Curriculum

This is an unofficial description for this program. For official information check the Academic Catalog.

Central’s BA in Strategic Communication teaches how to analyze, craft, and deliver meaningful messages across all types of media, context, and channels. The program focuses on developing and strengthening interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, speaking, and writing skills.

Students examine organizational communication and public relations case studies, work on campaigns, and undertake projects.

A minor is required with this major.

Requirements (38 cr)

8-12 credits in required gateway courses* from a specified emphasis area. The completion of a minor in a related field of study is required.

Area of Emphasis

(Students must take at least 3 courses, in addition to the gateway courses listed, in one of these 2 areas)

Directed Electives (14-18 cr)

Additional credits such that a student has at least 10 credits in 400-level classes and at least 38 total credits in the major. Two courses from other departments can count as directed electives towards the major, upon advisor approval.

Additional Requirements

All students must also take COMM 140 Public Speaking to fulfill a requirement in General Education.

*Required gateway courses for a particular emphasis area

COMM 140 Public Speaking 3 Credits

Organizational Communication

This emphasis area offers students preparation for careers in employee communication, special events and training, and development in corporate and non-profit organizations and government agencies.

38 credits total, with 12 credits in core courses, 12 credits in required gateway courses* from a specified emphasis area, and at least 14 other credits of directed electives.

* Gateway courses (all are 4 credits)

COMM 356 (Professional Communication)
COMM 453 (Organizational Communication)
COMM 410 (Public Opinion) [OR]

Directed Electives (14 credits):

Students must take at least 3 additional courses from the following list:

COMM 231 Communication Technologies 3 Credits

COMM 301 Critical Thinking 4 Credits

COMM 302 Small Group and Team Communication 4 Credits

COMM 315 Political Communication 4 Credits

COMM 332 Web Publishing 4 Credits

COMM 345 Writing for the Electronic Media 4 Credits

COMM 353 Interviewing Theory and Practice 3 Credits

COMM 356 Professional Communication 4 Credits

COMM 410 Public Opinion 4 Credits

COMM 411 Public Opinion Research 4 Credits

COMM 414 Nonverbal Communication 4 Credits

COMM 423 Crisis Communication 4 Credits

COMM 434 Campaign Development Methods 4 Credits

COMM 439 Social Media Research & Big Data 4 Credits

COMM 450 Communication Skills for Training and Development 3 Credits

COMM 452 Health Communication 4 Credits

COMM 453 Organizational Communication 4 Credits

COMM 454 Communication & Social Change 3 Credits

COMM 456 Corporate Communication 3 Credits

COMM 490 Internship Study 1-6 Credits

COMM 493 Advanced Study in Communication 4 Credits

COMM 495 Special Topics in Strategic Communication 3-4 Credits

COMM 496 Field Studies in Communication 3 Credits

Public Relations/Promotions

Designed for students interested in careers in promotions and public relations, this emphasis provides students with both the theoretical knowledge and the practical experience that is necessary to implement strategic communication campaigns and initiatives for organizations in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.

38 credits total, with 12 credits in core courses, 8 credits in required gateway courses* from a specified emphasis area, and at least 18 other credits of directed electives.

* Gateway courses