- Campuses :
- Twin Cities
- Crookston
- Duluth
- Morris
- Rochester
- Other Locations
Do I need an undergraduate degree in strategic communications to be accepted?
No. Some successful strategic communications professionals have degrees in other disciplines. Each candidate’s qualifications will be evaluated from various perspectives – with undergraduate curriculum just one of many factors.
When should I apply?
We’re using a rolling admission process. That means the sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll find out if you’re accepted. The application deadline is June 15— but we urge you to apply as early as possible. Enrollment will be limited to only 20 students.
How soon will I find out if I’m accepted?
Once your application is completed (keep in mind that it’s a dual application process, with one for the University of Minnesota Graduate School and one for the SJMC) and your application fee is received, the process takes about four to six weeks. Candidates will be notified on a rolling basis.
Can I tour the facilities or speak with individual faculty members before deciding to apply?
Yes. Email the academic director, John Eighmey, at eighmey@umn.edu.
How do I get an application for admission?
What are the requirements for submitting transcripts?
Please ask all colleges or universities you previously attended to send official copies of your transcripts directly to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. They should be mailed directly to:
Graduate Student Services
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
University of Minnesota
110 Murphy Hall
206 Church St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Students who have attended the University of Minnesota should ask the Registrar's Office to send their Minnesota transcript directly to the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Do I have to do a master’s thesis?
No. Instead of a master’s thesis, you will do a Capstone Project that will require you to prepare and present a final project in consultation with your academic advisor and reviewed by two other graduate program faculty members. Acceptable formats for the final project include: a publishable series or by-lined academic journal article on an important strategic communications issue or trend; an original research paper on an important dimension of strategic communication; a major paper and presentation on a specific challenge and recommended solution in strategic communication.
When can I start taking classes?
All registered students begin classes in September.
Do I need to submit GRE scores?
Generally, yes. However, if you already have a graduate degree in another field, the Academic Director may waive the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) requirement.
Can previous coursework in public relations, advertising or journalism fulfill requirements for this degree?
Generally this program is highly customized in advanced strategic communication. Students will be expected to take all courses totaling 33 credits in a structured schedule and program.
Can previous coursework for which I've received graduate credits be used to meet the requirements for elective courses?
Yes. And graduate level courses from other programs may be considered as elective credits, subject to approval by the Academic Director.
Are the courses available online?
No, not at this time.
Can I do this part-time?
Most of the courses are offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. This part-time program is designed for working professionals. However, some participants may choose to be fulltime students, though there are no Teaching Assistantships available in the program.
