Program Overview
Explore Our Online M.S. in Strategic Communications – Social Media Management Degree
Enhance your ability to align social media messaging with integrated marketing strategies with the 100% online Master of Science in Strategic Communications with an Emphasis in Social Media Management program at Arkansas State University. Open career doors and meet your professional goals with capabilities you will have gained in consumer analysis and the delivery of key information to diverse audiences.
$9,930
Program Tuition
As few as 10 months
Program Duration
30
Credit Hours
$9,930
Total Tuition
As few as 10 months
Program Duration
30
Credit Hours
This online graduate program provides you the opportunity to further invest in your career and rise as a skilled communicator. You will learn to maximize your social media approach by leveraging consumer analysis with media research, utilizing the appropriate tools, reach diverse audiences with effective data tracking techniques, and align your company’s user engagement goals with effective marketing strategies.
Through the program’s core coursework, you will gain full comprehension of Google Ads and Nielsen as well as a strong grasp of crafting, tracking and measuring the effectiveness of social media messaging.
Graduate career-ready with HootSuite certification and a deep understanding of appropriate social media tools and how to conduct consumer analysis through research in media industries. This affordable online program is designed for working professionals to further their careers at their own pace and at their own schedule.
As a graduate, you will be prepared for career advancement into communication roles including:
- Social Media Strategist/Specialist
- Social Media Manager/Director
- Communications Manager
- Marketing Manager
Tuition
Learn More About the Affordable Tuition for Our Master of Science Program
Our M.S. in Strategic Communications – Social Media Management online program offers the same affordable tuition to in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included in the total tuition.
| Per Credit Hour | Per Course | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total | U.S. Resident Tuition | Required Fees | Total |
| $291.00 | $40.00 | $331.00 | $873.00 | $120.00 | $993.00 |
Calendar
View Important Dates and Deadlines for Our Online Master of Science Program
Our M.S. in Strategic Communications – Social Media Management online program is designed with flexibility and convenience in mind for working professionals, with accelerated coursework and multiple start date options.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:
| Term | Length | Course Begin | Course End | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Deadline | Last Day to Withdraw |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 | 7 wk | 03/06/2023 | 04/28/2023 | 02/20/2023 | 02/24/2023 | 03/02/2023 | 03/03/2023 | 04/15/2023 |
| Summer 2023 | 5 wk | 05/30/2023 | 06/30/2023 | 05/15/2023 | 05/19/2023 | 05/25/2023 | 05/26/2023 | 06/19/2023 |
| 5 wk | 07/03/2023 | 08/04/2023 | 06/19/2023 | 06/23/2023 | 06/29/2023 | 06/30/2023 | 07/21/2023 | |
| Fall 2023 | 7 wk | 08/21/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 08/07/2023 | 08/11/2023 | 08/17/2023 | 08/18/2023 | 09/22/2023 |
| 7 wk | 10/16/2023 | 12/08/2023 | 10/02/2023 | 10/06/2023 | 10/12/2023 | 10/13/2023 | 11/17/2023 |
Admissions
How to Apply for Your Master of Science Degree
A-State Online offers a streamlined admission process for both new students and transfers. Students who are interested in the M.S. in Strategic Communications – Social Media Management online program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Review full admission requirements below.
- Complete online application and submit a nonrefundable $30 fee
- Have a baccalaureate degree or a master's degree with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited institution
- Official transcript(s) sent from the registrar of the college/university attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the granting institutions.
- Submit a writing sample that showcases applicants' writing abilities and demonstrates creative thinking skills. Examples of acceptable samples include a term or research paper, blog post, case study, whitepaper or website.
Additional Information
Submit all documents to:
A-State OnlineP.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467
Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]
For Non-US Postal Mail Overnight Delivery Only:
Academic Partnershipsc/o Central Receiving
2713 Pawnee St.
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Courses
Advance Your Knowledge With These M.S. in Strategic Communications – Social Media Management online Courses
The M.S. in Strategic Communications – Social Media Management online program requires 30 credit hours of coursework. Students will take five required core courses (15 credit hours), select either STCM 6033 or MDIA 6423 (three credit hours), and four additional STCM courses (12 credit hours).
Students must select one of the following courses.
STCM 6033: Communication Regulation and Policy
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Course provides an introduction to media laws and regulations, addressing how they impact media managers, how to allocate necessary resources, and how to remain current as to media policies and regulations.
MDIA 6423: Media Entrepreneurship
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Students will focus on development of entrepreneurial products by taking an idea from conception to production completion while practicing aspects of management, financing, and entrepreneurship. Students will address communication industry dilemmas that address creative product development.
Students must take the following five courses.
COMS 6053: Quantitative Research Methods
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Study of the tools and techniques of empirical research as they may be applied to mass communications
STCM 6253: Audience Market Analysis
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Using social scientific research methods for audience/consumer analysis, this course provides a survey of applications of research in media industries. Pragmatic task activities will be conducted via Nielsen, Arbitron, SRDS and related data sources to find audience market.
STCM 6263: Advertising Account Management
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Advanced study of the principles and practice of media account management. Includes an in-depth analysis of advantages and disadvantages of multiple media platforms in communicating messages to diverse target audiences and a discussion of effective and ethical client relationships.
STCM 6303: Seminar in Strategic Communications
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
The role of strategic communications in and for organizations and brands, including communications objective(s), target audience(s), and key messages. Addresses application of communication theory and research related to public relations, advertising and social media.
STCM 6533: Strategic Communication Management
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
The Strategic Communication capstone course is an opportunity for students to synthesize and apply knowledge throughout the Strategic Communication program. Under the guidance of the instructor, students investigate a real-world strategic communication issue, devising solutions, recommendations and strategies that bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Students must select four courses (12 credit hours) from the following choices.
STCM 5113: Integrated Marketing Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Focuses on the strategic integration of various channels and methods of communication for the purpose of delivering key messages to diverse target audiences in order to elicit responses, create a dialogue and engender relationship-building.
STCM 5213: Social Media in Strategic Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course examines concepts and applications of social media within mass communications, news, advertising, and public relations industries. We will explore and apply social media tools, integrating them into an organization’s overall communication strategy.
STCM 5463: Interactive Advertising
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the world of online interactive advertising. It surveys a variety of important topics, from integrating social media initiatives into the overall marketing communications plan to online display ads to developing an effective search engine strategy.
STCM 5473: Social Media Measurement
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Measurement and improvement of investment outcomes from use of social media in advertising, public relations and marketing communications.
Next Start Date: