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Master of Arts in Strategic Communication

Craft the narrative. Craft your future.

Gain the professional skills you need to advance your career while learning to develop messages that will help organizations reach their goals and address social problems. Rollins’ Master of Arts in Strategic Communication is a unique program in Central Florida that is focused on combining theory and real-world practice to solve social problems in a multicultural world.

As a result, you’ll not only learn about overarching theories that explain how and why people respond to information, but you’ll learn to influence public opinion by researching, planning, implementing, and evaluating effective communication campaigns across paid, earned, owned, and shared media channels.

Top 3 Reasons to Pursue Your Strategic Communication Master’s Degree at Rollins

  1. 1

    Professional Experience

    In addition to learning about theory, you’ll have the opportunity to gain resume-boosting experience through our internship program with leading area organizations, including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando, Hilton, Marriott, the Orlando Magic, Charter Communications, Linda Costa Communications, Uproar PR, and Orange County Public Schools.

  2. 2

    Community Engagement

    At Rollins, we believe life is for service, and that ethos is built into every course you take. You’ll gain valuable experience and give back to your community while creating communication campaigns for local partners like New Hope for Kids, Kids Beating Cancer, BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation, and Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

  3. 3

    An Expansive Network

    Make the connections you need to launch the career of your dreams. You’ll have the opportunity to expand your personal and professional network and meet more than 400 communication professionals by participating in local chapters of the Public Relations Society of America and Florida Public Relations Association.

A headshot of David Painter

“What really distinguishes the strategic communication program at Rollins is that it leverages our existing strengths in liberal arts education, leadership, and community engagement, which translates into our students working with real-world clients to build campaigns and portfolio-quality work that they can use in their job searches.”

David Painter PhD

Associate Professor of Communication

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Did You Know?

According to PayScale, communication professionals with a master’s degree can earn up to $17,000 per year more than those with only a bachelor’s degree.

Explore Careers in Strategic Communication
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Personalized Attention, Engaged Learning

At Rollins, you’ll learn from expert faculty in a personalized learning environment that’s designed to maximize engagement and support. Our small, in-person classes are conveniently offered in the evenings, and our part- and full-time tracks allow you to earn your degree at your own pace.

Explore Our Curriculum Explore Our Curriculum

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Take the Next Step

No matter where you are on your journey to Rollins, we’ll have your back every step of the way.

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    Apply

    Learn more about our streamlined admission process, including information on requirements and deadlines.

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    Learn More

    Attend an on-campus or virtual information session or meet one on one with a counselor or faculty member.

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    Tuition & Scholarships

    Explore how we make an elite education affordable.

Guided By Expert Faculty

With a diverse range of expertise and deep professional connections, our faculty are experienced communicators who leverage their expertise, network, and care to shape students into knowledgeable professionals.

  • David Painter

    David Painter, PhD

    Associate Professor of Communication

    Areas of focus: Mediated communication, with particular expertise in political communication, public relations, and social media

  • Hesham Mesbah

    Hesham Mesbah, PhD

    Professor of Communication

    Areas of focus: Comparative cognitive effects of news media, new media, and the impact of mass communication on social capital, public opinion, social openness, and perception of globalization

  • Sarah Parsloe

    Sarah Parsloe, PhD

    Associate Professor of Communication

    Areas of focus: How individuals communicate to construct empowering health and disability identities in the face of uncertainty, doubt, stigma, and ableism

  • Portrait of Rachel Winter

    Rachel Winter, PhD

    Lecturer, Director of Strategic Communication Program

    Areas of focus: Non-traditional digital political participation, hashtag activism, meme culture, social platforms, accessible communication design, and fan studies

    Awarded Teacher of the Year by Florida Communication Association