What does the application involve?
Applying to our program is simple. You’ll provide a statement of purpose, your resume (or CV), three letters of recommendation, two writing samples, and your undergraduate degree transcripts. International students will also need to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo scores. Please note, the GRE is not required for admission to this program. You can find more information about requirements online.
When are applications due?
July 31 is the deadline for the fall semester, and December 1 for the spring semester.
What kinds of courses do you offer?
The program consists of ten courses. Five of these courses are required and five are electives of your choice. Required courses include foundational, writing, digital, and research-related courses. Electives focus on many different areas of strategic communication and marketing, and you can tailor those to your professional interest; learn more online.
How long will it take me to complete the degree?
A full course load is calculated at two courses per semester. If you take two courses every semester, including in the summer, you will complete your degree in five semesters, or two years. The MA in Strategic Communication is designed to fit with your life and career.
How much does a class cost?
The current tuition cost is about $1,970 per three-credit-hour class, and tuition is the same for resident and non-resident online students. This makes the Iowa MA in Strategic Communication one of the most affordable advanced degrees of its kind.
You can find the most current information online. In the first drop-down menu, select “fall 2023” or the term you are applying to join. Select “Graduate College” along the top middle menu, and “Strategic Communication” under the "area of study" drop-down menu.
Do you accept transfer credits?
We accept up to six hours of credits taken before admission to the program to be applied toward the degree. This includes UI Graduate College-approved transfer credit or courses taken as a non-degree-seeking student before admission to our program.
How much time should I plan to devote to a course per week?
Expect to spend anywhere between 1-3 hours per week outside of class per course. So, if you are taking one course in a semester, you will be in class for up to 2.5 hours per week and will need to spend an additional 1-3 hours reading, doing homework, etc. Please remember this is an estimate; some weeks will be more time-intensive than others.
What types of careers do your graduates go on to pursue?
This degree is most appropriate for people interested in pursuing any communication-related career, or communication-related role within a variety of industries. This can mean working in digital and social media, corporate communications, a public relations agency, or a marketing firm. It might mean serving as a communication director for a non-profit or for-profit organization or working in a communication role in higher education. We have students and alumni in all of these industries. What they share is a passion for strategic communication.
Can I try a class before I apply?
Absolutely. You can apply for admission to Iowa as a non-degree-seeking student online. Remember, you can take up to six hours of coursework before admission to the program, or transfer 6 hours of credit from another institution, and count them towards the degree.
What if my employer is paying for my education?
Great! You can apply for “employer deferment.” Learn more online.
What are the English proficiency requirements?
International students must demonstrate English proficiency. Learn more online.
Are classes live?
All classes have a live component and typically meet one evening per week at 5:30 p.m. (CT). Some courses may choose not to meet live on some days.
Once enrolled, is it mandatory to take a course every semester? Or can you take semesters off?
There is no requirement to be continuously enrolled. You can take a semester off whenever you need to. If you do end up taking more than two consecutive semesters off, you will need to reapply to the program, but that is a fairly easy process.
If you have questions, please email me at joanna-krajewski@uiowa.edu or visit our MA Strategic Communication program webpage.
