Last month, the Michigan State University Strategic Communication M.A. program graduated its first cohort, a major milestone for the two-year-old program.
On Dec. 14, 21 students earned their master’s degree. Nearly all of the students, along with their families and friends, converged on East Lansing from their hometowns to take part in commencement activities.
Kyle Holton, a student who lives in Ohio, traveled to campus with his family to receive his diploma in person.
“It feels like a dream,” he said, of earning his master’s. “I got my undergraduate degree from a smaller university, still Division 1, but not quite the size or establishment that MSU has been known to be.
And for some students, like Megan Hudson, earning their master’s degree had an added meaning.
“It’s overwhelming and exciting. I’m the first one in my family to do a master’s program so all of my family is excited as well,” Hudson said.
One of the hallmarks of the online program has been its commitment to building a robust student experience that centers around community.
“To see the fruit of over two years of work for our college become reality, and the extra effort we put into developing relationships beyond the classroom manifest, was both inspiring and fulfilling," said Jason Archer, director of the program. “My heart was overflowing with joy at the conclusion of the weekend.”
MSU StratCom graduates, professors and staff gather for a photo the evening before graduation.
Started in 2017, the MSU StratCom program was designed to be a practical educational experience for working professionals looking to make an impact in both their personal and professional lives. What they learned one day in class could be applied to their jobs the next day.
The MSU StratCom program features courses that focus on crisis communication, message development, persuasion techniques and social media strategy, among other topics, that give a broader, strategic look at effectively communicating.
Last summer, MSU StratCom was ranked the No. 3 Best Online Master's Program in Media Communications by TheBestSchools.org.
Learn more about the program at stratcom.msu.edu.