Application deadline
Credits and costs
Learn to Use Theory and Analytics to Create Effective Communications Campaigns
Penn State's online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Strategic Communications explores the importance of messaging. In this 30-credit degree program, you will learn the methods and practices used to conduct effective research in examining practical and theoretical questions in strategic communications. Courses highlight the collection, analysis, and utilization of digital media audience data in this degree designed with the future of communications in mind. In addition, the MPS in Strategic Communications program allows customization through elective courses. Electives give you the opportunity to dive deep into leadership, digital analytics, social media, communications law, and more, so you can specialize your skill set for your career path.
Your Strategic Communications Course Work
The ability to research, develop, implement, and ultimately analyze your campaigns can impact strategic decisions and improve communication performance. This master's degree touches on subject matter important to 21st century communication leaders, such as:
- research methods
- campaign development
- content implementation
- media analytics
- leadership and law
Why Study at Penn State?
In this program, you will study with highly regarded faculty from the largest accredited school in its field, the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. Your diploma will look no different from those earned by students on our physical campus. As a graduate, you have access to the largest alumni association in the world to increase your networking potential. Your choice to trust Penn State can open doors to new opportunities now and into the future.
Who Should Apply for the Online Strategic Communications Degree?
This program, offered online, is ideal for those in the early and middle stages of their careers, who are currently in or aspiring to managerial positions. The content of the program is advantageous for individuals employed in a wide range of functional specialties and industry sectors, including marketing, web content production, public relations, and copywriting. A bachelor’s degree in communications is not required for entrance or success in this business-focused program.
Courses
The MPS in Strategic Communications is a 30-credit program of study designed for working professionals who are seeking advanced education in strategic communications to enhance their careers, support organizational goals and objectives, and aid in developing and implementing strategic communications plans and campaigns for organizations and clients.
Required Courses (18 credits)
Additional Courses (select 6 credits)
Electives (select 6 credits)
Students must take at least six additional elective credits from any Penn State World Campus course(s) — this includes 400-level courses and all elective courses listed above.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Costs and Financial Aid
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $1,007 per credit |
| 12 or more | $12,082 per semester |
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
How to Apply
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your degree application, including receipt of all application materials, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact our admissions counselors.
Admission Requirements
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
What You Need
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. — Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.
Entrance Exams — Graduate school entrance exams (e.g., GRE, GMAT) are not required for entrance into the degree program and are not to be submitted as part of the application process.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
References (3) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.
Program-Specific Materials
Résumé — Upload your résumé to the online application.
Statement of Purpose — Two to three pages explaining your background in strategic communications, your goals related to the strategic communications industry, and how the MPS degree will help you to meet your goals.
Writing Sample — An academic or professional work demonstrating your analytical and writing abilities.
Start Your Application
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
Begin the graduate school application
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.
Technical Requirements
Review the general technical requirements for this program.
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
The skills you possess as a graduate of the online MPS in Strategic Communications program can make you a valuable asset to media outlets, businesses, government, education, and nonprofit organizations. You'll also have the support of Penn State career resources to pursue opportunities in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Communications, offered in partnership with the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, please contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]
Ann Major, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Lead Faculty
Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
The Pennsylvania State University
105A Carnegie Building
University Park, PA 16802
Email: [email protected]
Faculty
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Lee Ahern
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DegreePh.D., Mass Communications, Penn State
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DegreeM.A., Journalism, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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DegreeB.A., Journalism, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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DegreeB.S., Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Dr. Lee Ahern, associate professor of advertising and public relations, has nearly 20 years of experience as a marketing manager and a financial writer in New York and in various communications capacities on Wall Street. Ahern directs the science communication program; he also developed and coordinates the digital media trends and analytics minor. He serves as a senior research fellow at the Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication. Ahern co-edited the book Talking Green: Exploring Contemporary Issues in Environmental Communications. He teaches digital metrics, advertising, and research methods.
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Michelle Baker
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DegreePh.D., Mass Communications, Penn State
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DegreeM.S., Communication Studies, Shippensburg University
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DegreeB.A., Communications/Journalism, Shippensburg University
Dr. Michelle Baker, assistant teaching professor of advertising and public relations, worked as a journalist, freelance writer, and assistant editor of Bucknell University’s alumni magazine. She serves as the director of online programs in strategic communications. Her research focuses on vaccine hesitancy and refusal as well as the effect of inoculating messages on decision-making, specifically within health and religious contexts. Baker also explores the effects of communication messages designed to reduce stigma associated with health conditions and treatments. She teaches courses in strategic communications.
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Denise Bortree
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DegreePh.D., Mass Communication, University of Florida
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DegreeM.Ed., Educational Psychology, University of Florida
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DegreeM.A., Mass Communication, University of Florida
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DegreeB.A., Writing, Geneva College
Dr. Denise Bortree, associate dean for academic affairs and professor of advertising and public relations, worked for more than 10 years as a communications manager, public relations manager, and marketing manager. She directs the Arthur W. Page Center for Integrity in Public Communication and sits on the editorial board of the Journal of Public Relations Research and the Journal of Public Interest Communications. Bortree has co-edited two books: Talking Green: Exploring Contemporary Issues in Environmental Communications and Ethical Practice of Social Media in Public Relations. She teaches public relations, research methods, and ethics.
