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GRADUATE PROGRAM

Master of Communications

30 total credits | average 2 years to complete

26
DAYS
Left to Apply
8
JAN
Start Date
Format
Online
Tuition
$36,510
Courses
10 courses
Term

Spring 2024

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Become an impactful leader in the dynamic field of Communications

With the rapid rise of both digital and societal disruption, the world of communications has shifted dramatically in recent years. Communications professionals are playing increasingly important roles that contribute to enterprise-wide goals, influence organizational cultures, and define corporate and social responsibility. Organizations need leaders in strategic communications, digital communications, public relations, and social media. Be ready to advance into critical leadership positions and leverage market-relevant skills with a graduate degree from top-ranked Wake Forest University.

Admission Criteria

To enroll in the Master of Communications program a candidate must complete an online application, in which they will submit:  

  • A resume 
  • A bachelor’s degree transcript from an accredited college or university* 

Also, candidates must complete a virtual interview with a Student Success Manager. 

*An unofficial transcript is acceptable for admission; an official transcript is due by the start of the first course. 

150,000

new jobs

in employment in media and communications occupations as the industry is projected to grow faster than average from 2020 to 2030.
17%

increase

in overall wages in communications roles across the U.S.
11,396

unique postings

in the Charlotte-metro and Winston-Salem area for communications job opportunities in March of 2022.

The People Behind the Program

To accelerate your career growth, reach your professional goals, and expand your network, we created the Communications Programmatic Advisory Board (PAB) to bring knowledge from experts in the field into the classroom. These board members are committed to your academic excellence and keeping Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies graduates industry–competitive and globally impactful. 

Core Courses

Students in the Communications program will take 9 core courses. You make take these courses at anytime they are available.

  • Communications Today

    Today’s professionals encounter an increasingly complex organizational environment. This course identifies foundational communications concepts for application and to help navigate challenges, particularly in the digital domain.

  • Communications Research

    Strategic communicators understand that data is an essential basis for well-planned strategies. This course provides the knowledge of research design and data interpretation, helping communications professionals become proficient consumers and ethical producers of research-based arguments.

  • Digital Communications Engagement

    In today’s digital world, consumers of digital messaging are also producers of digital content. Today’s professionals must not only keep up with the near-constant changes in media platforms but must use multiple channels to generate content and listen to users. This course helps build a foundation in current digital practices and emerging media technologies.

  • Crisis and Issues Communications

    Real and perceived threats can pose major challenges for organizations. These threats can range from attacks on an organization’s reputation to managing the proliferation of misinformation communicated in both external and internal channels. This course provides the tools, approaches, and confidence to manage long-term challenges.

  • Strategic Communications

    Internal and external stakeholders expect greater transparency and responsiveness from organizational leaders today. This course emphasizes the practice of internal and external strategic communications through the analysis of case studies. This course examines real organizational challenges and students work to identify solutions.

  • Public Relations

    Public relations (PR) professionals are increasingly tasked with building and maintaining multi-directional relationships with key stakeholders. This course introduces practical approaches to communicating persuasively and building corporate reputation, driving awareness and affinity for the brand among a wide array of stakeholders.

  • Communications Leadership, Organizational Culture & Ethics

    Most organizations have a mission or values statement. How many organizations are living it? This course helps identify leadership strategies for ensuring organizational strategies are aligned with organization mission and values and serve the broader goals of business and society.

  • Leading through Intercultural Communications

    It is necessary for communications leaders to develop intercultural awareness and build communications strategies that reflect diversity of thought, culture, and experience. Equitable practices foster trust and commitment to organizations and brands. Diverse workforces are more creative and innovative. Learn how to assess and design aligned, inclusive communications strategies.

  • Capstone in Communications: Consultative Project

    Learning is forged through application. Skills adjacency – the ability to adopt new skills alongside collaborators and in contexts outside of one’s expertise – has been identified as a critical 21st-century skill. This course applies communications skills and knowledge through a hands-on consultative project.

    • Electives

    Students in the Communications program will take 1 elective. You may take it at anytime your selection is available.

  • Champion Corporate Branding

    Companies with a strong brand purpose have stronger customer and employee loyalty. Is your company’s brand strong? How can you start with the “why” of your brand rather than the “what” and “how” of a product line? In this course, you will learn to recognize strong brands and identify strategies for strengthening brand purpose.

  • Social Media Marketing: SEO, Content and Influencers

    This course explores the world of Earned/Owned Digital Marketing including SEO, Influencer, Social Media, and Public Relations and how to expertly leverage content in order to increase the attention consumers pay to their brands. Students will discuss the increasingly challenging task given the crowded marketplace and information overload that consumers face and how to address this challenge with practical and strategic skills, including organic search, social media content, community management, posting, and user-generated content, social listening and competitive modeling, and digital tools used in influencer marketing.

  • Branding, Storytelling, and Writing for the Digital World

    This course integrates brand management principles and marketing frameworks to guide digital storytelling that effectively engages consumers and other stakeholders. This course will explore how to focus on digital branding through storytelling to differentiate products and services from competitor offerings and to effectively position them as solutions to consumer needs and pain points. Students will learn how to write compelling content that scores highly with dynamic search engine algorithms and how to pursue strategic implementation of a brand narrative using various digital marketing approaches and analyses.

  • Leadership & Change Management

    Explore the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to successfully undertake change. This course delves into the leadership principles, styles, frameworks, and skills required to guide, motivate, and direct teams. Learners will develop the ability to prepare, support, and assist individuals, teams, and organizations in organizational change.

  • Financial Management for Today’s Leaders

    Leading effectively in today’s complex economy requires a confident understanding of the numbers side of the business.

    • Communications Faculty

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    Paying for School

    There are several financial assistance options available for you to start this journey and see your career take off.

    Speak with one of our financial aid officers for help navigating scholarships, veteran’s assistance, FAFSA, and more.

    Learn More

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