Strategic Communication
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
What is Strategic Communication?
Strategic communication is the study of how organizations and individuals use communication to negotiate their role in society. Public relations is a central ingredient of strategic communication and involves the study of how organizations use responsible behavior and two-way communication to influence opinions and behavior of key publics (e.g., employees, consumers, government, community, media) as well as to respond and adapt to the concerns of the public.
Strategic communication incorporates both practical and theoretical aspects of public relations as well as a broader focus on social influence. Extending beyond the fields of mass and speech communication, this new departmental major also includes courses in Marketing, Statistics, Interactive Media Studies, and Journalism.
What are the features of Miami's program?
Interdisciplinary approach: The program's interdisciplinary approach brings together insights from various disciplines to foster intellectual competency and enlarge perspective.
Hands on experience: The program is augmented by numerous opportunities for competition and practical experience. Miami's chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSSA) remains one of the largest in the country and sponsors a student-run PR firm. The chapter also has a strong record of success in national applied competitions.
Internship opportunities: Our majors have held public relations internships with local, regional, and national public relations and/or advertising agencies, political offices, and a wide variety of business, non-profit, and social issues groups across the nation. Students acquire ample materials for a professional portfolio that allows them to showcase their strong liberal arts and theoretical background within applied experiences, demonstrating broad based skills and capabilities to employers.
Are there special admission requirements?
Yes, admission is selective, with limited enrollment. Students typically apply for admission after taking the three pre-major courses during their freshman year.
- Cumulative g.p.a. after 30 semester hours
- Total g.p.a. from the three pre-major courses
- Pre-major examination*
*The examination requirement is waived for students enrolled in the University Honors program. Honor students are automatically accepted into the communication degree program of their choice upon completion of the pre-major courses.
What courses would I take?
In addition to the pre-major courses required to enter the program and those required by the Miami Plan, students study communication theory and research and concentrate on courses related to their area of specialization. Many students take off-campus internships in media-related industries.
What can I do with this major?
Students who complete the strategic communication major will participate in a broad-based and interdisciplinary program that allows them access to such fields as public relations, media relations, employee relations, community relations, government relations, lobbying, corporate communication, research, consulting, sales, human resource management, marketing, advertising, public affairs, and politics.
Who can I contact for more information?
For general information about Miami University, please contact:
Office of Admission
301 S. Campus Ave.
Miami University
Oxford, OH 45056-3434
513-529-2531 (v/t)
www.muohio.edu/requestinfo
For specific information on the Strategic Communication major, please contact:
Dr. Howard Kleiman
Department of Communication
150 Williams Hall
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-3545
kleimah@muohio.edu
www.muohio.edu/communication
Dr. Marjorie Keeshan Nadler
Department of Communication
160F Bachelor Hall
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-7175
nadlermk@muohio.edu
www.muohio.edu/communication
