Master of Arts in Strategic Communication (Advocacy and Social Impact Concentration)

Communicate for a Cause: Advocacy and Social Impact Concentration

Focus your passion for positive social change in communication techniques that engage and mobilize audiences to action. The Advocacy and Social Impact concentration within American University's online MA in Strategic Communication emphasizes strategies and tactics to create change at the individual, community, and public policy levels. Coursework supports career outcomes in various areas, including politics, health care, community issues, and the nonprofit sector.

Curriculum Highlights

• Create and manage advocacy and social change campaigns based on core-messaging principles and audience-research techniques
• Apply social-science theories to drive strategies that achieve desired behavior-change outcomes
• Master social media strategies and tactics
• Learn state-of-the-art digital advocacy and organizing techniques
• Understand the legal and ethical principles that guide communication practice

Learn to leverage communication expertise to make a positive social impact and promote causes you believe in as you gain a comprehensive understanding of communication theory, principles, and application. Courses are taught by the same accomplished faculty who lead our on-campus communication program in Washington, D.C., a center of political and social dialogue, policy, and action. Students and alumni continue the tradition of accomplishments in social change, justice, and advocacy communication for which American’s School of Communication is known.

Why American University?

• Online convenience and flexibility let you continue to work and complete your MA in Strategic Communication in less than two years.
• About 96% of American University’s Master’s in Strategic Communication graduates are employed or continuing education within six months of graduation.
• American University’s School of Communication named a top five PR program finalist by PRWeek for 2017.
• Ranked No. 3 by College Magazine as the best school for Public Relations.
• American is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as a "2018 Best National University."

At American University, our smart, passionate and engaged students and faculty focus their knowledge to create meaningful change. Our strengths in international service and public affairs inspire our sense of social responsibility and a dedication to cultural and intellectual diversity. We’re defined by our global perspective, practical idealism and a dedication to public service.

American University is a private, college-centered research university located in the nation’s capital. It was chartered by the United States Congress in 1893 to build public service, and is now home to a prestigious faculty, guest speakers and visiting world leaders who are influential practitioners and prominent thought leaders.

Join us in creating new opportunities for yourself while you help create a better world. Become part of the network of ambitious achievers, compassionate leaders and socially aware citizens at American University.

American University was recognized by Princeton Review, Best Colleges 2022, with the title of College Gets High Marks and ranked the following:

• #79 Best National School — U.S. News & World Report, American's Best Colleges 2022
• #91 Best Value School — U.S. News & World Report, American's Best Colleges 2022

Online Programs

• Master of Arts in Economics
• Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
• Master of Public Administration and Policy
• Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security
• Master of Science in Health Promotion Management
• Master of Science in Human Resource Analytics and Management
• Master of Science in Measurement and Evaluation
• Master of Science in Nutrition Education
• Master of Science in Sports Analytics and Management

Online Student Experience

American University online programs are delivered through a format that’s convenient, flexible and portable. Like on-campus, students talk about their coursework and current issues with classmates, ask instructors questions and turn in assignments, but it’s all done via email, discussion boards, instant messaging and more.

Online courses at American University are as rigorous and challenging as their on-campus counterparts and taught by the same connected faculty members, influential guest speakers, and prominent lecturers. Interaction and communication with instructors and fellow students are essential components of the programs and academic success.

Online students have access to many support resources including new student orientation, a 24x7 help desk for technical issues, a student services coordinator, financial aid advisers and more.