Online Master of Science Global Strategic Communications

FIU's Master in Mass Communication: Global Strategic Communications (GSC) Track online program provides students a global perspective in strategic communications in order to prepare them for executive-level careers in communications. Graduates are ready to assume leadership roles as media strategists, crisis communicators, advertising directors, corporate communications managers and public relations specialists.

Industry Statistics 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, while employment for marketing managers and public relations managers is expected to grow about 13 percent through 2022 (about as fast as average), there is a growing demand for communications professionals who can navigate the digital world with a keen understanding of emerging technology and social media.

The most recent data indicates the median annual salary for public relations managers is $114,800, with the top 10 percent earning more than $208,000 (Occupational Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics). According to the Public Relations Society of America's 2020 Corporate Salary Snapshot, corporate communications professionals saw a three percent increase in salary compared to a year ago (PRSA.org).

Program Curriculum

The online Master of Science in Mass Communication: Global Strategic Communications Track consists of six eight-week terms. Students enroll in 4 courses (12 credits) each semester, which is the equivalence of two courses each term.

Core Requirements

Applied Research Methods in the Mass Media   COM 6318
This course focuses on the applied use of research in developing integrated strategic communication programs and campaigns. Students learn methodologies for conducting both secondary analyses, surveys, focus groups, participant observation, case studies and experimentation.

Ethics and Social Responsibility   PUR 6206
Students will become familiarized with professional ethics and standards in advertising and public relations and examines the regulatory environment in which strategic communication takes place. The course also addresses communication and policy issues related to institutional ethics and corporate social responsibility.    

Global Strategic Communication Management  PUR 6607
This course acquaints students with the professions and practice of global advertising and public relations in a multicultural world. The course introduces students to the body of knowledge in strategic communication and helps students gain theoretical expertise that will enhance their professional competence in practice.

Mass Communication Professional Project  PUR 6956
Students will be required to demonstrate excellence in an area of strategic communication study through the completion of a research-based project that contributes to the body of knowledge in their field. The course provides guidelines and direction to graduate students completing their Professional Projects.

Theories of Mass Communication   PUR 6005
Examine theories and processes of mass communication, with a focus on the use and application of communication theory in advertising and public relations practice.

Electives

Advanced Communication Seminar  PUR 6935
This course examines contemporary issues in the field from a communication management perspective.

Applied Media Communication Skill   PUR 6115
The goal of this course is to help students develop professional-quality writing skills for communicating strategically and effectively in multiple formats and platforms. Upon the successful completion of the course, students will have a professional portfolio of writing examples.

Communication for Change Management   PUR 5476
Organizations are continuously grappling with the everyday challenging arena of fluctuating of global economies, sustainability demands, expanding networks and rapidly evolving technology. Though organizations acknowledge the necessity of change within their systems, the processes designed to manage change are often approached as a negative process that leads to the loss in organizational opportunities. This course is designed to provide students with the communication strategies necessary to effectively navigate through organizational change. Students will have the opportunity to review up-to-date and relevant cases, participate in organizational change role-plays, and engage in interactive discussions.

Communication in the Digital Age   Communication  COM 6085
This course is designed to develop and enhance students' understanding of the foundations for digital communication, including an overview of the historical development of digital communication.

Fundamentals of Conflict Resolution   LBS 5485
The course examines the dynamics of everyday conflicts across a variety of settings, from personal relationships to the workplace. The overall purpose of the course is for you to enhance and strengthen your skills when managing conflict. You will draw on your own experiences and case studies to learn the principles of conflict and the techniques for productive management. Both theory and application will be stressed, with an emphasis on their interrelation.

Global Communications  COM 6435
This course explores global markets and intercultural communications while providing advanced study, evaluation and application of cultural context, theories, stakeholders, and trends in media, advertising, and public relations.  Analysis of ethical, legal, political, and social communications issues around the globe.

