Nov 03, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Strategic Communication, B.A.


The 120-hour degree in Strategic Communication will expose students to the techniques and skill sets required to create purposeful information and share it, both on an interpersonal and organizational level using established industry techniques and tactics. The Strategic Communication degree builds a broad understanding of the need for and interplay of media and society while it instills a grounded understanding of how to engage all organizational stakeholders in developing effective messaging strategies using the full range of media, advertising, marketing, public relations, and branding initiatives based in persuasion theory and best practices. This program offers a valuable asset to virtually any organization or business as it is designed to be flexible for working professionals. The courses are delivered in a convenient and flexible online format. 

Core Curriculum: 38 - 51 credit hours


Please review the Core Curriculum  page for course options.

Required Core Courses


Students majoring in Strategic Communication must take the following liberal arts core requirement regardless of whether the core is otherwise met:

Liberal Arts, Social Science

Core Designations


Strategic Communications majors will meet 3-credit hours of Global Studies by the following course:

Global Studies

Electives (minimum of 16 credit hours)


Technology Requirement


Computer competency will be demonstrated by successful completion of CO 213  and CO 225  within the major.​

Outcomes


In addition to the university-wide outcomes, all graduates from the School of Innovation will demonstrate the following outcomes:

Outcome 1.

Develop and analyze innovative solutions for problems using critical and creative reasoning. (EC 202 /EC 203 , EC 240 , MG 321 , MG 322 )

Outcome 2.

Demonstrate the ability to clearly communicate in professional settings using effective interpersonal, teamwork, cultural, presentational, and writing skills. (CO 212 , CO 312 , CO 321 )

Outcome 3.

Demonstrate an understanding of ethical frameworks and theories and how to apply them in professional situations. (BL 305 CO 212 , CO 321 )

Outcome 4.

Demonstrate the ability to use technology in managing organizations. (CS 210 EC 240 )

Strategic Communication Outcomes


Outcome 1.

Understand the theory of persuasion and rhetoric (CO 225 CO 235 CO 415 ).

Outcome 2.

Communicate an organization’s message (CO 317 CO 331 CO 415 ).

Outcome 3.

Use technology to communicate messages (MK 310 CO 235 CO 415 ).

Assessment


Summative outcomes for the Studies program are assessed through a combination of written and performance examinations, written and performance assignments, and a portfolio of completed projects. The portfolio reflects assignments completed throughout the course of the program. The portfolio is constructed in CO 499  Senior Seminar and reviewed by communication faculty members and professionals in the communication community. The portfolio is formally presented at the end of the semester prior to graduation.