Strategic Communication
Western Michigan University's strategic communication major prepares students with knowledge, skills and expertise in internal communication and external communication. This integrated approach meets the 21st century market demand for increased flexibility and breadth of communication competencies in today's communication specialists. Students will complete a common set of foundations and core courses and then select one of four concentrations to complete the degree: public relations, leadership and teamwork, diversity and inclusion, or media and technology. Beginning with the fall 2021 semester, the program with a public relations concentration also will be available fully online.
At the end of your course of study in strategic communication, you will be able to:
- Employ practical skills to assess, adapt and display strategic oral, written and digital communication according to key constituencies, goals and context
- Engage in evidence-based problem solving and critical thinking about communication at individual, team, organizational and societal levels
- Demonstrate the ethical, legal and social responsibilities of public communication professionals in a diverse world
As a strategic communication student at WMU, you may elect to participate in an internship for academic credit. You can also gain valuable networking and professional development opportunities through student and community organizations, including our Public Relations Organization or the Student Media Group. Students are also encouraged to participate in the WMU Signature program.
WMU graduates in strategic communication: public relations are prepared for careers such as:
- Media/social media analyst
- Public relations consultant
- Special event director
- Crisis communication manager
- Kalamazoo