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Colleen Connolly-Ahern
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DegreePh.D., Communications, University of Florida
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DegreeM.A., Mass Communications, University of Florida
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DegreeB.A., History, Georgetown University
Dr. Colleen Connolly-Ahern, associate professor of advertising and public relations, worked as the promotion manager for USA Today and as the managing editor for the magazine Marine Log before starting her own marketing communications firm, Abbey Lane Marketing, which served clients in the banking, publishing, and education business areas. A scholar of international communications, Connolly-Ahern is an expert in the area of applied communications research, with a focus on refugees and communication. She served as the co-editor of American Behavioral Scientist Special Issue: Refugee Communications in the Digital Age. Connolly-Ahern also has expertise in science communication and conducts grant-funded research in the area of nutrition. She teaches undergraduate- and graduate-level research methods courses as well as international and intercultural strategic communications.
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Frank Dardis
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DegreePh.D., Mass Communication, University of South Carolina
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DegreeM.A., Mass Communication, University of Florida
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DegreeB.S., Telecommunication, University of Florida
Dr. Frank Dardis, associate professor of advertising and public relations, worked in advertising and marketing communications for several large corporations, including an Anheuser-Busch subsidiary, a golf course/community developer, and a professional baseball team. Dardis’ research explores the psychological and persuasive effects that informational messages have on individuals, primarily within the sociopolitical and marketing/consumer-related contexts. A faculty affiliate of Penn State’s Media Effects Research Laboratory, Dardis teaches courses in advertising, research methods, and strategic communications.
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Ann Major
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DegreePh.D., Journalism, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
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DegreeM.S., Advertising, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
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DegreeB.S., Journalism, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Dr. Ann Major, associate professor of advertising and public relations, worked as a promotions coordinator and a vice president of public relations and corporate communication. She is an accredited member (APR) of the Public Relations Society of America and has served in national leadership positions. Her research focuses on the intersection of public opinion, news discourse, and emergency response. Major is co-author of the book Good-Bye Gweilo: Public Opinion and the 1997 Problem in Hong Kong. She teaches public relations, advertising, strategic communication, and risk communication.
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Renea Nichols
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DegreePh.D. (ABD), Arizona State University
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DegreeM.S., Mass Communication, Arizona State University
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DegreeB.A., Journalism, Central Michigan University
Renea Nichols, assistant teaching professor of advertising and public relations, has held public relations positions with the City of Phoenix, U-Haul International, Arizona Special Olympics, and the ASU Alumni Association. She has served as a public relations consultant to the National Kidney Foundation and the Maricopa Association of Governments. Nichols has also worked as a reporter for daily newspapers in Michigan, Maryland, and Ohio. She is the author of four books on interracial dating and multiracial populations and has appeared in national news media discussing the subjects. Nichols teaches courses in public relations, gender and diversity, and strategic communications.
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Fuyuan Shen
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DegreePh.D., Mass Communication, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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DegreeM.A., Journalism, University of Montana
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DegreeB.A., English, East China Normal University
Dr. Fuyuan Shen, professor of advertising and public relations, is head of the department of advertising and public relations in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. An affiliate faculty of Penn State’s Media Effects Research Lab, Shen explores the effects of messages on individuals’ information processing and attitudes related to health communication, political communication, and risk perceptions. Shen has taught as a visiting professor at Hong Kong Baptist University and the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He teaches courses in advertising and strategic communications.
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Matthew Jackson
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DegreePh.D., Mass Communication, Indiana University
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DegreeM.A., Mass Communication, University of Florida
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DegreeB.S., Telecommunication, University of Florida
Dr. Matthew Jackson, associate professor of telecommunications, has worked in both commercial and public radio, where he earned regional awards from the Associated Press for his radio features. His articles on internet copyright have been included as recommended reading at Harvard Law School and Catholic University, and his expert commentary has appeared in such media outlets as The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and The Guardian. He researches the impact of copyright on free speech and teaches courses in telecommunications policy, media programming, and strategic communications law.
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Bu Zhong
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DegreePh.D., Journalism and Public Communication, University of Maryland
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DegreeM.A., Broadcast Journalism, University of Missouri
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DegreeB.J., English Reporting and Editing, China School of Journalism
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DegreeB.A., English Literature, Sichuan International Studies University
Dr. Bu Zhong, associate professor of journalism, is a faculty affiliate at the Center for Advanced Data Assimilation and Predictability Techniques, Media Effects Research Lab, and the Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) Consortium. He is a senior research fellow of the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism. His research applies decision-making theories to how judgments and decisions may be altered by information processing and the use of media technology. His research projects have practical implications, such as how social media use may enhance health care quality and well-being. He teaches social media communications.
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