Choosing to pursue your master’s in strategic communication at Columbia University might be the best decision of your academic career.
Strategic communications experts are in high demand right now, and they are needed in virtually every company, government agency, and nonprofit organization that deals with the public.
Getting your master’s in strategic communication from one of the world’s most esteemed universities will set you up for a successful and lucrative career.
There are, however, a few important things you need to know about the program before applying. So, let’s get into it.
Master’s in Strategic Communication at Columbia University – Details to Know
Exceptional communication skills, critical thinking, and strategic perspectives are invaluable qualities that pave the road to professional success in every industry, organization, and level within a workplace.
The Master of Science in Strategic Communication program at Columbia University is specifically designed to help you acquire these skills. Here, you will be taught by distinguished faculty and guided by some of the top professionals in the field.
This course gives you an educational experience that you can put to work immediately.
Master’s in Strategic Communication at Columbia University is divided into three paths:
- Executive Path
- Full-Time Path
- Part-Time Path
We have discussed each category in-depth below, but for those who are in a rush, here’s a quick breakdown of these three categories:
If you are confused about which path to choose when pursuing a Master’s in strategic communication at Columbia University, or if you are still wondering if Columbia University or a strategic communications program is right for you, SelectRight can help you make the right decision.
Being the best AI-powered tool of its kind, SelectRight helps you find the perfect course/program and ideal university using personalized recommendations, exclusive events, and actionable advice.
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For those of you, who have already used SelectRight to find Master’s in strategic communication at Columbia University as your ideal program, here’s an in-depth guide to the course that you would find helpful.
Master’s in Strategic Communication – Executive Path (Hybrid)
Columbia University’s Master of Science in Strategic Communication: Executive Path is a graduate program that is designed to elevate your knowledge base and skills. Ideal for experienced communication professionals as well as those who are in leadership positions across various industries, this program has a duration of 16 months.
The Executive Path has an accelerated format, and the part-time and hybrid coursework makes it perfect for executives who are either working full-time or are based outside of the New York metropolitan area.
The course starts in the fall and ends in the fall of the following year. Most of the classes and intensives are taken online during weekends and evenings to suit the busy lifestyle of working professionals.
However, students need to visit the university’s New York City campus twice per semester to attend intensives that feature networking, guest lectures, group projects, and co-curricular activities.
Master’s in strategic communication at Columbia University teaches you how to:
- Focus on critical thinking, practical skills and analysis.
- Become more intimately familiar with the social and psychological underpinnings of communication and how to use communication tools strategically.
- Develop effective thinking habits and communication strategies.
- Complete a comprehensive Capstone Project.
The strategic communication program features:
- A distinguished faculty made up of communication leaders who are practicing professionals as well as expert teachers.
- A dynamic course of study and curriculum that includes weekend classes, multi-day intensive studies, and online activities.
- Access to elective classes in other SPS (School of Professional Studies) programs.
- A high-touch, personalized, and curated academic experience.
- A far-reaching network.
Deposit Requirements and Tuition Fees
To secure a place in the Master’s in Strategic Communication at Columbia University, admitted students need to pay a nonrefundable deposit of $2,000 within the deadline (which you will find in your acceptance letter).
This deposit will be credited towards your tuition upon matriculation, and there is no way to waive this fee. If you fail to deposit the sum within the given deadline, you will have to forfeit your place in the class. If you make the deposit but do not enroll, you will lose the deposit.
Tuition and fees may change every year, and they are approved by the Board of Trustees every spring.
Other Possible Charges and Fees:
| Application Fee | $95.00 (U.S. currency) non-refundable application fee. Must accompany the online application. |
| Orientation Fee | $150 one-time fee for all new degree students in the first term. |
| Executive Resources Fee | $500.00 for each of the 6 core courses as well as for Capstone. |
| Student Activities Fee | $300 |
| Technology Fee | $35.00 per term |
| Document Fee | $105.00 one-time fee for all new students |
| Withdrawal Fee | $75.00 one-time fee |
| International Service Charge | $135 per term (mandatory for all international students) |
The Executive Path of the Master’s in strategic communication at Columbia University is a highly sought-after program that receives hundreds of applications every year. Make sure to apply as early as possible.
