Master of Science in Strategic Communication & Leadership

M.S. in Strategic Communication & Leadership (30 Credits)

See all program requirements

Core Requirements

Students will complete the following 21 credits of core requirements: 

SCL 6105 Foundations of Strategic Communication & Leadership (3 credits)

Introduces students to the principles and practices of strategic communication and leadership. Emphasizes the role of the chief communication officer (CCO), strategic planning frameworks, foundational theories of leadership, and the development of a personal leadership philosophy in the context of organizational mission and communication effectiveness. 

SCL 6125 Organizational Communication & Culture (3 credits)

Explores the communication dynamics within organizations and the influence of culture on internal and external communication. Examines how leaders shape, reinforce, and transform organizational culture to drive mission-aligned outcomes.

SCL 6215 Data-Driven Communication & Analytics (3 credits)

Equips students to leverage data in strategic communication decision-making. Covers audience research, message testing, formative and summative evaluation, and storytelling with data. Emphasizes applied research skills using both quantitative and qualitative sources to generate strategic insight.

SCL 6325 Crisis Communication & Reputation Management (3 credits)

Prepares students to lead through uncertainty by developing communication strategies for crisis response and recovery. Focuses on protecting and restoring organizational reputation and the role of communication leaders in navigating high-stakes situations.

SCL 6335 Ethics, Law, & Governance in Communication (3 credits)

Examines ethical decision-making, legal frameworks, and corporate governance issues in strategic communication. Emphasizes leadership responsibility, regulatory compliance, and organizational transparency.

SCL 6345 Leadership & Innovation in Communication (3 credits)

Explores how communication leaders drive innovation, foster adaptability, and lead change within organizations. Reinforces personal leadership development by encouraging students to refine their leadership approach, apply systems thinking, and lead with strategic foresight in complex environments.

SCL 6998 Capstone Project & Portfolio (3 credits)

A culminating experience in which students synthesize and apply their learning through a strategic communication project and professional leadership portfolio. Students may design a communication initiative, develop a consultancy or business plan, or address a complex organizational challenge. The course also emphasizes professional identity development, leadership reflection, and the presentation of a final portfolio that demonstrates strategic insight, applied competence, and personal growth.

Directed Electives

Students will complete nine (9) credits from the following elective options:

SCL 6415 Interpersonal Dynamics & Strategic Conversations (3 credits)

Focuses on the human dimensions of leadership communication, including emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and negotiation. Prepares students to lead high-stakes conversations and influence through relational insight.

SCL 6425 Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management (3 credits)

Explores how to identify, prioritize, and engage internal and external publics. Emphasizes mutuality, trust-building, and metrics for managing long-term stakeholder relationships.

SCL 6455 Digital Communication & Emerging Technologies (3 credits)

Analyzes current and emerging digital tools and platforms shaping strategic communication. Topics include social media strategy, digital storytelling, artificial intelligence, and content innovation.

SCL 6465 Strategic Storytelling & Content Creation (3 credits)

Equips students to craft compelling narratives that align with organizational strategy. Emphasizes message development, audience alignment, and multimedia content production for diverse platforms.

 SCL 6475 Strategic Media Relations & Public Affairs (3 credits)

Prepares students to navigate media environments and engage public-sector stakeholders. Focuses on media strategy, message discipline, advocacy, and communication in politically sensitive contexts. 

SCL 6485 Integrated Communication Planning (3 credits)

Guides students through the development of cross-platform communication strategies aligned with organizational objectives. Emphasizes research-informed planning, tactical integration, and performance evaluation.

SCL 6495 Global Communication & Cross-Cultural Leadership (3 credits)

Explores the complexities of communicating across cultures and borders. Prepares students to lead diverse teams, adapt messaging for global audiences, and manage international communication challenges.

SCL 6615 Consulting & Client Relationship Management (3 credits)

Prepares students for external-facing leadership roles. Covers consulting models, client onboarding, service delivery, and managing long-term client relationships in agency and freelance settings.

SCL 6625 Financial Management for Communications (3 credits)

Introduces core financial concepts relevant to communication professionals in organizational, agency, or consulting settings. Topics include budgeting, forecasting, pricing models, profitability, and financial decision-making to support strategic communication planning, resource management, and sustainable operations.

Features & Opportunities

• No entrance exams
• Fall, spring, summer entry with rolling deadlines
• Thesis or professional capstone project designed for a specific organization
• Significant tuition discount for affiliation with the Center for Nonprofit Management in Nashville.

Application Deadlines

Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the M.S. in Strategic Communication & Leadership program must meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s Degree – Earned from a regionally accredited institution. An undergraduate degree in strategic communication or a related social science field is strongly preferred.

• Academic Transcripts – Official transcripts from all undergraduate and any graduate institutions attended.

• Minimum GPA – A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (preferred). Applicants below 3.0 may be considered for conditional admission with evidence of graduate-readiness (e.g., advanced certifications, strong professional record, superior writing sample).

• Relevant Professional Experience – Documented professional experience in a relevant field, with preference given to communication, public relations, marketing, or related areas. Applicants must submit a current, detailed résumé or curriculum vitae (CV). Applicants without direct communication roles may qualify based on related leadership experience (e.g., project/program management, operations, HR, consulting, analytics) that demonstrates communication-intensive responsibilities (stakeholder engagement, supervision, budgeting, cross-functional coordination). A current, detailed résumé/CV is required.
• Statement of Purpose and Personal Introduction – a written statement that introduces the applicant, outlines their purpose for pursuing the degree, describes professional goals, and explains how the program aligns with those goals.

• Letters of Recommendation – Two letters of recommendation, including at least one from a professional reference and one from an academic reference.

Admissions Review Process

Applications are reviewed holistically by the Graduate Program Director and the admissions committee. In addition to academic preparation (minimum GPA guidance above), reviewers consider the strength and relevance of professional experience, including adjacent or non-traditional backgrounds that demonstrate leadership, stakeholder engagement, and evidence of readiness for graduate study. Preference is given to applicants whose purpose and professional goals clearly align with the program’s mission. Applicants who do not fully meet one or more criteria may be considered for conditional admission and may be asked to submit supplemental materials (e.g., writing sample) or meet first-term performance benchmarks.

Transfer Credits

Up to six (6) graduate credit hours from a regionally accredited institution may be considered for transfer, subject to review by the Graduate Program Director. Transfer credits must align with program learning outcomes and have been earned within the past five years with a grade of “B” or higher

Tuition Information: Determine total cost per semester on the Graduate Admissions & Aid website.

After being offered admission to Belmont, you may secure your enrollment with a nonrefundable enrollment deposit of $150. This deposit will be applied to first semester charges.

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