M.A. in Strategic Communication: Sports Communication
The MA degree in Strategic Communication with an emphasis on Sports Communication will provide you the foundation and specialization to succeed in a variety of sports communication careers. The program has a focus on practical real-world and skills for communicating in an increasingly complex and diverse sports landscape.
5
Courses in Strategic Communication
5
Courses in Sports Communication
1
Capstone Course
Build Essential Communication Skills to Advance Your Goals
The ever-changing and highly complex sports industry requires skilled professionals to engage fans, build brands, and manage communication strategies across platforms. It also requires leaders with a strong foundation in organizational and interpersonal communication who are capable team builders and managers of diverse groups and audiences. Our faculty invest in your success by helping you prepare for your professional future.
Key Skills and Competencies You Will Learn
- advocacy
- negotiation
- crisis communication
- professional use of social media
- storytelling
- personal branding
- team building
- media management
Stackable certificate can apply towards an Option III Master’s degree
Students who successfully complete the Sports Communication Graduate Certificate or the Strategic Communication Graduate Certificate can apply those credits to the Option III Strategic Communication Master’s degree if accepted into the program. The cost is an additional $27,000 to complete the MA.
How It Works
Apply directly for the Master’s program or apply to stack your graduate certificates and add a capstone course.
- Engage with peers in your cohort for team collaboration and networking
- Interact face-to-face with award-winning faculty
- Complete a capstone project to synthesize what you have learned
- Complete all courses and the capstone project within a 2-year period
How to Apply
Students must apply through the GoApplyTexas website. After completing the data entry sections and paying the application fee, applicants must upload supporting documents on their MyStatus page.
Application Process
Applications are accepted through the GoApplyTexas website. There are multiple master’s degrees in the Moody College of Communication. To apply for the Strategic Communication master’s, select the choice MA Option III Communication Studies with code number 623967 or 23967.
After completing the data entry sections and paying the application fee, applicants must upload supporting documents on their MyStatus page.
All applicants must meet the University of Texas at Austin Graduate School admission requirements. Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, or be on track to graduate before enrolling in the degree program.
- Bachelor’s degree in any field
- GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale, though conditional admission may be possible for GPAs under 3.0 in extenuating circumstances
- For international applicants only, TOEFL score of at least 79 or IELTS score of at least 6.5
- A resume
- One letter of recommendation
- A statement of purpose (maximum of 1000 words) focused on the applicant’s interest in the program, goals, what the applicant hopes to gain from the program, and what the applicant will contribute to the program
- A statement of research objectives responding to the following essay prompt (maximum of 1000 words): The Capstone Project is a research study that serves as an opportunity for students to examine a communication question in-depth. The question may involve communication between individuals, groups, or organizations. It may involve face-to-face interaction or technologically mediated interaction. What research question might you explore through the Capstone?
- Transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended
- Official TOEFL scores taken within the past two years (for International Applicants only)
All required documents must be submitted electronically to the MyStatus Check. This page will become available to you approximately two days after you complete your online application at GoApplyTexas.
- The Admissions Committee for the MA in Strategic Communication will review complete applications after the deadline. All additional documents must have been uploaded in order for the committee to consider the application. Partial applications will not be reviewed.
- Admitted applicants will be notified by email from the Department of Communication Studies. They will also receive official e-letters from the Graduate and International Admissions Center with instructions on how to check your application Status Check page for your admission decision from the Office of Graduate Studies.
- Both the Department of Communication Studies and the Office of Graduate Studies must accept applicants before they can enroll.
Program Costs and Financial Aid
Students starting the master’s program in August 2023 or January 2024 pay a flat program fee of $49,500.
Payment Schedule example:
Fall 2023 (Three courses) $13,500
Spring 2024 (Three courses) $13,500
Fall 2024 (Three courses) $13,500
Spring 2025 (Two courses) $9,000
Total: $49,500
A non-refundable $1,000 deposit is required when applicants accept an offer of admission. This amount is credited toward your first semester’s program costs. Each semester's tuition and fees are due approximately 4-6 weeks before the semester starts. Students will receive an exact due date when they are billed. After that date, a $100 late fee will be charged each week for non-payment.
Applicants for this program may be eligible for federal and private sector loans. See Financial Aid for more information. Due to the nature of the program other financial support, such as Teaching Assistant positions and scholarship money, is not available.
This program is not eligible for the Hazlewood Act tuition exemption. Questions about veteran's benefits should be directed to UT's Veteran and Military Affiliated Services.
You can view and download the complete 23-24 student handbook at this link.
You can read answers to frequently asked questions at this link.
Application Deadlines
9/1/23
International Application Due (for Spring 2024 admission)
10/15/23
Domestic Application Due (for Spring 2024 admission)
3/1/24
International Application Due (for Fall 2024 admission)
4/15/24
Domestic Application Due (for Fall 2024 admission)
Contact Us
Option III Program Coordinator Christie Hodge
MoodyCollegeOption3@austin.utexas.edu