MS in AI and Strategic Communication
Lead communication in a world shaped by AI
The MS in AI and Strategic Communication brings together artificial intelligence, communication theory and social science research methods. You will learn how to develop effective messages, analyze communication and understand how AI technologies influence people, organizations and society. This 30-credit interdisciplinary program is designed for full-time graduate study and prepares you to use AI thoughtfully while building advanced skills in communication theory, research and practice.
AI is changing how organizations create content, understand audiences and communicate with the public. This program goes beyond learning how to use the latest tools. You will examine how AI influences communication, evaluate its social and ethical implications and learn how to make informed decisions about when and how it should be used.
At UB, you will:
- Build expertise in both communication and AI
- Develop research and analytical skills to evaluate audiences, messages and communication strategies
- Explore responsible uses of AI for analysis, content creation and strategic communication
- Tailor your studies through electives in areas such as persuasion, health communication, risk communication and misinformation
- Bring your skills together through a capstone or thesis experience
The 30-credit program combines communication, AI and applied learning across three areas:
- Communication and AI foundations: Study communication theory, research methods, AI and society and mathematical and computational foundations
- Focused electives: Choose courses that align with your interests, including persuasion, misinformation, risk communication, social media, computational communication and human-centered design
- Culminating experience: Apply what you have learned through a capstone or thesis that integrates AI with communication theory, methods or practice
Courses may include “AI as Medium and Communicator,” “Communication Theories,” “Research Methods” and “Misinformation and Society.”
By graduation, you will be prepared to connect communication expertise with a practical and responsible understanding of AI.
You will be able to:
- Analyze the social and ethical concerns associated with the use of AI technologies across different contexts
- Identify how AI technologies affect the way people communicate and assess when those effects are harmful or beneficial to the social good
You will be able to:
- Apply key mathematical and computational concepts to understand and use AI technologies
You will be able to:
- Function effectively as a member or leader of a team working in the program’s area of focus
- Apply concepts from communication and AI to real-world problems
You will be able to:
- Apply AI theory and methods to address problems related to responsible communication
You will be able to:
- Understand core concepts and foundational literature in communication and strategic communication
- Understand the scientific method and research methods used in communication
- Evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources
- Communicate effectively in oral and written forms
Organizations increasingly need people who understand both what AI can do and how people communicate. This combination can prepare you for work in strategic communication, audience analysis, communication research, public relations, advertising, marketing, advocacy, social media and risk communication.
The program can also strengthen your preparation for research or further graduate study by building skills in communication theory, social science research and the responsible application of emerging technologies.
By graduation, you will be prepared to connect communication expertise with a practical and responsible understanding of AI.
For more information, please reach out!
