Undergraduate Degree in Strategic Communication
ONLINE PROGRAM
The online Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication program combines the study of human communication with a focus on how individual organizations can develop a cohesive and purposeful communication strategy. Students learn theories of communication while gaining practical skills, from writing to data analysis to leadership, that will help advance their career and meet organizational needs.
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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, Communication, and Culture
- COMM ST 394-DL Research Seminar
- COMM ST 395-DL Topics in CS: 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.
Program Goals
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Define and demonstrate principles of ethical and effective strategic communication
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Apply methods for research and analysis to understand, interpret, and respond to complex organizational needs
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Use communication skills to solve problems and respond effectively and ethically to complex situations with multiple stakeholders
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Demonstrate behaviors and attitudes that reflect deep cross-cultural competence
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Create, implement, and execute comprehensive communication plans that leverage diverse media and platforms to meet strategic goals
Degree Requirements
In addition to distribution courses, students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication will take major courses which include choosing one concentration, and elective units, which include a certificate external to the major. The Strategic Communication concentration choices include Corporate Communications and Branding, Research and Analytics, and Leadership. Students will select a concentration offered within another major as their elective certificate. Total required units include:
| Distribution | Major | Electives | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 units | Core courses: 8 units Concentration: 4 units |
Certificate courses: 4 units Other electives: 15 units |
45 units |
See the degree requirements page more detailed information.
More about the Online Strategic Communication Degree
Online Strategic Communication Degree Course Schedule
Explore Undergraduate Strategic Communication Courses for courses descriptions and schedules.
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 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.
Online 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.
Career Options for Strategic Communication Degree
Graduates of the program are expert in the theories of human a communication and build the broad practical skills — from writing to data analysis to leadership — needed to develop and execute cohesive and purposeful communication strategies for organizations in a wide range of fields. For details, see the Strategic Communication Career Options page.