Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication

Generate ideas and solve problems. Explore how organizations use strategic and creative advertising, public relations and media design to accomplish their communication goals.

The undergraduate degree in strategic communication is designed for students interested in advertising, public relations and media design. Through a design-thinking process grounded in analytical and creative thought, students learn to generate ideas and solve problems for brands and organizations. The program allows students to work on real-world projects with industry professionals, scholars and artists while gaining expertise in one of three tracks.

  • Specialize in strategic or creative advertising, public relations or media design
  • Work on client-based, real-world campaigns
  • Be prepared for the rapidly growing field of strategic communication

Network and compete on a national stage, including at The One Club’s prestigious Young Ones Student Awards showcase held annually in New York City, and at the National Student Advertising Competition

130+ renowned organizations employ CMCI graduates, including National Geographic, Rogers & Cowan, Condé Nast, Microsoft, NPR, Uninterrupted and NBC

Learn from faculty who bring industry knowledge into the classroom, with experience working with clients including Apple, Microsoft, Adobe, AT&T, Chicago Bulls, White Sox, American Express, Mars, Kraft, Chipotle, Crocs, General Mills and Southwest Airlines 

Be successful.

Our students gain a competitive edge by developing skills that are highly valued in today’s constantly changing professional landscape.

 

$70,900 median salary of marketing specialists () and $61,100 median salary of public relations specialists ()

 

Account manager, account planner, app designer, art director, copywriter, digital advertising specialist, digital producer, event planner, interaction designer, media planner/buyer, public information officer, publicist, public relations writer/editor, social media manager and user experience strategist are common job opportunities for our graduates

 

Gain relevant, off-campus experience with internship and career resources from your first semester to your last

Academic Plan & Requirements

Students majoring in strategic communication develop a strong portfolio and industry connections while specializing in one of three undergraduate tracks. 

  • Advertising: Students in this track can focus on strategic or creative advertising.
    • Strategic: Students learn principles of brand building, audience engagement, research and creative strategy development.
    • Creative: Students focus on the development of smart and rewarding messages that can be used across all media.
  • Public Relations: Students learn to work effectively with news organizations, create content for traditional and emerging media platforms, build relationships with multiple stakeholders, and manage public relations campaigns.
  • Media Design: Students learn how to apply design thinking and design practices for social media strategies, packaging design, app development and user experience to amplify strategic communication initiatives.

Students must also complete a secondary area of study outside of the strategic communication major. 

  • A minor
  • A second major within CMCI
  • A double degree
  • Any credit-based certificate program of at least 12 credit hours

Community & Involvement

CMCI is a place for community and collaboration. Learn how you can make connections, gain hands-on experience, further your studies and get involved.

Be Involved