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Curriculum & Courses

The Master of Science in Strategic Communication is introducing a new curriculum for students beginning the program in fall 2025.

Curriculum for Incoming Fall 2025 Students (12-Month Path)

Curriculum for Incoming Fall 2025 Students (16-Month Path)

New curriculum features include:

Updated foundational courses. We have redesigned the program’s required core courses and added the Ethical Decision-Making for Communicators course.

Introduced selective courses. We have added selective courses, providing more options to focus your study in specific areas. 

Full-Time On Campus
Description Full-Time
Description Points Requirement Full-Time

36 points (credits) for degree completion

Description Format Full-Time

On-campus instruction; online instruction possible for some courses

Description Intake Full-Time

Fall intake only

Description Time Commitment Full-Time

16 months with the opportunity to complete in an accelerated 12-month time frame

Description Capstone Project Full-Time

Yes

International Students

International students are responsible for ensuring they have read and understand the University’s student visa application eligibility and requirements(link is external). Please note that it is not permissible to enroll while in B-1/B-2 status. In addition, if studying on a student visa, you must enroll full-time (12 points/credits per term, with the exception of the summer semester and your final semester) and study on campus. International students are not permitted to take more than one online course a semester.

As a result of the application and interview process, some students will begin their program of study with a six-week summer course, Advanced Academic English for Graduate Students. 

These courses are offered through Columbia University’s American Language Program and are designed to strengthen English skills and prepare students to better meet the demands of SPS’s rigorous curriculum and achieve success in the professional world. Participants will hone their discussion and presentation skills, build their writing skills, and explore different topics by reading and listening to a variety of content.

International students have specific guidelines that they must follow to work for an organization for the Practicum elective. To be considered a full-time student, an international student must be registered for at least 12 points (credits) per semester, with the exception of their final semester.

Full-Time Sequence (Sample)

Full-time students may complete the program in three consecutive terms, or they may decide to spread out their coursework across four consecutive terms, including a Practicum (graduate-level internship). Some courses may be available online. The course sequence below outlines the accelerated three-term pathway.

 

12-Month Pathway (3 consecutive terms)

First Term: Fall (12 Points/Credits)

Core 1: Strategic Communication Management

Core 2: Compelling Communicator

Selective 1

Elective 1

Second Term: Spring (12 Points/Credits)

Core 3: Ethical Decision-Making for Communicators

Core 4: Communication Research and Insights

Selective 2

Elective 2

Third Term: Summer (12 Points/Credits)

Core 5: Capstone

Selective 3

Elective 3

Elective 4


16-Month Pathway (4 consecutive terms)

First Term: Fall (12 Points/Credits)

Core 1: Strategic Communication Management

Core 2: Compelling Communicator

Selective 1

Elective 1

Second Term: Spring (12 Points/Credits)

Core 3: Ethical Decision-Making for Communicators

Core 4: Communication Research and Insights

Selective 2

Elective 2

Third Term: Summer (3 Points/Credits)

Elective 3

Fourth Term: Fall (9 Points/Credits)

Core 3: Capstone

Selective 3

Elective 4

Core Courses

Note: The program’s five core courses provide a foundational understanding of strategic communication and are required for the M.S. degree.

Selective Courses

We have introduced selective courses, allowing students to focus their studies in specific areas. Students are required to take one course from each selective group. If students are interested in more than one course within a selective group, they may take additional courses, which will count toward elective degree requirements.

Note: Selectives are not always offered in the same modality each year. Please double-check the current modality before enrolling. Not all selectives are available every semester, and registration is based upon availability.

Group 1: Communication Tools & Technologies

Group 2: Interpersonal, Team, and Organizational Communications

Group 3: Global Strategic Communication

Elective Courses

The program’s wide and varied range of electives gives students the opportunity to take classes at the School of Professional Studies outside of the program and elsewhere at Columbia. Through their elective selections, students can craft a path of study aligned with specific interests and objectives. Many electives bring together students from all formats of the Strategic Communication program, providing additional opportunities for networking and relationships.

Note: Electives are not always offered in the same modality each year. Please double-check the current modality before enrolling. Not all electives are available every semester, and registration is based upon availability.

Advanced Academic English for Graduate Students

This intensive six-week program is designed to increase proficiency in spoken and written English, enhance reading and listening skills, and prepare students for studying in a rigorous U.S academic context. It also aims to familiarize participants with Columbia and with New York City.

The course is aimed at international students whose first language is not English.

The curriculum will combine linguistic, academic and cultural objectives, and students will explore these areas through various thematic units.  

Expectations and Time Demands

Typically students spend 15–25 hours a week outside the classroom to complete assigned readings, work on assignments, and participate with work groups.

Courses take place mainly during the day, with some electives in the evenings or other time formats. Most classes are two hours in length.

In order to receive the master's degree in Strategic Communication, you must complete all requirements of the degree within three years with an overall grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better.

The information about the new curriculum model included on this web page applies only to students starting the program in fall 2025. Students who began the program in fall 2024 or earlier should visit this page to view the curriculum model applicable to their cohort.

The University reserves the right to withdraw or modify the courses of instruction or to change the instructors as may become necessary.