If mass communication and interaction fascinate you, then earning a PhD in Strategic Communication online may be a strategic degree path.
This PhD program is brimming with communication theory, research methodology, and the skills needed to communicate strategically in times of crisis. As new communications technologies emerge and economies shift and grow, companies need strategic communicators to competently relay mass messages.
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Whether your goal is to enter a leadership position, conduct research, or even teach, earning an online PhD in Strategic Communication could help you take the next step in your professional journey.
PhD in Strategic Communication Online Programs
PhD programs in strategic communication are designed to provide a foundation of advanced communication, critical thinking, and research skills.
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Here, you’ll encounter a rigorous program focused on researching, developing, and testing messages for delivery to the public. This includes gaining knowledge on how to develop and direct successful communications campaigns that can be applied to a variety of roles, from crisis communication to advertising.
In this degree program, you can work toward becoming proficient in:
- Conducting independent research
- Assessing communication strategies and their effectiveness
- Developing effective models of strategic communication for public and private sectors
- Integrating communication solutions through research and practicality
Along with social science and communication theory, you’ll also be exposed to advanced data analysis, market research, persuasion principles, and the adaptation of messages to differing audiences.
Concentrations in a strategic communications PhD can also help prepare you for specific career paths. To give an example, a concentration on health or crisis communication may result in career opportunities in healthcare or risk communications involving health.
Due to the advanced nature of this degree, graduates may be able to enter managerial positions as strategic communications directors, where they can direct the overall messaging for companies. This degree can also prepare graduates to enter the academic and research fields. Some PhD students go on to teach at the postsecondary level.
Strategic Communication Careers & Salaries
With the rise of social media and digital connection, strategic communication is more important than ever before for businesses, agencies, corporations, and more.
Because of this, earning a doctorate in strategic communication online could help you qualify for a diverse range of career paths in many industries. To give an example, just focusing on crisis communication alone may offer many opportunities. Crisis, risk, and health communication involve instructing the public on issues like disease management and natural disaster preparedness.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median wages of some positions related to the advanced study of strategic communication.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers | $133,380 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Public Relations Managers | $125,780 |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 |
| Fundraising Managers | $100,810 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $96,910 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,640 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
| Writers and Authors | $69,510 |
Because of the diverse application of strategic communications skills, such as leadership and critical thinking, exact job titles and salaries can vary.
Many graduates find opportunities with various businesses, where they may direct internal communications or enhance the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Graduates may also find opportunities in political research, where they can direct political and policy messaging to the public.
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Overall, the skills gained in this PhD program could apply to a range of leadership and directorial positions related to communication. It could also help prepare you to enter a career in research and academia.
Doctor of Strategic Communication Curriculum & Courses
The specific courses in PhD programs in strategic communication will vary depending on the school, but here are some common core courses:
- Advanced Communication Theory: This course examines current theories, strategies, research, and concepts within the field of communication.
- Strategic Crisis Communication: This course overviews the history, theories, and strategies involving crisis communication, and it includes topics like critical thinking, ethics, trend monitoring, and the use of digital tools.
- Introduction to Applied Doctoral Studies in Communication: This course overviews the communication field from a historical, trend, and methodological perspective, with a focus on specialized vocabulary and prominent writers.
- Communication for the Professional: Quantitative Methodologies: This course overviews social science research methodologies and statistics in the communication field.
- Applied Communication Methods: This course focuses on the advanced application of research methodology, with a focus on conducting communication audits.
- Communication Campaigns: This course overviews historical and modern campaign communication theories and applications.
- Symbols in Terrorism: This course examines the theory of the communicative power of symbols as related to terrorism.
- Communication and Community Engagement: This course focuses on communication as a community engagement tool in various sectors.
- Organizational Communication: This course overviews communication within an organizational context, with a focus on strategic communication within agencies and other organizations.
- Studies in Intercultural Communication: This course overviews and examines the theories and methods of communication between cultures.
Many doctoral programs require the completion of a doctoral project or dissertation, which involves advanced planning and preparation.
Admissions Requirements
While admissions requirements can vary from school to school, there are several criteria that are typically required for PhD admissions, including:
- Bachelors and masters degree transcripts
- Writing sample
- Statement of purpose and professional goals
- Letters of reference
- Curriculum vitae or resume
A growing number of schools no longer require GMAT or GRE scores for graduate admissions. You can check with your school’s admissions department to determine if these are required.
Accreditation
Much like when considering an on campus or online masters in communication management program, determining whether a university is accredited is an essential step to take before applying. Accreditation is a type of quality assurance. Accredited universities have been found to meet certain educational standards.
Regional accreditation is considered the most prestigious and widely recognized accreditation. Pursuing your doctoral degree at an accredited school can positively affect your future employability as well as your ability to receive financial aid.
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Only select organizations can provide regional accreditation to schools. You can check the credibility of a school’s accreditation status via the Council of Higher Education Accreditation’s website.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Many students require financial assistance to complete a Ph.D. in Strategic Communication. Common options for aid include federal aid, state aid, scholarships, grants, and more. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for need-based from the federal government.
