Thank you for serving our country

We appreciate the sacrifices you’ve made

As you look ahead to your future, we want to make sure you have the best option to TRANSFORM your education. You may be active military, a veteran or dependent of a service member, but no matter where you are stationed in the world, you can earn a professional master’s degree from Michigan State University.

The award-winning Strategic Communication Online Master’s Program is a 100% online degree aimed at transforming your career and life.

Fast Facts

May 2018 StratCom graduation class
  • In-state tuition offered to active military, veteran or dependent
  • New, starting Summer 2021: The application fee may be waived for active or non-active military persons. Please contact the program for additional information before paying the application fee.
  • Minimum of three years of work experience
  • Minimum of 3.0 undergraduate GPA
  • No GRE required
  • One-, two- or three- year tracks
  • Interactive weekly lessons
  • Three areas of specialization
  • Cohorts begin fall, spring and summer
  • Peer, faculty and staff support

Informational Webinar

This webinar brings together university experts who address utilization of benefits, campus resources and frequently asked questions. Plus, learn how a strategic communication degree can positively affect your career.

Discover More

Watch snippets of the webinar to learn specifics of the benefits of the program and make next steps to your journey in

MSU StratCom.

Lt. Hannah Walsh shares the practical nature of the courses and how they have immediate impact on her career.

Professor Shawn Turner describes how an MSU StratCom degree complements a military background.

Professor Shawn Turner describes how MSU StratCom is impactful beyond traditional communication skills.

Lt. Hannah Walsh describes the value of education inside and outside of the military. 

Lt. Hannah Walsh describes the care received in the MSU StratCom program.

Student Stories

Lt. Col. Stephen Short

"The MSU StratCom program was exactly what I was looking for. I knew that if I took each class, I could apply that knowledge to my career. There was that personal relationship that you were going to have with your instructors. I wanted to share information and really validate if I was doing the right thing."

- Lt. Col. Stephen Short, director of American Forces Network Europe

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Maj. Ruth Castro

“I want my children to know that they are resilient and can persevere no matter what life throws at them. You are not too old, it hasn’t been that long, it isn’t too late to continue your education and make others proud.”

“I have absolutely felt a positive impact at my job from StratCom. Since we focus on digital media, I feel like I have a better handle on how to better utilize social media to help tell the Army story."

- Maj. Ruth Castro, public affairs officer, Army Marketing & Research Group

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FAQ

Get to the right people fast

  • I'm connected to the military (veteran, active duty, dependent) and I'm interested in pursuing the MSU StratCom degree or MSU StratCom certificate. Who do I call for more information on utilizing my educational benefits toward an online degree?

    Contact Patrick Forystek, coordinator at MSU's Student Veterans Resource Center, at (517) 884-5973 or foryste3@msu.edu.

  • I'm a current MSU StratCom student. Where do I go to check on my VA education benefit certification procedures? (Post-9/11 GI Bill® [ch.33], Montgomery GI Bill®-AD [ch.30], Montgomery GI Bill®-SR [ch.1606], Vocational Rehabilitation [ch.31], Dependent Education Assistance [ch.35]) 

    JoAnn Villarreal (last names A-K) at (517) 355-5032 or villarr4@msu.edu
    Lisa Hurley (last names L-Z) at (517) 355-5032 or hurleyl@msu.edu

    Contact if:

    1. You need to verify your required certification documents have been received (new students or students who have submitted updates)
    2. You have questions related to communications you have received from the VA directly related to your VA education benefit certification
    3. You have questions related to previous or current semester certifications

    *GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

  • I'm a current MSU StratCom student connected to the Michigan National Guard. Where do I go to get more information on the Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance (MING STAP)?

    Elaine Smith at (517) 355-5050

    Contact if:

    1. You need to verify your MING STAP application has been received by MSU
    2. You need to verify your MING STAP funds have been received by MSU

Connect with Us

For prospective and current students, contact Jason Archer, Program Director.

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Staff

Sri Kalyanaraman

Sri Kalyanaraman

Senior Associate Dean for Research
Department
Dean

Contact
kal@msu.edu


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Faculty

Heidi Hennink-Kaminski

Heidi Hennink-Kaminski

Dean
Department
Dean

Heidi Hennink-Kaminski, Ph.D., is dean of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University and a professor in the Department of Advertising + Public Relations. A dynamic and compassionate higher education leader, Hennink-Kaminski brings more than a decade of experience in academic administration to ComArtSci. With a passion for lifelong learning, she excels in strategic planning, program development, and building consensus among partners and stakeholders. She has a proven track record of developing and reinvigorating programs by leveraging her deep expertise in research to identify opportunities and challenges, fostering collaboration, and driving initiatives that align with institutional missions.

Contact
h2kamins@msu.edu


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