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Master of Science in Strategic and Creative Marketing, Communication and Media

Shape what's next for brands and media
Duration11 Months
locationNew York City
FORMAT Full-time
Mode of studyIn person
intakeSeptember

Marketing today is where strategy meets creativity and storytelling

At IENYC, you’ll learn to think strategically, act creatively and lead with insight in a landscape where culture, media and technology intersect.

The Master of Science in Strategic and Creative Marketing, Communication and Media is rooted in the energy of New York City. It blends business, marketing strategy, creativity, and marketing-applied technology. It is designed to prepare a new generation of marketing and communications leaders who can navigate a fast-changing landscape shaped by AI, media convergence, and cultural influence. You will gain real-world experience that connects you with top brands, agencies and creative industries.

Every part of this program is designed to accelerate your growth:

  • A strong core in marketing, communication and digital strategy to reinforce your foundation.
  • The chance to choose two of three specialization tracks to build in-demand expertise: Influence Marketing & Engagement Strategy, Brand Management & Product Marketing, Creative Strategy & Content Production.
  • Industry-focused mini-courses, aligned with your industry within each specialization for Tech Companies, Premium & Luxury Brands and Sports.
  • Hands-on Capstone Challenge, where you'll apply everything you’ve learned in a real project.

*The Master in Marketing has been officially approved by the New York State Education Department and is pending final SEVP authorization to enroll international (F-1) students. While this federal approval is being finalized, applications from both domestic and international candidates are open, and our admissions team will keep all international applicants informed once visa eligibility is confirmed.

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Have Questions About the Program?

Contact our specialist for personalized guidance tailored to your needs.

Haley Damm-Hamblin - Global Recruitment Manager

Highlights

Who is the MS in Strategic and Creative Marketing, Communication and Media for?

This program is for ambitious, forward-thinking professionals or recent graduates ready to build a career at the crossroads of marketing, communications and media. Seeking to focus on digital-first marketing, brand storytelling and data-driven insights, you’ll be primed to work at top global companies and agencies, and the media platforms shaping the sector's future.

  • FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE…

    • Curious and creative, passionate about how brands, media and tech influence culture.
    • Eager to combine data, strategy and storytelling to shape the future of marketing, communication and digital media.
    • Motivated to lead in fast-evolving industries, where AI, creative content and consumer engagement redefine impact.
  • LOOKING FOR…

    • A transformative master’s blending strategic marketing, communication and media with business, creativity and tech, equipping you to lead at the heart of the industry.
    • Hands-on experience applying data, AI and digital tools to brand-building and consumer engagement.
    • Personalized courses that let you focus on areas that align with your career goals and creative interests.
    • A global, future-forward program in New York City, a world hub for media and culture, connecting you with leading brands, agencies and platforms.
  • TO BECOME…

    • Brand strategists skilled in designing and executing campaigns across media and digital platforms.
    • Marketing innovators fluent in AI, analytics and personalization to drive creative solutions.
    • Creative leaders crafting impactful stories and branded content.
    • Communication professionals managing influencers, communities and consumer engagement.

Five Reasons to Choose this program

  • 01.

    Deepen your marketing impact 

    Move beyond theory with a curriculum that connects strategic marketing, communication, creativity and media innovation with responsible marketing practices and emerging tools for real market challenges.

  • 02.

    Master cutting-edge technologies 

    Get hands-on with digital platforms, Marketing AI tools and analytics to define what’s next for brand innovation and consumer engagement.

  • 03.

    Specialize in your area of interest

    Personalize your journey with highly sought-after specializations in Influence Marketing & Engagement Strategy, Brand Management & Product Marketing, Creative Strategy & Content Production. Build an in-demand profile around your professional interests and long-term goals.

  • 04.

    Make New York City your training ground

    Thrive in the world’s cultural capital. Experience New York,the epicenter of culture, media, and brand innovation as your extended classroom.

  • 05.

    Build a career with global reach

    Graduate ready to drive marketing innovation across industries, with the skills, portfolio and international network to join top brands, agencies, and media platforms worldwide.

THE FOUR PILLARS OF THIS PROGRAM

  • STRATEGIC MARKETING & BRAND LEADERSHIP

    Gain the mindset of a modern brand leader, integrating creativity with business insight. Learn the marketing strategy fundamentals: the art of transforming consumer insights into powerful campaigns. You'll learn to build brands that resonate and inspire with responsible marketing practices in the global landscape.

