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.
Core Courses (12 cr)
| COMM 215 | Intro Interpersonal Comm | 3 |
| or | |
| COMM 216 | Intro to Intercultural Comm | 3 |
| COMM 234 | Introduction to Public Relations | 3 |
| COMM 253 | Introduction to Organizational Communication | 3 |
| COMM 343 | Communication and Social Influence | 3 |
Gateway Courses (Public Relations/Promotions Emphasis) (8 cr)
Gateway Courses (Organizational Communication emphasis) (12 cr)
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
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)
Directed Electives (14 credits):
Students must take at least 3 additional courses from the following list:
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
- COMM 334 (Public Relations Strategies and Techniques)
- COMM 410 (Public Opinion) [OR]
- COMM 411 (Public Opinion Research) [OR]
- COMM 434 (Campaign Development Methods) [OR]
- COMM 439 (Social Media Research & Big Data)
Directed Electives (18 credits):
Students must take at least 4 additional courses from the above or following list (all are 4 credits unless noted):