Saint Louis University

What you'll study

This master's integrates theory, research and applied practice to prepare students to plan, implement and evaluate strategic communication initiatives. Teaching typically covers public relations, advertising, media strategy, digital and social media, audience research and campaign measurement. Students study persuasive communication, media law and ethics, crisis communication, brand management and content creation across platforms.

Core elements usually include:

• Strategic Communication and Campaign Planning: developing objectives, targeting, messaging and evaluation frameworks for multi-channel campaigns.
• Research Methods and Measurement: qualitative and quantitative techniques for audience insight, media analysis and campaign assessment.
• Digital Media and Social Platforms: social listening, content strategy, analytics and paid social/SEM fundamentals.
• Public Relations and Reputation Management: stakeholder engagement, media relations, crisis response and ethical practice.
• Advertising and Creative Strategy: creative brief development, media buying basics and integrated advertising planning.
• Applied Practicum or Capstone Project: an applied project or client-based practicum that produces a real-world campaign plan or portfolio work.

The programme is commonly offered with options for a thesis or a professional capstone and includes opportunities for internships, studio-based coursework and collaboration with local organisations to build a professional portfolio.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a recognised bachelor's degree or equivalent. Admissions take a holistic view of academic background and professional experience, so applicants with relevant work experience in communications, media or marketing are competitive.

• Academic transcripts: undergraduate degree from an accredited institution.
• Professional experience: recommended for applicants without a communications undergraduate degree; internships or work in PR/advertising are advantageous.
• Statement of purpose: a short personal statement outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the programme.
• References: one or two academic or professional references.
• Portfolio or writing samples: may be requested to demonstrate relevant skills in writing, campaign work or digital content.
• English language proficiency: required for applicants whose first language is not English (acceptable evidence includes recognised tests or approved institutional proof).

Specific departmental requirements and minimum grade expectations are provided by the university; applicants should consult the programme admissions page for full details.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a broad range of communication roles in public relations, advertising, marketing and organisational communication. Typical job titles include:

• Public relations officer / PR account executive
• Communications specialist or manager
• Social media manager or digital content strategist
• Advertising account manager or media planner
• Brand strategist and communications consultant
• Corporate communications or stakeholder engagement officer
• Nonprofit communications director or development communications specialist

Alumni work in agencies, in-house corporate communications teams, media organisations, government and nonprofit sectors. The programme’s practicum and internship elements help graduates build a portfolio and employer contacts within the St. Louis region and beyond.

Why study at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University combines a long-standing Jesuit educational tradition with a focus on ethics, service and social responsibility — themes that are embedded in communication teaching and practice. The university’s urban location provides access to media outlets, cultural organisations and corporate headquarters, offering plentiful internship and partnership opportunities.

Students benefit from faculty with applied research and industry experience, small class sizes that emphasise mentorship, and practical facilities for digital content production and campaign work. The programme’s emphasis on ethical and evidence-based communication prepares students to lead campaigns that are both effective and socially responsible.