Global Reputation Management   PUR 6610
This course introduces students to the role and value of strategic communication management in developing and sustaining an organization's global reputation, identity and image, Students develop a final project that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of strategic communication best practices in global reputation management.

Independent Study   COM 6915
This course allows students to study specific topics of interest under the direction of faculty.
Prerequisite: Requires prior approval by instructor, graduate standing and full admittance in the program.

Media Planning   ADV 6305
This course introduces students to the business of media and immerses students in the planning, selection and evaluation of traditional, non-traditional and digital media. The course covers the fundamentals of media planning/buying/selling, numerical analysis of media efficiencies, the use of media and consumer research and key performance indicators to measure media campaign success. Students learn how to formulate media plans targeted to consumers.

Mediation Techniques  LBS 5465
This course will prepare students to analyze, compare and apply premises, theories, and models of mediation. It will also prepare students to compare and select the most productive process to mediate in a variety of conflict and client situations, and to help parties produce fair and lasting agreements. This preparation will enable student to examine the role of mediation in resolving civil, commercial, family, public and workshop disputes and to incorporate mediation principles and skills to current research in mediation.

Multimedia Production and Design  PUR 6116
The course offers introduction in the theory and practice of multimedia production including digital photography, videography, non-linear video editing and sound design.

Organization Conflict and Dispute Resolution Systems   LBS 5488
This course examines the causes, consequences, and cost of organizational conflict and the dispute design systems organizations use to resolve conflict. Organizations are always developing and changing to adapt new practices, policies, and environmental and social conditions. Students will explore the discord of interests, needs, and values at interpersonal, intergroup, and organizational levels; they will also explore how attitudes, behaviors, expectations, cultural norms, and organizational culture shape organizational conflict and resolution.

Social Media Metrics and Evaluation   PUR 6508  
This course introduces strategic aspects of social media analytics by highlighting metrics for assessing effectiveness of social media strategies relevant for global advertising, public relations and marketing communications.

Strategic Facilitation  PUR 6477 
This course focuses on providing students with understanding of the theories and techniques necessary to conduct an effective facilitation. Facilitation fundamentals, research, theories, skills, as well as, current trends in facilitation are incorporated in the course. Instruction will be a combination facilitation simulations, team activities, and interactive discussions. Students will learn facilitation skills and enhance communication skills to successfully conduct focus groups, strategic planning, panel discussions, meetings, online collaborations and round table discussions.

Strategic Storytelling and Digital Content Creation  PUR 6117
This course offers a view of storytelling paradigms and provides the opportunity to apply digital storytelling for strategic purposes using interactive multimedia tools.

To help you through the application process, our enrollment advisors are here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way. All candidates must complete an online application through FIU's University Graduate School portal. Click on the "Apply Now" tab at the top of this website and select Graduate. If you are ready to apply without any further help, continue by selecting the next Apply Now button and then Application link next to Master Programs. 

When choosing your program of study, please make the following selections:

• Intended Major: Mass Communication -- MS

• Concentration: Global Strategic Communications Online 

To begin the online application process, you will need to:

• Click on the icon that reads 'Create Account' in the User Login section. After you create the PIN, you will use the PIN to enter the system and complete the online application.

• Complete the application and submit it (this can be done before taking the GRE or TOEFL).

• Pay a $30 application fee. Most major credit cards are accepted. Checks or money orders are also accepted and should be made payable to Florida International University. 

Admissions Documents

The following must be submitted:

• Online master's programs application ($30). Be sure to select Master of Science in Mass Communications: Global Strategic Communications concentration.

• Official transcripts --All applicants must submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities. Transcripts must be submitted in sealed envelopes directly from the respective institutions. A four-year bachelor degree from an accredited institution as well as a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 in upper-division coursework is required. 

• Proof of Degree -- Submit official proof of degree: a notarized copy of the original diploma is required if the degree is not posted on the official transcripts. 

