Master of Arts, Strategic Narrative Communication
Tell the Right Story at the Right Time in the Right Way
The Master of Arts in Strategic Narrative Communication is a fully online graduate program that prepares you to lead in an evolving media landscape by combining the timeless power of storytelling with today’s most dynamic communication tools. This interdisciplinary degree equips you with advanced skills in audience engagement, brand narrative, digital marketing, and immersive storytelling across platforms such as AR/VR/XR, podcasting, and AI-generated media. Designed for professionals and aspiring leaders across industries, this one-year program offered in 8-week terms trains graduates to craft narratives that connect, inspire, and influence in powerful and socially responsible ways. BONUS: Apply to the Digital Marketing Certificate to receive two credentials!
- 30-credit, one-year master’s program delivered 100% online
- 8-week terms
- Offered through the College of Arts & Sciences with interdisciplinary faculty from the departments of media & communication, art and design, and virtual reality design, as well as the School of Business
- Designed for media professionals, content creators, marketers, educators, and organizational leaders, or anyone who wants to get better at effectively reaching their audiences
- Master class series features industry professionals
- Synchronous and asynchronous courses for maximum flexibility and limited in-chair time
- Applied research opportunities in digital audience analysis, AR/VR narrative design, integrated marketing, and AI content creation
- Capstone projects focus on real-world storytelling strategy and professional portfolio development for maximum interview readiness
- Built-in Digital Marketing Certificate (separate application required)
Students interested in this program may also explore:
Graduates are prepared for roles such as:
- Strategic Communication Director
- Brand Storyteller or Content Strategist
- Social Media Marketing Manager
- Narrative Designer for Games and AR/VR
- Digital Marketing Analyst
- Nonprofit Communications Director
- Podcast Producer or Creative Director
As with many industries, salary ranges vary greatly based on role and experience.
| Course Number | Course Name |
|---|---|
| SNC 501 | Foundations of Media Narratives |
| SNC 502 | Narratives for Social Change |
| SNC 611 | Strategic Narratives in Integrated Marketing |
| SNC 642 | AI Narratives: From Myths to Media Strategy |
| SNC 602 | Immersive Narratives in AR/VR/XR |
| SNC 621 | Visual Narratives: Illustration as Communication |
| SNC 612 | Audio Storytelling & Podcasting |
| MKT 531 | Digital Marketing Strategy |
| MKT 533 | Social Media & Digital Advertising Strategy |
| MKT 535 | Digital Marketing Analytics |
| MKT 537 | Digital Marketing Practicum |
| SNC 590 | Master Class (taken 4 times) |
| SNC 690 | Capstone |
Signature Experiences:
- Marketing campaign design
- Podcast production
- AR/VR storytelling lab
- AI media strategy workshop
- Master classes with industry professionals (project management, event planning, conservation, journalism, etc.)
- Digital marketing practicum
- Final capstone with professional portfolio development and career planning
- Communication professionals seeking a narrative edge
- Digital marketers ready to level up their strategic skills
- Social media influencers who want to deeply connect with their followers
- Entrepreneurs who need to connect with certain audiences
- Educators and nonprofit leaders telling impactful stories
- Creatives and media innovators who are pushing boundaries and reshaping the media world
View application information and apply today!
- Adobe Creative Suite (and free alternatives)
- Canva Pro
- Audacity, Descript (podcasting)
- ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc. (AI)
- AR/VR/XR development platforms
- Digital analytics dashboards (Google Analytics)
- Social media content management systems
Dr. Matthew Corr
Program Director, Department Chair and Associate Professor of Media & Communication
Specialty Subjects:
- Media & Communication
- AI Narratives
- Integrated Marketing
- Narratives for Social Change
Dr. Mrinalini Choudhary
Assistant Professor of Marketing and International Business, School of Business
Specialty Subjects:
- Digital Marketing Strategy & Analytics
Dr. Kelley Crowley
Associate Professor of Media & Communication
Specialty Subjects:
- Audio Storytelling
- Podcasting
Dr. Nathan Prestopnik
Professor of Virtual & Augmented Reality; Director, Virtual Reality Design B.A. Program; Co-Director, Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning (SCiL)
Specialty Subjects:
- AR/VR/XR
- Immersive Narratives
Prof. Abigail Gómez
Assistant Professor of Art and Design
Specialty Subjects:
- Art & Design
- Visual Narratives