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 Online
Full-time/Part-time Full-time or Part-time
Transfer Credits 6
Capstone Thesis or Applied Research Project

Program Description

The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication 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 Courses (69 Credits)
CMM500 Strategic Communication3
CMM501 Applied Communication Research Methods3
CMM502 Organizational Writing and Design Across Media3
Capstone: Select one 3
CMM780 Thesis In Strategic Communication (Capstone Course)
CMM760 Applied Research Project in Strategic Communication (Capstone Course)
Elective Requirement
Select seven of the following courses21
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 Credits33
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