Various scholarships and grants are offered by a range of sources, such as schools, professional organizations, and public and private institutions. Schools may also offer assistantships or other specialized aid options for doctoral students. In addition, some employers offer financial aid programs for workers who want to advance their education and professional development.
What Is a Strategic Communication PhD Degree?
A strategic communication PhD degree is designed to prepare students to research, test, and develop communication messages for a variety of real-world applications.
PhD programs may offer a range of focuses, from business communications to crisis communications. This type of program also covers applied research and theory to help equip students with the tools to communicate with the public on health- and crisis-related topics.
Students will also be exposed to social science communication theory and research methodology. This could help prepare them for academic or research positions.
Should I Get a PhD in Strategic Communications Online?
If you want to develop advanced knowledge of strategic communications that is applicable across many industries, then you might consider earning a PhD in the field. Earning this communication degree online can also be a convenient way to earn an advanced degree while still managing daily life.
Holding a strategic communications PhD may expand your career opportunities as well as help you qualify for positions in research and academia. Overall, advanced strategic communications positions tend to offer lucrative salaries. Many professionals also find these positions rewarding, as they might help an organization in meeting its goals or provide essential messages to the public.
What Can You Do with a PhD in Strategic Communication?
Earning a PhD in Communications online can help prepare you for a diverse number of career opportunities in business, higher education, non-profit organizations, and even government.
Those with a PhD tend to have advanced knowledge in strategic communication techniques, advanced research skills, and data assessment.
Some graduates go on to:
- Lead a business communications team
- Develop advertising campaigns
- Lead crisis communication responses for businesses and agencies
- Direct customer service for corporations
- Communicate with the public during economic or health crises
A PhD can also help you qualify for careers in research or teaching at the postsecondary level.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Strategic Communication Online?
Generally, a PhD takes between 3 to 5 years to complete with full-time enrollment. The timeframe can vary depending on the number of credit hours required and how long it takes to complete your dissertation.
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If a strategic communications doctorate program doesn’t require a dissertation, it can potentially be completed in 3 years with full-time study. Your program may take longer to complete if you choose to enroll part-time or need more time to complete your dissertation.
What’s the Difference Between a PhD in Strategic Communications vs. Public Relations?
While public relations and strategic communications have some overlap, here are some of the differences between the two.
- PhD in Strategic Communications: Strategic communications has a broader scope than public relations. It tends to focus more on the overall communication plan of a company or organization, and it can also include crisis communication.
- PhD in Public Relations: Public relations has a narrower focus of ensuring the public has a positive view of an organization. It’s also tasked with building positive relationships.
Overall, both of these degrees differ in scope, with strategic communications being broader in its overall focus on communication.
Is a PhD in Strategic Communication Online Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Strategic Communication online is worth it for many students. The advanced skills and knowledge that can be gained from this program are applicable to a wide variety of sectors. A PhD could also provide greater career flexibility.
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A doctoral degree in this field could also help you qualify for senior or leadership positions in communication. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management occupations overall are projected to see 8% job growth over the next ten years, which is faster than average. PhD programs can also help you prepare for careers in research and academia.
Universities Offering Online PhD in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Liberty University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Communications with concentrations in Communication and Strategic Media. All classes meet entirely online, and most are 8 weeks long. On average, students complete their 60 required credit hours in as little as three years when attending full-time.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Marywood University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies. This program may be an excellent next step for students pursuing advanced roles in settings like government, higher education, or nonprofit organizations. The program aims to provide ultimate flexibility with part-time and full-time attendance options and a fully online learning model.
Marywood University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Oral Roberts University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Leadership. Potential courses include Coaching and Talent Development, Modeling Systems Change, Decision and Data Analytics, and Global Entrepreneurship. Classes are housed entirely online and are usually 7 weeks long. A minimum of 48 credit hours is required to graduate.
Oral Roberts University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Regent University offers a Doctor of Strategic Communication. Graduates often pursue careers as researchers, communications consultants, executive-level leaders, or professors. The curriculum consists of 49 credit hours in topics like communication theory, research methods, and crisis communication techniques. This program is housed primarily online, though periodic residencies on campus are required.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of North Dakota offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Communication. Courses cover key concepts in interpersonal communication, cyberculture and new media, crisis communication, and strategic leadership. Coursework can be completed fully online or on campus. The program requires the completion of 90 credit hours and can typically be finished in 3 to 5 years.
UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your PhD in Strategic Communications Online
Earning your PhD in Strategic Communications degree online may be the next step in your professional development.
There’s a wide range of opportunities for strategic communications professionals, from working with agencies on crisis communication campaigns to directing advertising or marketing campaigns for brands. Some programs may offer specific areas of focus within the field. A PhD could also help you work toward careers in research and academia.
If you’re ready to advance your expertise in this versatile sector, you can start exploring accredited universities today to find the strategic communications PhD program that’s right for you.
