Doctor of Strategic Communication
Earn Your Doctor of Strategic Communication
Are you ready to make an immediate impact on how communication is understood and practiced in the world today? The Doctor of Strategic Communication is a highly marketable degree designed to meet the demand for exceptional professionals in high-level communication positions within the government, business, nonprofit, religious, and higher education sectors. You can learn strategic messaging tools and theories that can help guide you in real-world applications across various disciplines. You can also develop the tools necessary to handle crisis communication situations and learn how to apply communication solutions in a new media context.
INCREASE YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL
Advance in leadership roles and position yourself to earn a higher salary.
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE through the doctor of strategic communication program
Develop a theoretical foundation and apply the latest communication tools to solve real-world communication problems.
LEARN FROM THE BEST
Presented from a Christian worldview, this degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach. Regent has been ranked among Top National Universities by U.S. News & World Report (2019, 2020 & 2022). Experience the difference through the Doctor of Strategic Communication program.
Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.
On completing the Doctor of Strategic Communication program, you can:
- Develop effective models of strategic communication for both public and private sectors.
- Conduct original independent research to properly assess communication issues and effectiveness.
- Integrate communication solutions based on research and practical expertise.
Career Opportunities
- Scholar/Researcher
- Strategic Communications Consultant
- New Media Influencer
- C-Level Leader
- Writer/Author
- Crisis Communication Expert
Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.
2025-26 Semester Check-In Deadlines
All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.
| Session | Semester Check-In | Session Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Session A | Friday, August 15 | Monday, August 25 |
| Session E | Friday, May 1 | Monday, May 11 |
Admissions Requirements
Step 1: Apply to Regent University
Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.
Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.
Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts
Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.
Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES or NAFSA approved agency.
Step 3: Submit a Graduate Degree Paper
Please submit a five-page minimum scholarly or published writing sample that demonstrates your research, writing, analytical and problem-solving skills. This writing sample may include either a copy of your master’s thesis (or a portion of it, plus bibliography) or a formal paper or report. Research skills mean both the skill to utilize a writing style manual (e.g., APA) and the skill of integrating published research into an academic paper or report. The paper should be uploaded to regent.edu/items.
Step 4: Submit Your Government-Issued ID
To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.
Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.
Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.
Part-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) | $670 | 6 | $4,020 |
| Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA) | $700 | 6 | $4,200 |
| Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA) | $670 | 6 | $4,020 |
| Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA) | $1,070 | 6 | $6,420 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD) | $970 | 3 | $2,910 |
| Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC) | $970 | 3 | $2,910 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) | $670 | 9 | $6,030 |
| Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA) | $700 | 9 | $6,300 |
| Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA) | $670 | 9 | $6,030 |
| Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA) | $1,070 | 9 | $9,630 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD) | $970 | 6 | $5,820 |
| Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC) | $970 | 6 | $5,820 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $750 |
PART-TIME STUDENTS
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) | $670 | 6 | $4,020 |
| Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA) | $670 | 6 | $4,020 |
| Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA) | $670 | 6 | $4,020 |
| Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA) | $920 | 6 | $5,520 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD) | $950 | 3 | $2,850 |
| Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC) | $950 | 3 | $2,850 |
Full-Time Students
| Degree | Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour | Average Credit Hours Per Semester | Average Tuition Per Semester |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Arts (MA) | $670 | 9 | $6,030 |
| Master of Fine Arts in Film & Television Production (MFA) | $670 | 9 | $6,030 |
| Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting (MFA) | $670 | 9 | $6,030 |
| Master of Fine Arts in Acting (MFA) | $920 | 9 | $8,280 |
| Doctor of Philosophy in Communication (PhD) | $950 | 6 | $5,700 |
| Doctor of Strategic Communication (DSC) | $950 | 6 | $5,700 |
Student Fees Per Semester
| University Services Fee (On-Campus Students) | $850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer) |
|---|---|
| University Services Fee (Online Students) | $700 |
*Rates are subject to change at any time.
Fall 2025
October 29-31, 2025
COM 821 – Intro to Applied Doctoral Studies in Communication (DSC)
Spring 2026
No residencies.
Summer 2026
June 10-12, 2026
COM 785 – Doctoral Seminar: DSC Artificial Intelligence
June 17-19, 2026
COM 821 – Intro to Applied Doctoral Studies in Communication (DSC)
Residency Requirements
Residency is a necessary component to building academic fellowship and camaraderie among a community of scholars. All doctoral students must attend a 3-credit hour on-campus course, COM 821 Introduction to Applied Doctoral Studies in Communication, scheduled for three days in the student’s first semester of study. This course is a reading/lecture/writing course in the field of strategic communication. The course is also designed to orient students to the DSC program, the School’s faculty, and doctoral-level study in the communication field. Residencies are offered in the summer and fall.
As a Regent University doctoral student in the Doctor of Strategic Communication program, you will complete original research supervised by a faculty member of your school as you complete your coursework.
The Doctoral Project allows DSC students the flexibility to choose the culmination experience direction that is best for them. Each option requires the DSC student to implement the theory, specific concepts, and skills they have learned in their DSC coursework. Students will choose either COM 896 Doctoral Project Capstone or COM 899 Doctoral Project Thesis.
Whether you are a prospective student or a current student, your questions matter. Please take a few moments to skim our Frequently Asked Questions. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us.