Master’s in Strategic Communication – Full-Time Path (On Campus)
If you want to pursue a Master’s in strategic communication at Columbia University full-time, this path is for you. The program is designed to help you develop and acquire all the tools and skills necessary to build a successful career in a wide variety of communication fields. All the classes take place at the New York City campus.
Most students finish the program in 16 months regardless of whether or not they go for a summer “Practicum” or graduate-level internship. The program also has an accelerated 12-month version, but it does not come with the opportunity for an internship.
The full-time strategic communication program allows you to:
- Learn invaluable communication skills including strategic approaches, organizational mindset, and analytical frameworks.
- Discover ways to apply communication strategies effectively to affect or support organizational outcomes.
- Gain the skills and confidence to become a change agent in the organization.
- Have access to elective classes offered by the other SPS programs at Columbia.
- Create an elaborate Capstone Project with a renowned organization and with real research and recommendations.
The full-time strategic communication program features:
- An advanced and innovative curriculum.
- An esteemed faculty made up of scholar-practitioners and leaders from the field.
- A high-touch, personal and curated academic experience featuring individualized feedback and small class sizes.
- Access to a supportive community of staff, faculty, industry insiders and alumni.
- Networking opportunities with potential employers and senior industry executives.
- An optional practicum or graduate-level internship that gives you real-world experience.
Tuition Fees and Charges
To secure a place in the full-time program for Master’s in strategic communication at Columbia University, you need to pay a nonrefundable deposit of $2,000. Here’s a quick breakdown of the fees:
Most of the other charges such as the application fee, orientation fee, document fee, withdrawal fee and so on are the same as those mentioned in the Executive Path. However, these fees and charges may change annually.
Who Should Apply to the Full-Time Path?
If you are planning to apply to the full-time path for the Master’s in strategic communication at Columbia University, first find out if it is right for you.
To be eligible for this program, you need to have an outstanding undergraduate academic record regardless of whether or not you have experience. If you are a critical thinker and have a bachelor’s degree in a field where you have had to apply analytical writing skills, this program may be ideal for you.
You can always rely on SelectRight to find the ideal course or program at your preferred university.
Master’s in Strategic Communication – Part-Time Path (Hybrid)
Master’s in strategic communication at Columbia University has a Part-Time Path, in which the program is offered in a hybrid modality. The course, curriculum, and faculty in the Part-Time path are more or less the same as you would find in a full-time path. The main difference is in the duration of the course and in the way the classes are conducted.
The part-time path of the strategic communication course is ideal for working professionals who are based in or out of the New York City area. You would start the program in the fall and complete your degree requirements within 24 months or 3 years.
The coursework involves online and some in-person study sessions that are primarily conducted during weeknights.
The tuition fees and other charges for the Part-Time course are more or less similar to the Full-Time course.
Master’s in Strategic Communication at Columbia University – Payment Procedures
Getting a Master’s in strategic communication at Columbia University is a huge financial decision, and it is an investment in your future. Like many SPS students, you may utilize various combinations of scholarships, personal savings, outside grants, sponsors, or loans to cover the cost.
The Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Student Financial planning are there to help every student understand and meet the financial obligations associated with the program. You may find more information on the financial aspect of it on the official website of Columbia University.
For financial assistance in the form of easy and hassle-free student loans, you can always turn to FundRight, India’s first student loan bidding platform. Getting a loan from traditional lenders such as banks may take forever, but FundRight approves your loan in a matter of 2 days.
Application Timeline for Master’s in Strategic Communication at Columbia University
Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies will start releasing admission decisions for Fall 2023 in mid-November.
They deliver application decisions on a rolling basis, typically 4 to 6 weeks after you submit your application with all the necessary documents. You need to submit your application as early as possible.
Here are the deadlines for Fall 2023:
With this understanding of the program for Master’s in strategic communication at Columbia University, you should be ready to take the next step.
