The Strategic Planning Master’s Degree
The definitive program for aspiring strategists — in partnership with Florida International University
How does a Master's program boost your career in strategy?
Strategy and tactics. These days, that’s what separates the real industry leaders from the pretenders. At a time when the world can change in the blink of an eye (new tech, global pandemics, oh my), it pays to have a real, adaptable, plan.
Our Strategic Planning Master’s Degree, offered in partnership with Florida International University, trains you for that world. Rather than focusing on exclusively abstract theory, we work with the world-leading experts at FIU to provide you with a solid foundation of textbook knowledge, layered underneath a wealth of practical experience. In the end, you have it all. A portfolio from the School of Ideas, the most award-winning portfolio school in the world. A master’s degree from the prestigious Florida International University (FIU).
As for the day-to-day experience, it’s the best of both worlds. You’ll take classes at both institutions. MAD’s campus is in the heart of Wynwood, a creative environment like none you have ever seen. You will concentrate on social media and a wide range of other creative skills. You will be taught by creatives who work for agencies, brands and studios. They take time off to teach, to give back to the industry they love. And for aspiring social strategists, this is the best of all possible times for you. Social media gurus are in super demand. Content creation is exploding. Add the master’s degree from FIU to have a more complete understanding of the theoretical, strategic and research elements in the industry.
Award-Winning Student Work
AND M.AD Strategic Planning Grad
The Strategic Planning
Master's Curriculum
- Ideas First
- Video Storytelling
- Story Writing
- User Experience
- Digital Campaigns
- Pop Culture Engineering
- Understanding the Challenge
- Thinking Strategically
- Research Methodology
- Industry Heroes AP – New Business Storytelling
Our Partnership
This is a 39-semester credit, lock-step program that is completed in five consecutive semesters including summers. Students take seven courses at the FIU’s Biscayne Bay campus and six courses at the MADl Wynwood location: FIU Biscayne Bay Campus – 3000 NE 151 Street, North Miami, Florida / MAS – 571 NW 28th Street Miami, Florida 33127. Students are strongly advised and recommended not to work while pursuing the program. The program is demanding and requires time and effort. There is no flexible-curriculum available as all the courses are pre-selected for the student. Please be advised that the school enrolls and selects the schedules for the students by cohorts. Students do not have the option to change schedules.
There are no conditional admissions options for GSC-Creative track applicants. The decisions are made individually and are not granted to international applicants due to the visa regulations and the implications of the conditional status rules.
GPA’s below the 3.00 range will not be considered due to our program’s very competitive and limited nature. We evaluate GPA based on the last 60 credits taken by the applicant on their bachelor’s degree. We do not count the first 60 credits of the bachelor’s degree, only the last 60.
Interested candidates MUST apply to BOTH schools individually. Two applications are required: One for FIU and one for MAD.
The NoM.AD Experience
This program gives students the opportunity to study and intern in up to four more cities around the world. You can even opt to take classes inside an agency… or intern at a leading company in New York, Tokyo, Berlin, and other cities around the world.
At last count 96% of the students had participated in our Quarter Away Program for at least one quarter. Over 80% of the students spent two or more quarters getting real-world experience.
There are dozens of opportunities available to our Strategic Planning students. You could work with:
Teachers Who Practice What They Preach
A master planner collects information like a super-computer…then synthesizes with the empathic understanding of a professional sociologist. Their ability to forecast future conditions, and to chart a path to the future, makes them an invaluable resource for any forward-thinking creative team.
So how do you learn those intangible traits that will put you over the top—in addition to the hard skills that will allow you to strategize with the best of them? It helps to have a mentor who’s been there themselves.
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Devan CarterDesigner, Atlanta Hawks
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Tricia RusoChief Strategy Officer, BBDO
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Larry LukDirector of Brand Partnerships, Localeur
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Anja Duering
Executive Creative Director, Chemistry
AND M.AD Strategy Grad
Schedule A Tour At Any M.AD Campus
Experience the School of Ideas for yourself.
Check out our locations in: Atlanta, Miami, New York and San Francisco
What It Takes To Get In
Most of our students have an undergraduate degree, and are from different backgrounds such as economics, theatre, fine arts, advertising and even political science. In fact we find that it helps bring a different perspective to the table. However, all you need to apply to this program is a high school diploma and a positive attitude!
Want to know more about course requirements? Learn more about what you’ll need to become a Strategic Planning Master’s Student in the course brochure.
How To Apply
The application is as creative as the career.
Choose a city, program, and start date
Follow the process laid out in the application portal
Review and Submit
Cuándo es la próxima edición
Comienzo de clases: 11 de Julio
Nuestros programas comienzan 4 veces al año: en enero, abril, julio y octubre. Las solicitudes se cierran unos meses antes. Haz clic a continuación para obtener más información sobre nuestro proceso de admisión y da el primer paso hacia la carrera de sus sueños hoy.
Important Program Information
Tuition is $7,970 per semester paid to FIU. Tuition is based on the semester system with 5 installments for a total of $39,850 (plus fees) for both schools.
No assistantships are offered for this program. All students must cover tuition in its entirety.
Have A Question? Reach Out.
Download The Course Brochure
- Exclusive video content
- Strategy career facts
- Average salaries
- Information on co-ops and internships
- Example projects for real brands
- Detailed application process