Find the right UMGC degree, specialization, or certificate for your professional and educational goals. Use the compare option to decide between multiple programs of interest.
Strategic Communications
Graduate CertificateThese program requirements are for students who enroll in the 2022-2023 academic year.
In the strategic communications certificate program at University of Maryland Global Campus, you'll learn how to conduct research, identify your audience, and develop messages that will stimulate engagement. You'll also practice writing and creating appealing products that deliver those messages. Further, you'll learn how different organizational functions interact with the strategic communications team to achieve organizational objectives.
Program Highlights
Advance your organization's strategic goals in a new communications environment where public relations, marketing, and advertising converge. Communicate your organization's story by integrating organizational messages with operational initiatives to engage your audience effectively.
Required Courses
(6 Credits, DCL 600M)
(6 Credits, MSC 610)
(6 Credits, MSC 620)
Career Preparation
The strategic communications certificate is an interdisciplinary technical credential that provides a solid foundation in competencies and skills related to strategic communications, including public relations. This program requires students to demonstrate competencies in writing for strategic communications, public relations and communications theory, message development, communications research and planning, traditional media techniques and tactics, and social media techniques and tactics.
Experience Recommended for Success in the Program
You are expected to have some familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite.
Taking
(0 Credits, ASC 601) is recommended to help improve writing skills. If you have not recently written professionally in a public relations or related communications field, we also recommend that you familiarize yourself with AP style. You will have access to the AP Stylebook once you have been accepted into the program and classes begin.
Total Program Credits
18
Transfer Credits
Exactly 6
Format
- All courses available online
Tuition Per Credit
- $514 per credit (in-state)
- $659 per credit (out-of-state)
- $480 per credit (military)
- Other fees may apply
Admission Requirements
This program follows standard UMGC admission requirements.
Military-Specific Details
This program does not have military restrictions. It is available to all eligible civilian and military-affiliated students.
State-Specific Details
This program does not have state-specific restrictions.
Communication Studies
Bachelor of ArtsThese program requirements are for students who enroll in the 2022-2023 academic year.
Earn an online bachelor’s degree in communication studies from UMGC and build a firm base of knowledge to boost your career in a variety of communication sectors. The curriculum, designed with input from employers, industry experts, and scholars, combines theories with real-world applications and practical skills to help you better convey information to a variety of populations. Whether you’re interested in journalism, public relations, business, or digital communication, this degree will help you master communication within ethical, legal, and financial parameters.
Program Highlights
- Sharpen skills in research: Design and employ specific research methods and tools to gather information.
- Work in multiple media channels: Integrate multimedia components into print, broadcast, and online formats.
- Improve writing style: Write News articles in a variety of journalistic styles.
- Expand marketable skills: Write a comprehensive public relations plan and create targeted messages.
- Develop informative communication: Create professional written and visual communications for diverse audiences.
- Gain hands-on experience: Learn to incorporate communication theory and professionalism into your work.
Required Courses
(3 Credits, SPCH 100) or any SPCH course
(3 Credits, COMM 207) or any COMM course
(3 Credits, JOUR 201)
(3 Credits, COMM 300)
(3 Credits, COMM 302)
(3 Credits, SPCH 324)
(3 Credits, JOUR 330) or any upper-level JOUR course
(3 Credits, COMM 400) or any upper-level COMM course
(3 Credits, SPCH 470) or any upper-level SPCH course
(3 Credits, COMM 390) or any upper-level COMM course
(3 Credits, COMM 495)
Career Preparation
This program is designed to help prepare you for a career in mass media, new media, journalism, public relations, business, or online communication.
Experience Recommended for Success in the Program
No previous experience is needed.
Total Program Credits
120
Transfer Credits
Up to 90
Format
- All courses available online
- Select hybrid courses available
Tuition Per Credit
- $312 per credit (in-state)
- $499 per credit (out-of-state)
- $250 per credit (military)
- Other fees may apply
Admission Requirements
This program follows standard UMGC admission requirements.
Military-Specific Details
This program does not have military restrictions. It is available to all eligible civilian and military-affiliated students.
State-Specific Details
This program does not have state-specific restrictions.
Strategic Communications
Master of ScienceThese program requirements are for students who enroll in the 2022-2023 academic year.
The online master's degree in strategic communications at University of Maryland Global Campus is designed to prepare you for leadership positions in public relations and related communications fields. This project-based program provides realistic experiences that will develop your communications team management and leadership skills while deepening your understanding and ability to apply the theories, principles, and best practices that guide the profession of strategic communications today.
Program Highlights
Required Courses
Take the following courses in the order listed:
Foundation Course
(6 Credits, DCL 600M)
Core Courses
(6 Credits, MSC 610)
(6 Credits, MSC 620)
(6 Credits, MSC 630)
(6 Credits, MSC 640)
(6 Credits, MSC 670)
Career Preparation
This program is designed to help you prepare for leadership positions in public relations and related communications fields.
Experience Recommended for Success in the Program
You are expected to have some familiarity with the Microsoft Office Suite.
Taking
(0 Credits, ASC 601) is recommended to help improve writing skills. If you have not recently written professionally in a public relations or related communications field, we also recommend that you familiarize yourself with AP style. You will have access to the AP Stylebook once you have been accepted into the program and classes begin.
Total Program Credits
36
Transfer Credits
Exactly 6
Format
- All courses available online
Tuition Per Credit
- $514 per credit (in-state)
- $659 per credit (out-of-state)
- $480 per credit (military)
- Other fees may apply
Admission Requirements
This program follows standard UMGC admission requirements.
Military-Specific Details
This program does not have military restrictions. It is available to all eligible civilian and military-affiliated students.
State-Specific Details
This program does not have state-specific restrictions.
