Master the business of communication

In today's digital world, organizations are looking for professionals who can translate complex topics into actionable insights. The MBA and Master's in Strategic Communication dual degree program produces graduates with unique skills that combine advanced communication strategies with a robust business acumen.

Our MBA/MASC degree is perfect for students interested in connecting the strategic communication training of our Master of Arts in Strategic Communication degree with the greater exposure to advanced management techniques offered through an Iowa MBA.

The combined degree prepares students to work with, in, or consult for a greater variety of organizations and roles within those organizations, including, start-ups, non-profit and for-profit organizations, and consulting firms.

Program overview

Timing

Depending on coursework scheduling, students can reasonably expect to complete the MASC/Iowa MBA dual degree in two and a half or three years total. There must be at least one semester of overlap (dual enrollment) to be considered as a dual degree and benefit from the reduced/cross-counted credit.

2.5

Years to complete

Admission requirements

Students will be expected to meet admission requirements of the respective programs, taking the requisite admission exams and providing appropriate admission materials. The two programs make admission decisions independently. Students may begin each program in advance of the other or begin the two programs concurrently.

Tuition

Tuition and fees for MASC courses are based on the graduate rate in the tuition and fees table for the Strategic Communication MA, which varies by the number of semester hours. Tuition for an Iowa MBA course (3 semester hours) is currently $2250 and is levied per course in addition to any tuition due for MASC courses.

Credit hours required

The Iowa MBA Program accepts up to 12 semester hours of MASC coursework as credit toward MBA degree requirements. The MASC will accept up to 3 MBA credits toward MASC degree requirements.

Students may petition the MASC program to accept another 3 semester hours of MBA credit, if that credit is “extra” and not already being used to satisfy the MBA requirement (i.e. the student must earn a minimum total of 60 semester hours at Iowa to complete both degrees).

Sample plan of study for the MBA

1st Year

FALL
  • JMC:5220 - Foundations of Strategic Communication
    (full semester)
  • MBA:8120 - Management in Organizations
    (1st 8 weeks )
  • MBA:8140 - Corporate Financial Reporting
    (2nd 8 weeks)
WINTER
Spring
  • JMC:5230 - Strategic Communication Writing
    (full semester)
  • MBA:8150 - Data and Decisions
    (1st 8 weeks)
  • MBA:8110 - Marketing Management
    (2nd 8 weeks)
Summer
  • MBA:8180 - Managerial Finance
  • Strategic Communication elective (1 of 4)

2nd Year

Fall
  • JMC:5225 - Digital Strategic Communication
  • JMC:5235 - Strategic Communication Research
Winter
SPRING
  • JMC:5290 - Capstone Project Strategic Communication
  • Strategic Communication elective (2 of 4)
SUMMER
  • Strategic Communication elective (3 of 4)
  • MBA:8300 - Foundations in Strategy

3rd Year

FALL
  • MBA capstone
    (1st or 2nd 8 weeks)
  • Strategic Communication elective (4 of 4)
Spring
  • MBA:8240 - Operations and Supply Chain
    (1st or 2nd 8 weeks)
  • MBA:8160 - Managerial Economics
    (1st or 2nd 8 weeks)

Take the next step

Our dual-degree option offers you the unique opportunity to benefit from training in two areas while earning a pair of graduate degrees through a streamlined process. Interested? Contact us for more information.