SUNY New Paltz will add new Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program in spring 2024

SUNY New Paltz will debut a new graduate degree program in Strategic Communication in January 2024 to help meet the need for skilled communication professionals across a range of industries in New York and beyond.

The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication is a low-residency program offered in a hybrid format: Most coursework can be completed online, with three on-campus weekends per semester to help students connect and collaborate with professors and peers.

At 33 credits, this degree can be completed in less than two years or more gradually on a part-time schedule. Enrollees will join a cohort of students who move through the program together. Students can apply now to be part of the first cohort in spring 2024.

No GRE is required, and applicants may enroll with a variety of prior bachelor degrees. The program is designed to support students of diverse educational and professional backgrounds, regardless of their experience level in strategic communications.

The program offers conceptual and applied knowledge taught by scholars who study communication dynamics and by practitioners who apply this knowledge in professional situations. Students will develop skills in identifying, analyzing and solving communication problems, learning how to use all the tools available to convey information with clarity and intent.

Courses touch on content areas including Writing and Design Across Media; Conflict Mediation and Negotiation; Environmental and Sustainability Communication; Nonprofit Leadership; Global Communication; and Reputation Management, among others. Students may also complete internships for credit to apply their classroom learning in a real-world setting.

This new graduate degree was developed at SUNY New Paltz in response to the strong regional need for skilled communicators, who provide value in nearly every major industry. Research consistently indicates that communication skills are a top priority for CEOs across the nation, and that firms that prioritize effective internal and external communication are better positioned for growth and customer satisfaction in the long term.

Graduates can prepare for rewarding career opportunities in business, healthcare, government, education and other fields, and the program also features specialized tracks for those interested in nonprofit and sustainability work.

More information about the new Master of Arts in Strategic Communication, including application requirements and a full list of courses, can be found at this link.