NYU School of Professional Studies Launches First of its Kind Executive Master’s Degree in Marketing and Strategic Communications

Unique credential prepares rising professionals on a path to the C-Suite to lead the transformation of Marketing and PR, and drive organizational growth and business impact

New York, NY — March 29, 2022 — The NYU School of Professional Studies (SPS) announced today a first of its kind Executive Master’s in Marketing and Strategic Communications. This unique executive-level credential will prepare marketing and communications professionals with the skill sets and insights they need to ascend to the C-Suite. Built around an integrated approach to marketing and PR, the NYU program provides the new and necessary capabilities that will support executives’ efforts to drive growth and impact for the organizations they serve. Responding to the transformation and disruption in the global business, marketing, and communications environment, the curriculum and executive format are designed for working professionals who want to accelerate their leadership growth and expand their capacity and potential.

The degree was designed by experienced practitioners in marketing and PR, with insights from chief marketing and communications officers and the experts who support them. Antonio Lucio, former Global CMO of Facebook, who has advised NYU SPS on its curriculum, and sees “trust” as the new measure of brand equity, commented, “Never has there been a greater need for tighter coordination between the Marketing and Comms function, and this new degree provides the critical foundation for professionals who want to drive growth in the Age of Trust.”

Applications are now open, and in Fall 2022, the program will welcome its first cohort of professionals with 10-15 years of experience.  Interested students should have a desire to extend their management skills and expand on their core strengths in marketing or PR, preparing them for more senior integrated executive leadership roles.  Working professionals can complete the degree in just 18 months of part-time study. The program is cohort-based, and meets in-person, in NYC on four weekends (Friday afternoon/all-day Saturday) each semester, and is combined with live remote and asynchronous online weekly content with instructors and guest lecturers.

“This new degree—the first of its kind at the executive level—offers an applied and academically rigorous training around the future-ready skills that practitioners need and takes a human-centered and data-driven approach to growth.  The program will enable participants to leverage MarTech, AdTech, and CommTech; define a role for sustainable growth; frame the impact of marketing and communications in the language of business; manage communications for investor pitches, launches, turnarounds, and crises; and build innovation more deeply into product and service design,” said Michael Diamond, academic director of the Integrated Marketing and Communication Department within the NYU SPS Division of Programs in Business.

According to recent studies, 61% of chief marketing officers admitted they have no direct report who could step into their role, and 57% of CEOs indicated their top challenge is attracting and recruiting talent. There is a critical imperative for professionals to develop as leaders who are ready for the future of work and the future challenges facing marketing and communications. Kathryn Metcalfe, chief communications officer, CVS Health, a long-time advocate for the education of PR and communications professionals, commented, “Expanding your mind and skill sets through this comprehensive program of study isn't just about differentiating yourself on a resume; it's about finding lifelong inspiration.”

Martin Ihrig, the associate dean of the NYU SPS Division of Programs in Business noted, “The new Executive Master’s marks a milestone, launching 25 years after the first program we developed in integrated marketing, was accredited. It complements our comprehensive portfolio of educational offerings, creating new options for more experienced marketing and PR professionals.” Bahriye Goren, visiting clinical assistant professor of marketing and one of the lead faculty teaching in the program, concluded, “The creative, analytical, and problem-solving skills this degree imparts along with the unsurpassed networking opportunities it affords, are the hallmark of an NYU education that opens doors to new opportunities.”