Strategic Communication

Majors & Minors
Strategic Communication

Strategic Communication

Claire Carrière majors in organizational communication at the University of �鶹��ý at Lafayette.

“I loved how supportive the professors in my program were, truly making us feel supported every step of the way. I loved how each class promoted a sense of open-mindedness and taught us about facing adversity. I feel my program assisted me in learning about not just a future job field, but skills to utilize in relationships and friendships as well.”

Outstanding Grad Claire Carriere made the most of her time as a strategic communication major

You should major in strategic communication if:

You love figuring out the best way to communicate in any situation.
You want a career crafting messages and plans that convey those messages over a variety of media
You want a career in social media, campaign management, creative assets, or public affairs.

Strategic communication majors at �鶹��ý Lafayette can choose from three concentrations:

Advertising
Organizational communication
Public relations

All three concentrations have one thing in common: creating effective, targeted, persuasive messages that help organizations succeed. Learn how to craft effective advertisements, plan and execute public relations campaigns, and influence organizational leadership.

Related Programs

Mass Communication Major

What's Strategic Communication Like?

Internships
Lab & studio work
Research
Reading & writing
Creativity
Group work & collaboration

Nationally ranked

We are among the top strategic communication programs in the country. Our public relations major has been ranked 3rd in the country by both PR Daily and College Choice.

Life as a Strategic Communication Major

A University of �鶹��ý at Lafayette communicaion major gives a presentation

Internships

All strategic communication majors complete an internship. In your internship you’ll fine-tune the skills learned in your classes and enhance your portfolio to a professionally competitive level. Internships also help build a network of professionals in your field and related areas.

Study Abroad

The Department of Communication frequently offers courses through the study abroad programs, including courses in travel writing, photojournalism, and more.

More about study abroad

Student Organizations

Join an organization suited to your interests like the , the , or The American Advertising Federation (AAF). These organizations will help you get a foot in the door of your professional career and provide a group of friends you can rely on before and after graduation.

Real-World Experience

While studying strategic communication you will have many opportunities to build real-world experience. Many courses in the major give you the opportunity to work with real-world clients to produce full-fledged advertising and public relations campaigns, crisis management plans, reputation management campaigns, case studies, leadership plans, and human resources strategies. You can also work with community and business clients when you join our student-run .

Concentrations in Strategic Communication

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Advertising

The advertising concentration focuses on imagination and creativity as well as structure and analysis. Develop your passion for advertising strategy, design, writing, critical thinking, and planning. Get a taste of it all with room to explore what you enjoy the most.

Students using their laptops in class at �鶹��ý Lafayette.

Organizational Communication

Gain the skills needed to succeed in complex organizations with the organizational communication concentration. Become an effective speaker, problem-solver, and leader. Research, negotiate, and examine the effects of communication in organizations.

A student writing in a computer lab for communication students on campus.

Public Relations

Build mutually beneficial relationships with the public and constituencies with a public relations major. Learn skills like strategic writing, planning, design, crisis and reputation management, public speaking, and relationship building.

Strategic Communication Courses According to Students

Freshman Year Sophomore Year Junior Year Senior Year

CMCN 210: Interpersonal Communication

Interpersonal communication dives deeper into the everyday aspects our communication and how powerful it truly is. Understanding how your communication abilities impact your life and influence others is crucial to a successful career and life.”

Morgan Crenshaw, Strategic Communication Major

CMCN 321: Writing for Public Relations

The professor taught and had the class practice the multiple types of writing we could be assigned to create as a future PR practitioner like newsletters, news releases, blogs, brochures, and more. I learned the AP style writing format for professional journalistic writing in that class as well."

Kaileigh “Savannah” Berry, Strategic Communication Major

Strategic Communication Careers

Scott Miller

“I am a proud �鶹��ý Lafayette graduate and often tell others about my affection and appreciation for the education I received at the University. Those were times that I will always fondly remember and feel honored to be a part of �鶹��ý Lafayette’s long, outstanding legacy.”

Public Relations '97

Communications Director at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

Meet Scott Miller

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Program Requirements

Admissions Requirements

To major in strategic communication, you must meet the University's admissions requirements.
See the full admission requirements.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with a degree in strategic communication, you must earn a “C” or better in all communication courses and satisfy the general education requirements.

See the full graduation requirements in the University catalog:

Internship Requirement

As a strategic communication major, you must complete an internship during your senior year.
The department will connect you with potential internship sites and give you instructions for how to secure one of those internships.

Minor Requirement

You are also required to complete an 18-credit-hour minor (with at least 6 hours at the 300- or 400-level) outside the Communication Department. Most students will pick a minor in a discipline related to their profession. For example, if you would like to be an art director you might choose to complete a minor in design; if you would like to be a public relations manager you might choose a minor in business.

To earn your advertising minor, you must take 18 credit hours covering the basics of visual and written communication and how to best communicate your message using both.

To earn your minor in organizational communication, you must take 18 credit hours on how to be an effective speaker, lead problem solving efforts, and the best practices for working as a consultant.

To earn your public relations minor, you must take 18 credit hours focusing on the art of crafting spoken, written, and visual messages for organizations and individuals.

We also offer a general communication minor. All classes for this minor are available to complete online. Choose your 18 credit hours from .

Resources

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Strategic Communication

Outstanding Grad Claire Carriere made the most of her time as a strategic communication major

Related Programs

What's Strategic Communication Like?