Jan 5, 2017
Business and Media launch online master’s degree
New online master’s degree in strategic brand communication to prepare future brand leaders
BY PHIL CICIORA | BUSINESS & LAW EDITOR | 217-333-2177
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A new interdisciplinary graduate degree from the University of Illinois seeks to arm future global brand leaders with the latest methods, techniques and strategies to market, advertise and deliver brand communications across diverse multimedia and technology channels. The online master’s degree in strategic brand communication, a unique joint program between the Urbana campus’ College of Business and College of Media, aims to prepare the strategic leaders of tomorrow in an ever-changing global digital-media environment. “Executives today need to learn the latest techniques and strategies to market, advertise and deliver brand communications across multiple channels in order to grow revenue effectively. This degree in strategic brand communication will help today’s professionals become the best in the field,” said Jeffrey R. Brown, the Josef and Margot Lakonishok Professor of Business and the dean of the College of Business. The degree, which will be offered as a joint program between the department of business administration in the College of Business and the Charles H. Sandage Department of Advertising in the College of Media, will allow students to gain deeper knowledge of how to strategically lead global brand communications across advertising, media and marketing channels to drive revenue growth. “It is increasingly important for the world’s premier universities to enable students to earn advanced degrees while working full-time,” said Wojtek Chodko-Zajko, the dean of the Graduate College and the interim dean of the College of Media. “This initiative provides the working professional with a career-accelerating pathway to a highly respected master’s degree in just 15 months.” The curriculum combines contemporary business management education with the latest in strategic integrated marketing, advertising and multimedia communications. Students will be prepared to:- Effectively reach and engage consumers through content and messaging.
- Refine data analytics and integrative capabilities to maximize results.
- Respond effectively to new technologies, emerging media and market trends.
- Leverage digital, social media and mobile communications in a broader and more comprehensive business context.
- Acquire senior leadership and management skills to execute strategic success across teams.