• GRE Test Scores -- Submit official scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). FIU's code is: 5206. (Those who can demonstrate a record of professional accomplishment, hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and/or demonstrate exceptional academic credentials may petition for a waiver of the standardized exam requirement).

• Recommendation letters -- Submit two letters of recommendation to support the application

• An essay describing your professional goals and reasons for pursuing a master's degree at FIU.

• Résumé -- Current and detailed.

Only those applicants who have submitted complete application packets will be considered. Meeting the minimum requirements is not a guarantee of admissions. 

International Students

• Proof of English Language Proficiency. If you earned a bachelor's degree in a country whose official language is not English, you must demonstrate English language proficiency by earning a passing score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). TOEFL required minimum score: 550 (paper-based exam) or 80 (internet-based). IELTS required minimum score: 6.5. When requesting official scores, please refer to FIU Institution code 5206. TOEFL / IELTS scores are valid for two years. View list of TOEFL/IELTS-exempt countries.

  • Graduate programs can use the Duolingo English Test.

  • Please visit Duolingo English Test for more information about how to register for the exam.

  • FIU Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 110

• Course by Course Evaluation. If your post-secondary educational history includes coursework outside the United States, you must submit a course-by-course credential translation and evaluation, with grade point average (GPA) calculation included, for all non-U.S. coursework. FIU accepts evaluations/translations from any NACES member evaluation service.

  FIU accepts evaluations/translations from any NACES member evaluation services, below are a few FIU recommends:

  Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., International Education Consultants
  7101 SW 102 Avenue
  Miami, FL 33173
  Phone: 305-273-1616 | Fax 305-273-1338
  www.jsilny.org | info@jsilny.com
  Visit the Josef Silny & Associates FIU Form for details

  World Education Services
  PO Box 745
  New York, NY 10113-0745
  212-966-6311
  www.wes.org | info@wes.org 
  
  Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
  PO Box 514070
  Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470
  414-289-3400 | www.ece.org

• Official Transcripts Translation. If official transcripts are not in English, a second copy of the transcript must be requested for translation. Both the official translation, as well as the original transcripts, must be submitted to FIU.

• Certified Copy of Diploma. If you obtained your degree at a foreign institution.

• As a fully online degree, this program is ineligible to grant/provide F-1 Student visas.

Official transcripts/translations must be submitted directly by the respective institution(s) in electronic format or mailed in a sealed institution envelope to:

FIU Online
Florida International University
11200 SW 8th Street, MANGO 540
Miami, FL 33199

Pursuing your graduate degree is one of the best investments you can make -- one that will open doors to personal and professional opportunities. Our tuition costs represent some of the best value in higher education, and we also offer financial aid support to help you reach your goals. The total cost of this online program is $25,000 for Florida residents and non-Florida residents.

Academic Works

FIU offers   Academic Works, a website that matches students with relevant scholarships opportunities.  Find the one that’s right for you!  Academic Works is an online scholarship application tool where FIU students can browse and apply for more than 100 scholarships, made possible by the generosity of FIU alumni and friends.  Students can apply after they are matriculated into one of our programs.  For more information visit  https://give.fiu.edu/business-governance/scholarships/.

Other Resources

There are other third party resources that prospective students can access while researching on how to pay for school.  Below are various links that provide more information on financial aid and scholarship opportunities:

• FinAid
• FastWeb
• BigFuture

Federal Financial Aid

For information on Federal Financial Aid and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), please visit our   financial aid page.

Under the revised Florida Board of Governors' (BOG) Regulation 8.002, all institutions of the State University System (SUS) of Florida are required to provide students with a side-by-side Tuition and Fees comparison for continuing education programs. The tuition comparisons are made between a traditional program vs. its counterpart Market Rate/Self-Supporting program. This approach provides students an opportunity to become aware of options that are available upon selecting a degree program of study.

Please click on the following link which will take you to a searchable database that provides the side-by-side tuition and fees comparisons for the Master of Science Global Strategic Communications: https://continue.fiu.edu/programs/side-by-side-tuition-comparison/embed.html