California Baptist University College of Arts and Sciences
“Integration of faith with learning is key to our identity and mission, tasks and goals. Our commitment to applying faith to life is second to none. If you want to pursue a job to earn a living, a degree program from most any university will do. But if you want to pursue a calling, CBU and the College of Arts and Sciences programs will prepare you to live for something greater.
Lisa Hernandez, PhD Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Program Distinctives
Tell Stories to Online Audience
The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication program aligns with current trends in strategic communication to provide students with advanced skills in communication program management and development for communication campaigns in traditional and online modalities.
Manage Organizational Reputations Effectively
Students in the program learn skills in organizational communication, issues management and decision-making while applying strategic communication methods and theories to effectively manage an organization’s reputation.
Strategically Enhance an Organization’s Message
Students apply strategic communication methods and theories to develop comprehensive communication programming and messages to effectively communicate through a variety of media.
Program Details at a Glance
Program Length
30 units
1 year, full time (part-time options are available)
Program Cost*
$18,495*
$580 per unit
$365 per semester general fee
Program Start Term
Asynchronous online Fall (September) Spring (January) Summer (May
Class Format
Accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
What does Asynchronous mean?
CBU’s asynchronous class format means our online programs provide the maximum amount of flexibility for a minimum amount of interruption to your busy schedule. Additionally, the 8-week format means you can complete your degree twice as fast as a traditional semester schedule.
* Rotations custom built & program length may vary depending on course availability
**Based on current academic year. Subject to change.
Our purpose is to help you live yours.
Alumni Highlight
Philip Falcone Class of 2022
Philip Falcome is a Riverside City Council Member for Ward 1.
Q: Why did you want to study Strategic Communication?
A: The graduate program in Strategic Communication perfectly fits my professional career and adds value to the work I do daily. The Strategic Communication program made the most sense for me and my future.
Q: Why did you choose to study Strategic Communication at CBU?
A: The near-entirety of my academic career has been in institutions anchored by the teachings of Jesus Christ. CBU ensured that tradition continued for me in my graduate work—something other universities could not offer.
Q: What is the most rewarding thing about working in your industry or specific job role?
A: In local government, I am able to have a direct, positive impact on the lives of people in my community. Seeing change in real-time and knowing I had a hand in that fills me with pride and love for what I do.
Q: How did CBU prepare you for your career?
A: CBU prepared me for a career in communication by utilizing the fundamentals of communication studies and pairing those with the latest information in this vastly modernizing and evolving field. Knowing the foundation with the latest thought is a powerful pairing for success.
Q: What is a piece of advice you would give to someone looking to apply to this program?
A: Effective communication — one’s ability to successfully communicate ideas and thoughts — is often taken for granted and assumed to be common knowledge. The reality is that there is much to learn in the communication space, and the lessons learned are applicable in all fields, making this program a wise academic and professional choice.
Sandra Romo, PhD Director, Strategic Communication Programs Professor of Communication
I was drawn to the art of communication when I learned it is not about imparting messages from person to person but about the experiences, rituals, and moments created through communication. At this point, I found that communication shaped my career, research, and relationships with students, family, friends, and others. I chose communication because when you see what it encompasses and studies how humans communicate from a faith-based perspective, it answers many questions about who we are and how we are called as humans in society to interact with one another, spread the gospel and effectively spread the word.
I was drawn to higher education when I worked full-time in sales and marketing and attended college as an adult learner, pursuing my educational goals through a non-traditional route. My passion for teaching was developed at a young age, when I would play school with dolls. I followed this passion by working full-time to complete my degree and attend school in the evenings at California Baptist University. In this experience, I honed my skills in teaching and built relationships with students by putting them first and focusing on the intentionality of the communicative experience, not just the conversation.
In my research, I have a strong interest in the role communication played in stigmatizing those with differing abilities through my own experiences with my child that has autism. This passion put forth a desire to help shift the narrative around those with autism to help others see how beautifully unique they are in the eyes of the Lord. I have focused some of my research on sharing the stories of families with children on the autism spectrum and providing perspectives of inclusion for those with autism by leading discussions about neurodiversity in the community.
I have taught at CBU since 2009 and as a professor of communication, my desire is for my students not to see communication as a transaction but as a way to experience one another and help shape society through messages we send out interpersonally and through organizations. As the years pass, we may not remember every aspect of the conversation with others, but we remember how we felt. I strive to create rich experiences with my students to honor Christ in my interactions and hope they remember their time at CBU, in my classroom in the years to come.
Admissions Requirements
Application for admission with a $45 application fee.
Official transcript from an accredited college or university reflecting the completion of a baccalaureate degree.
2.75 or last 60/90 unit GPA. Additional opportunities may be available for a student to overcome an unsatisfactory GPA.
Written statement of purpose OR in-person/virtual program interview (student’s choice). Written statement (500-word maximum) or interview will address:
• What are your educational goals?
• How will this program help meet those goals?
• What makes you a good fit for CBU?
Additional requirements may be requested.
How to Apply
Submit a graduate application at calbaptist.edu/gradapp.
Send official college or university transcripts.
Provide any supplemental documents required.
Application Deadlines
01 02 03 *Online only
Fall Priority Standard May 15 August 1 Spring Summer November 1 March 1 December 1 April 1
Ready to take the next step? Follow this QR code to start your application!
Graduate Admissions
8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
951.343.4249
calbaptist.edu
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Communication Arts 8432 Magnolia Avenue Riverside, CA 92504
