Online Master of Science in Strategic Brand Communication (SBC) 

Master's Degree 
Graduation Cap
Fully Online
Completed in 17 months

Graduate Certificates
Blue Certificate Seal 
Professional Development
Four certificate options 

Individual Courses 
book icon
Flexible
Course-only options

Today’s executives need to know the latest digital technologies, techniques and strategies to market, advertise and consistently deliver brand communication that impacts revenue growth. The online Master of Science in Strategic Brand Communication is a 32-credit hour, interdisciplinary degree offered through the Sandage Department of Advertising in collaboration with the Gies College of Business. Designed for working professionals and offered fully online, the SBC degree may be completed within 17 months. The University of Illinois SBC program was voted the #1 Best Online Master's Degrees in Communications by Best College Reviews and one of the top 10 Best Accredited Online Master's in Communication Programs of 2022 by Best Colleges.


Through the SBC program,
you will learn to:

  • Effectively drive brand messaging and content across all channels
  • Refine analytic and integrative capabilities
  • Respond to new technologies, emerging media, and market trends
  • Leverage advertising, social, digital and mobile
  • Acquire senior leadership and management skills
  • Develop and manage the brand communication process

240_F_511074156_Zu0sFAieMNa4oP3iGCJs4EAqkb8l3HXk

Learn More about the M.S. in Strategic Brand Communication!

Register for a free informational session to learn more about program specifics and meet with staff who can help answer your questions:

Wednesday, March 12 from 12 pm to 1 pm CST

Tuesday, April 8 from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm CST

Wednesday, May 14 from 12 pm to 1 pm CST 

Tuesday, June 3 from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm CST

Wednesday, July 2 from 12 pm to 1 pm CST 

Fall 2025 Application Deadlines:

Early Bird: April 15, 2025                          Priority: June 1, 2025                          Final: July 15, 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What subjects does this program cover? 
  • Strategic Branding: Global Perspectives
  • Business Management
  • Consumer Insights
  • Measurement & Evaluation
  • Promotional & Messaging Strategy
  • Strategic Analytics & Data Visualization
What are the requirements for admission?
  • The SBC program is flexible, and our application requirements are as well.
  • While a Bachelor's degree is required, your degree can be in any discipline.
  • GRE test scores are not required.
Where do students from this program get jobs? 
  • Amazon
  • Merck
  • Boeing
  • State Farm
  • AT&T
  • AbbVie
  • John Deere
  • Northrop Grumman
  • American Medical Association
  • Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
  • American Board of Pediatrics
  • Target
  • Orangetheory Fitness
  • The World Bank
  • TikTok
  • Facebook
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Mindshare
  • Crosby Marketing Communications
  • Adidas
  • Vita Coco
  • Texas A&M University
What are the application deadlines? 
  • Early Bird: April 15, 2025
  • Priority: June 1, 2025
  • Final: July 15, 2025

Career Success

SBC graduates excel in top industries with impressive job placements and entrepreneurial achievements. Here are some highlights of our 2021, 2022 and 2023 graduates:

 

Day in the Life of an SBC Student

Julian Garcia, a student in the Strategic Brand Communication Online Master's Degree program at the University of Illinois, shares his experience working full time and being a student in the program. 

Build a Community

Bea Perkins, a student in the SBC Program, talks about the community you build as an SBC student and how it can make an impact on your education.

 

Hear more from others