As a student pursuing a BA in Strategic Communication you will master essential concepts and skills for the creation of successful public information, promotional and advocacy campaigns. You will learn how to set strategic campaign objectives, craft effective media messages, develop sophisticated media strategies and much more.
You will explore media platforms ranging from traditional mass media to emerging digital media, and will learn what it means to be an effective, ethical and culturally sensitive communicator. In many classes you will work with local organizations to address real communication challenges and hone your skills in practice.
You will also be challenged to develop a deeper understanding of multicultural and global issues and reflect critically on the way media and communication impact our lives.
The BA in Strategic Communication will prepare you for careers in public relations, advertising, corporate communication, government and nonprofit communication, digital media management, health communication and sports promotion.
What Sets Us Apart
An emphasis on multicultural and global communication and a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and social justice
Internationally recognized professors, dedicated to student success, who bring a wealth of expertise in corporate, nonprofit, health and political communication
Small classes that balance theoretical concepts with experiential learning and give you the personal attention and support you need to learn and thrive
An outstanding internship program and an extensive professional network of business, nonprofit and government partners in Colorado and beyond
Multiple opportunities for engagement beyond the classroom including exciting internships; the student-run podcast, PioCast; the student-run newspaper, The Clarion; and Project DU F.I.L.M., a partnership between students, faculty and alumni
The ability to double major and design your own path based on your unique passions and career goals
Degree Requirements
- The Strategic Communication major requires a minimum of 40 credits.
- In addition to completing the course requirements, students must complete a professional internship.
- To earn distinction in the Strategic Communication major, students must have a 3.75 cumulative GPA and a 3.8 GPA in the major.
See the DU Undergraduate Bulletin for more information on courses and degree requirements.
Featured Courses
MFJS 4080
Global & Multicultural Campaigns
About this Course
This course explores several issues and aspects of global and multicultural campaigns, using a combination of readings, lectures, discussions, and presentations from guest speakers with experience in this rapidly expanding field. Students discuss real-world campaigns and learn about the challenges and necessities of planning, implementing and evaluating global and multicultural campaigns. Prerequisite: MFJS 2400.
MFJS 3503
Social Media Strategies
About this Course
MFJS 3207
Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Health Communication
About this Course
We focus on the role of communication and identity in health and healthcare with a particular focus on justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and social determinants of health. The field of health equity focuses on ensuring that all populations—regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, immigration status, disability status, geographic origin, and so on—have equal opportunity to achieve and maintain a healthy life. Due to historical and current issues of marginalization, discrimination, and a variety of social determinants of health, many groups do not have the same access to the means necessary to achieve health and well-being. As a result, there are severe and persistent inequities in health status and outcomes seen across populations. This course is designed to provide an overview of the field of health equity, including the origins and context in which health inequities occur, an in-depth look at multiple populations impacted by health inequities, and the role of health communication in advancing and advocating to reduce health disparities. The course will begin with an overview of Health Communication and Health Equity in the United States and the ways in which health and illness are defined through communication, including media. We will discuss existing health disparities and social determinants of health as we examine health communication in cultural and intersectional settings in the U.S. We will further examine diversity in perspectives about health and illness, including diverse meaning systems and their influences on health attitudes and behaviors. Students will learn about cross-cultural conceptions of health and disease and how those conceptions are represented in communication about health and illness. As students learn about what it means to develop health communication campaigns grounded in the social determinants of health that lead to health disparities, they will examine culture centric messaging in health promotion. We will also discuss the ways in which health care systems are promoting patient-centered health care that takes intersectionality and identity into consideration.
Explore how strategic messaging and communication connect us to the world.
Are you ready to learn more about Strategic Communication at DU?
