Master's in Strategic Communications

2 Year On Campus Masters Program

Georgetown University

Program Overview

Georgetown University's Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Strategic Communications prepares students to become confident communication professionals who can develop effective strategies, influence audiences, strengthen organisational reputations, and lead communication initiatives in an increasingly digital world. The programme combines strategic planning, public relations, professional writing, research, and ethical decision-making, making it suitable for students who want to build careers in corporate communications, public relations, marketing communications, government relations, and non-profit communication.

Curriculum Structure

The programme requires 30 credit hours across 10 courses, divided into two core courses, three foundation courses, and five electives. Students can complete their studies through flexible full-time or part-time arrangements, choosing online, on-campus, or a combination of both.

Year 1: Students develop a foundation in professional communication, strategic planning, and ethical decision-making. The foundation courses include Elements of Communications Planning, Public Relations Writing, and Research Methods in PR, helping students understand how to develop communication plans, create persuasive messages, conduct audience research, and evaluate communication effectiveness. They also explore PR Ethics and begin developing the critical thinking and professional judgement required to manage complex communication challenges.

Year 2: Students deepen their expertise through five elective courses and complete the Capstone course, applying their learning to practical communication challenges. Electives allow students to explore specialist areas of public relations, corporate communications, digital communications, integrated marketing communications, and social impact communication. Through applied assignments, industry engagement, and the final capstone experience, students develop strategic communication solutions that connect organisational objectives with audience needs.

Note: The university offers flexible study schedules, so the above year-by-year description is an indicative progression rather than a fixed course sequence.

Focus Areas

Strategic Communication Planning
Public Relations
Corporate Communications
Integrated Marketing Communications
Digital Communications
Social Impact Communication
Communication Research and Evaluation
Ethical Communication and Leadership

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to design strategic communication plans, apply creative and critical thinking to organisational challenges, conduct communication research, evaluate audience behaviour, produce effective professional writing, and use digital platforms to build meaningful relationships with diverse audiences. They also strengthen their global perspective, ethical reasoning, applied problem-solving, technological competency, and ability to lead communication initiatives across different industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Georgetown University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). This accreditation applies to the university and its academic programmes. The MPS in Strategic Communications is also recognised through PRNEWS's Education A-List, receiving this distinction three consecutive times for its contribution to public relations and marketing communications education. This recognition is not a separate professional accreditation.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings)

Georgetown University's Strategic Communications programme has received the PRNEWS Education A-List recognition three years in a row. This recognition considers curriculum quality, faculty composition, academic awards, diversity, and career advancement opportunities in public relations and marketing communications. The programme also benefits from Georgetown's Washington, D.C. location, industry-connected faculty, and relationships with major corporations, government agencies, and international non-profit organisations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students gain practical experience by applying communication strategies to real-world organisational challenges. Georgetown University places strong emphasis on industry engagement, client-based assignments, professional networking, and applied learning. Through coursework and the capstone experience, students have opportunities to collaborate with corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organisations, develop communication campaigns, strengthen their professional portfolios, and learn directly from experienced communication executives.

Key experiential learning opportunities and resources include:

Real-World Client Projects: Students work with actual corporate, government, and non-profit clients through coursework, classroom assignments, and capstone projects, developing communication solutions for real organisational needs.
Capstone Project: The programme's capstone provides an opportunity to integrate strategic planning, research, writing, and communication skills into a substantial applied project.
Industry Collaborations: Previous students have worked with organisations including Google, Microsoft-related industry partners, American Red Cross, Amnesty International, Audi, Bumble, Dolby Laboratories, FleishmanHillard, Gannett, Hallmark, NBC News, Nike, Ogilvy, Samsung, and the World Bank.
Center for Social Impact Communication: Students interested in purpose-driven communication can explore social impact initiatives focused on using communication to support positive social change and strengthen non-profit and community organisations.
Professional Writing and Communication: Public Relations Writing and Elements of Communications Planning help students develop practical skills in producing communication materials, preparing strategic plans, and addressing organisational communication needs.
Communication Research and Evaluation: Research Methods in PR introduces students to research approaches that support audience analysis, communication planning, campaign evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making.
Industry Expert Faculty: Students learn from working communication professionals, executives, and thought leaders who bring experience from corporations, global non-profits, government institutions, and trade associations.
Professional Networking: Georgetown's location in Washington, D.C., provides opportunities to connect with communication professionals, industry leaders, government organisations, and influential institutions.
Flexible Learning Resources: Online students can access the same university resources and curriculum as on-campus students, allowing working professionals to combine their studies with employment.

Facilities and programme resources: Georgetown's School of Continuing Studies provides information about programme learning opportunities, industry engagement, and curriculum through its official curriculum and courses information.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MPS in Strategic Communications can pursue careers in corporate communications, public relations, marketing, government relations, non-profit organisations, and digital media. The programme develops the strategic thinking, professional writing, research, leadership, and audience-engagement skills needed to manage communication campaigns, strengthen organisational reputations, and guide communication strategies. Potential career roles include public relations manager, corporate communications specialist, strategic communications consultant, media relations specialist, and marketing communications manager.

Students can strengthen their professional development and career prospects through the following opportunities:

Career Development and Networking: Georgetown's industry-connected faculty, guest lecturers, and professional network help students build relationships with experienced communication professionals and potential employers.
Career Services: Georgetown's career development resources provide professional guidance, career exploration, networking support, and assistance with career planning and professional development.
Industry Experience: Client-based assignments and capstone projects allow students to develop practical communication experience while building a portfolio of professional work.
Corporate and Organisational Connections: Students have opportunities to engage with organisations such as Google, Audi, American Red Cross, Amnesty International, NBC News, Nike, Ogilvy, Samsung, and the World Bank through coursework and client projects.
Professional Recognition: The programme's three-time PRNEWS Education A-List recognition strengthens its reputation in public relations and marketing communications education.
Flexible Career Development: Online and on-campus study options allow working professionals to continue developing their qualifications without necessarily interrupting their existing careers.
Leadership Development: The curriculum prepares graduates to manage communication initiatives, develop organisational messaging, address reputational challenges, and lead strategic communication projects across different sectors.

Employment and Salary Information: Georgetown's official programme information highlights professional preparation, industry engagement, and career advancement opportunities. However, a specific graduate employment rate or median salary exclusively for this programme was not identified in the official sources. Salaries will vary according to professional experience, job responsibilities, location, and industry.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MPS in Strategic Communications, graduates can consider further postgraduate study in communication, public relations, integrated marketing communications, media studies, organisational communication, or related disciplines. Those interested in research and academic careers may explore doctoral programmes in communication, media studies, or related fields at universities offering suitable research pathways.