Bridget Lee-Calfas

Yatevia Manning

Amanda Mabry-Flynn

Become a leader in strategic brand marketing communications.

If you can tell us how the completion of our MS SBC degree will help you meet your future goals, and if you are prepared for the rigor of an academic program from one of the top universities in the world, then…

Go ahead … apply. It’s easy!

IT'S EASY
TO APPLY

MASTER'S PROGRAM

Applications Open Soon

Build the skills to lead brands in a world shaped by data, AI, emerging media and changing consumer behavior.

Early Bird Deadline: April 15, 2027

Priority Deadline: June 1, 2027

Final Deadline: July 15, 2027

NON-DEGREE

Certificate and Individual Course Options

Students can complete a three-course SBC certificate or take an individual course from the program. View the certificate and course options page for more information about enrolling as a non-degree student.

Click here for frequently asked questions.

Click here for application information.

ADMISSIONS CRITERIA:

Admissions criteria is based upon an evaluation of each applicant’s work and educational experience, undergraduate GPA, statement of purpose, English aptitude, and letters of recommendation.

– Tuition/Fees for 2026-2027:

*Tuition/fee based on students taking a full load. Subject to change based on student load.
**Tuition/fees for 2027-2028 is not determined and is subject to Board of Trustees approval

Academic Achievement

You must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the United States or an equivalent degree from an accredited institution in a foreign country. You must have maintained a grade point average of at least 3.0 (A=4.0), or comparable GPA for an international applicant, for the last two years of undergraduate study.

Test Scores

Test scores are not required. If you have GMAT or GRE scores, you can include them with your application, however they are not required. Non-native English speakers will be required to submit a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT score, TOEFL iBT Home Edition score, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) in-person or online score, or Duolingo English test score.

International Applicants

The MS SBC is completely an online Master’s degree program; no student visas will be sponsored for this program.

English Proficiency Requirement

International applicants must submit an official TOEFL or IELTS score to the SBC admissions committee. A minimum TOEFL score of at least 79 (iBT); or minimum IELTS academic exam scores of 6.5 overall; or minimum Duolingo score of at least 115 are required for non-native English speakers.

Credential Requirements

International students must submit attested English translations of all transcripts. While we can review your application and make a decision using scanned copies of transcripts and degree certificates uploaded to the application, official and original copies will eventually be required. Therefore, it will save you time and trouble to send all the required documents at the time of application.

Essay Topic

All MS-SBC applicants will be required to submit one essay. The topic will be available in the application.

Letters of Recommendation

Each applicant is required to submit three letters of recommendation. We recommend your references come from individuals who know you in a professional setting, who are at a higher level than you are professionally and who can speak to your leadership capabilities and to your commitment to succeed in a rigorous program. At least one of the letters should come from your current or previous supervisor.

Application Fees

The application for the master’s program includes a non-refundable fee of $90.

CONTACT

If you have questions or would like additional information, please fill out the Request for Information form, schedule a call from the button below, or email Brooke Bear at blbear@illinois.edu.

Strategic Brand Communication

Become a leader in strategic brand marketing communications.​

IT'S EASY TO APPLY