Online Degree in Strategic Communication
The Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication program combines the study of human communication with a focus on the ways individual organizations can develop a cohesive and purposeful communication strategy. Students learn theories of communication while gaining practical skills—writing, data analysis, leadership—that will help advance their career and meet organizational needs.
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Graduates will be prepared to:
- Define and demonstrate principles of ethical and effective strategic communication
- Apply methods for research and analysis to understand, interpret, and respond to complex organizational needs
- Use communication skills to solve problems and respond effectively and ethically to complex situations with multiple stakeholders
- Demonstrate behaviors and attitudes that reflect deep cross-cultural competence
- Create, implement, and execute comprehensive communication plans that leverage diverse media and platforms to meet strategic goals
To prepare graduates for diverse career paths in a range of fields, the Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication program offers an interdisciplinary and customizable curriculum. Students complete eight core courses and choose a major concentration in Corporate Communication and Branding, Research and Analytics, or Leadership. Strategic Communication students also select an elective certificate comprised of four courses from outside of the major.
The Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication degree requires 45 units total, including the major core, concentration, and elective certificate courses, as well as writing and foundational disciplines requirements, and elective courses.
Core Courses
Complete All Eight
- COMM ST 205-DL Theories of Persuasion
- COMM ST 225-DL Communication & Culture
- COMM ST 250-DL Team Leadership and Decision Making
- COMM ST 360-DL Organizational Communication
- COMM ST 392-DL Global Culture, Commerce, and Communication
- COMM ST 394-DL Research Seminar
- COMM ST 395-DL Topics: Digital Media & Society
- COMM ST 398-DL Capstone
Major Concentrations
Choose one
Elective Certificates
Choose one
Elective certificates provide students with the opportunity to build skills in a wide range of areas to meet career objectives and earn a stand-alone credential to demonstrate expertise in the professional arena.
Degree Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication
Writing & Foundational Disciplines | Major | Electives | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Writing: 2 units Foundational Disciplines: 12 units |
Core courses: 8 units Concentration: 4 units |
Certificate courses: 4 units Other electives: 15 units |
45 units |
To earn the Bachelor of Science degree, students complete a total of 45 units, including a writing requirement, a foundational disciplines requirement, and the major core, concentration, and elective certificate requirements, and electives.
Two writing courses (ENGLISH 111 and 205) and courses in three foundational disciplines—humanities, scientific inquiry and quantitative reasoning, and social sciences—are required. Two courses in the foundational disciplines requirement apply perspectives on power, justice, and equity: one course focused within the United States and one course focused globally. A philosophy course on professional ethics is also required.
See detailed Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
More about the Online Strategic Communication Degree
Online Strategic Communication Degree Admission & Transfer Policy
Application to Northwestern University School of Professional Studies bachelor's degree programs is completed online. Once admitted, many students create a shorter path to degree completion by applying transfer credit. View detailed application instructions and transfer credit policies on the Admission & Transfer Policy page.
Online Strategic Communication Course Schedule
Explore Strategic Communication Degree course descriptions and schedules.
Strategic Communication Degree Tuition & Financial Aid
The School of Professional Studies offers competitive tuition rates for undergraduate courses. The Tuition & Financial Aid page lists current per-course tuition rates in addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Registration for Strategic Communication Degree
Registration for courses opens 8 to 10 weeks before each quarter and is accessed CAESAR, Northwestern's online student records system. View course registration timelines and instructions on the Registration Information page.