  • CREATIVE CONTENT & MEDIA INNOVATION 

    In a landscape driven by stories, learn to craft the ones that matter. Sharpen storytelling, content production and media orchestration skills and start creating immersive narratives across channels. See how creators, influencers and new media ecosystems spark engagement, shape conversations and redefine brand impact.

  • DIGITAL, AI & DATA-DRIVEN MARKETING TRANSFORMATION

    Harness the full power of data, analytics and AI to make smarter, faster, more ethical marketing decisions. Experiment with AI-powered personalization engines, predictive tools and automation strategies to innovate audience targeting, optimize campaigns and lead trend-setting, digital-first strategies.

  • INDUSTRY FOCUS & GLOBAL RELEVANCE

    Craft a professional profile that stands out. Customize your journey with industry focused mini courses in Luxury, Technology, and Sports to build flexible, cross-disciplinary expertise. Position yourself at the forefront of industries where marketing and communications are redefining global business, narratives and cultural influence.

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Working in the U.S. After Graduation

International students in the Master of Science in Strategic and Creative Marketing, Communication and Media are eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work in the US for up to 12 months post-graduation. And since this is a STEM degree, you may also be eligible for an extension of your OPT for up to two additional years.

Career Pathways

  • Career Opportunities after the MS in Strategic and Creative Marketing, Communication and Media

    Image Career Opportunities after the MS in Strategic and Creative Marketing, Communication and Media
  • View all positions

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The IE  Alumni Network

Join a dynamic, worldwide community shaping the future in a wide range of industries. Graduates from our partner institution, IE University, are making an impact in creative and business sectors around the globe. Through IENYC’s networking and speaker events, you’ll connect with IE Alumni, at companies including:

  • Amazon Brand Strategy, Customer Experience, Data-Driven Marketing
  • Havas Integrated Campaigns, Media Strategy, Creative Innovation
  • Meta Digital Advertising, Community Building, AI-Powered Insights
  • Nike Brand Storytelling, Consumer Engagement, Experiential Marketing
  • Sephora Product Launch Strategy, Influencer Marketing, Omnichannel Retail
  • TikTok Content Strategy, Creator Partnerships, Platform Growth
  • Agencies & startups Brand Positioning & Design, Growth Strategy

Whether at global brands, creative agencies or fast-moving startups, IE Alumni in New York City and worldwide bring bold ideas, strategic thinking and cultural intelligence to the ever-evolving marketing and media landscape.

Get involved with IENYC events

Discover a world of opportunities at IENYC events! Join informational webinars on program structure, career pathways, student life and more. Gain insights from alumni and hear from expert speakers. Whether you're interested in exploring your options, deepening your learning or expanding your network, these events offer valuable connections and expert advice. Don't miss your chance to engage, learn and grow with the IENYC community!

Frequently asked questions

  • The program unfolds in three stages: a core period to build foundations, a fall term covering advanced courses and your first specialization, and a spring term with your second specialization and the Capstone Challenge. This format creates a clear pathway from fundamentals to professional application.

  • Core coursework includes Marketing Fundamentals, Consumer Behavior & Marketing Insights, Crisis & Reputation Management, Brand Strategy, Brand Management, Content Marketing and Generative AI for Marketing. Through this core period, you’ll build a strong base with this master’s degree for communication, marketing and media-focused roles.

  • Yes. The Capstone Challenge gives you real-world experience in using strategy, creativity, AI and analytics to solve a brand challenge. This hands-on component allows you to apply your knowledge to taddress a real industry problem, preparing you for top roles in marketing and communications.

  • The program develops strategic thinking, creative leadership and data-driven decision-making skills across brand, media and digital ecosystems. By combining core strategy with two specializations, it builds the capabilities expected in advanced strategic marketing master's programs and prepares graduates to lead in diverse industries.

  • Yes. The program features courses that explore content innovation, media storytelling, creator ecosystems and AI-driven marketing. This digital-first approach prepares graduates for tomorrow’s strategic marketing and communications roles by focusing on emerging platforms and technologies.

  • Yes. You can personalize your journey by selecting two of three specialization tracks: Influence Marketing & Engagement Strategy, Brand Management & Product Marketing, or Creative Strategy & Content Production. Industry-focused mini courses in Luxury, Technology and Sports offer further flexibility, allowing you to specialize for your future career.