaign Planning and Management4
Business Core
JCOM 616Introduction to Strategic Communication Marketing4
JCOM 618Strategic Communication Leadership4
JCOM 625Finance for Strategic Communication2
Mass Communication Core
JCOM 641Qualitative Research Methods4
JCOM 642Quantitative Research Methods4
JCOM 611Media and Society4
JCOM 609Terminal Project6
Professional Specialization Elective Core
JCOM 624Strategic Communication: [Topic]2
JCOM 624Strategic Communication: [Topic]2
JCOM 624Strategic Communication: [Topic]2
Total Credits50

See the School of Journalism and Communication website for more detailed and up-to-date information about application requirements, the curriculum, and final project options.