Program Coordinator Jason Wrench, (845) 257-3499, wrenchj@newpaltz.edu
Program ID 211
Credits 33
Program Length MA can be completed in 2 years if enrolled full-time, but degree must be completed within 7 years.
Modality Hybrid*
Full-time/Part-time Full-time or Part-time
Transfer Credits 6
Capstone Thesis or Applied Research Project
*

The MA in Strategic Communication is a “low residency” program: most coursework can be completed online, but three on-campus weekends per semester give students access to campus resources and opportunities to collaborate with professors and a cohort of peers.

Program Description

The MA in Strategic Communications at SUNY New Paltz is a “low residency” program: most coursework can be completed online, but three on-campus weekends per semester give students access to campus resources and opportunities to collaborate with professors and a cohort of peers. The program offers conceptual and applied knowledge taught by scholars who study communication dynamics and by practitioners who put this knowledge into practice in industry. Throughout the program, students will develop their skills in identifying, analyzing, and solving communication problems across a wide range of contexts, with particular attention to non-profit organizations and issues of sustainability. Core courses provide students with a foundation of knowledge and tools for communication while electives offer the opportunity to pursue individualized and interdisciplinary plans of study. An approved internship may substitute for one elective course. 

Admission Requirements

  • Completed application submitted through the Office of Graduate Admissions. 

  • One official transcript providing evidence of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. 

  • Contact information for three references who can provide a professional recommendation written on professional letterhead. 

  • Admission Essay.

  • Application for teaching assistantship (optional) -- contact the department for more information.

Required Core Courses(12)
CMM500Strategic Communication3
CMM501Applied Communication Research Methods3
CMM502Organizational Writing and Design Across Media3
Capstone: Select one3
CMM780
Thesis in Strategic Communication (Capstone Course)
CMM760
Applied Research Project in Strategic Communication (Capstone Course)
Elective Requirement
Select seven of the following courses: 21
CMM705
Collaboration, Leadership, and Facilitation
CMM706
Conflict, Mediation, and Negotiation
CMM709
Narrative, Identity, and Community
CMM712
Talent Development
CMM716
Talk Technology and Society
CMM720
Environmental Communication, Organizations, and Sustainability
CMM724
Nonprofit Leadership and Communication
CMM726
Organizational Reputation
CMM730
Global Communication
CMM791
Internship in Strategic Communication
Other Graduate Courses with permission of the Graduate Coordinator3
Total Credits 33
1 Capstone prerequisite = CMM501 Applied Research Methods.
2 With permission, CMM780 Thesis(3) may be taken twice, once in lieu of an elective.

Program Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:  

  • Identify 21st-century communication problems in various domains 

  • Understand the impacts of social, cultural, and historical context on communication  

  • Analyze how communication factors shape contemporary issues and problems  

  • Synthesize complex information from both academic and industry research sources 

  • Design, implement, and assess effective solutions for communication problems 

  • Produce proposals for community projects, educational media, or organizational problem solving  

  • Communicate effectively via oral and written communication across a variety of communication contexts and media platforms