Strategic Communication, B.A.

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

• PY 101 General Psychology (3)  

Core Designations

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

Global Studies

• MK 411 - International Marketing (3)  

Strategic Communication Foundation (21 - 24 credit hours)

• BL 305 - Legal Aspects of Business I (3)
• CO 212 - Conflict Resolution (3)
• CO 213 - Strategic Presentation in the Digital Environment (3)
• EN 112 - Composition II: Rhetorical Argument (3) (unless taken for Core credit)
• MG 321 - Management (3)

•  

• EC 202 - Principles of Microeconomics (3) or
• EC 203 - Principles of Macroeconomics (3) or
• PY 224 - Psychology of Communication (3)

•  

• EC 240 - Statistical Analysis (3) or
• PY 373 - Diversity in the Workplace (3)

•  

• MG 322 - Organizational Behavior & Development (3) OR

Major Requirements (36 credit hours)

• BU 350 - Data Science: Business Intelligence & Analytics (3)
• CO 152 - Introduction to Strategic Communication (3)
• CO 225 - Mass Media & Society (3)
• CO 235 - Principles of Advertising (3)
• CO 317 - Promotional Writing (3)
• CO 231 - Public Relations Concepts (3)
• CO 415 - Integrated Brand Management & Communication (3)
• CO 452 - Strategic Communication and Leadership (3)
• CO 495 - Internship (3)
• CO 499 - Senior Seminar (3)
• MK 310 - Marketing (3)
• MK 312 - Consumer Behavior (3)

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.​

Mission and Values

VisCom Mission

Inspire and empower the next generation of visual communicators to create meaningful change through innovative design and socially responsible practices. Our graduates will be highly skilled professional who excel in their careers and contribute positively to their communities and the world.

• Cultivate socially responsible professionals equipped with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to excel in today’s dynamic world.
• Foster a diverse and inclusive learning community by actively recruiting and supporting students from all backgrounds, celebrating their unique perspectives, and sharing their inspiring journeys.
• Strengthen a culture of social justice and practical learning by building partnerships, internships, and mentorship opportunities that bridge academic theory with real-world challenges and promote critical awareness of inequity.
• Continuously enhance our educational approach by innovating our curriculum and pedagogy to ensure students develop the critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills needed for academic success and lifelong learning.
• Develop a strong and supportive alumni community that fosters lifelong connections and actively promotes diversity and inclusion to ensure all students have the resources and opportunities to achieve their academic and career goals.
• Nourish a dynamic and inclusive learning environment by recruiting exceptional faculty who inspire and empower students to become agents of positive social change.

VisCom Values

Student Focused Skill Development:

• Equip students with current and emerging digital tools by fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment that supports academic and career aspirations.
• Promote critical thinking, empathy, and social responsibility through an interdisciplinary curriculum that explores issues of professionalism, inclusion, diversity, and social justice.
• Nurture holistic student development by integrating academic coursework with practical experiences and industry insights.
• Cultivate students’ civic engagement and community impact through authentic partnerships, internships, and mentorship opportunities.
• Encourage a culture of curiosity and exploration by embracing innovation, experimentation, and adaptability.

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 231 , 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.