Strategic Communication
Strategic Communication is one of four majors offered by the Department of Communication. Students may choose from professional emphases in advertising or public relations.
The Program
Students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree offered by the Department of Communication must first complete all courses associated with the Pre-Communication requirements. Once all Pre-Communication courses and requirements are met, students submit the transition form, available on the department's website, to their advisor. After verification of accuracy, the student is accepted into the professional program and can continue pursuing a degree in the Department of Communication.
Admission to the Major
Students must complete 19 credits of Pre-Communication courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA to become a strategic communication major. The courses are COMM 110, COMM 112, COMM 114, COMM 189, COMM 212, COMM 220, and ENGL 120.
Strategic Communication Major
Students majoring in strategic communication may earn a Bachelor of Science degree (includes an approved minor) or a Bachelor of Arts degree (includes a modern language proficiency). A public relations emphasis will orient students to the principles and practices of public relations, an advertising emphasis on the principles and practices of advertising. Students will complete an applied capstone course in their final semester.
Career Opportunities
Coursework in the strategic communication major prepares students for careers that include copy design and editing, client services, event planning, promotion, evaluation, publicity and media relations, creative design, professional business consulting, and corporate training. The courses in each emphasis area promote written and oral communication skills and prepare students to communicate in meaningful and effective ways with a variety of audiences.
Strategic Communication Minor
Many other majors offered at North Dakota State University can be greatly enhanced by a strategic communication minor. The 21-credit minor includes a nine-credit core and 12 credits of communication professional specialization.
Internship Requirement
Internships offer practical experience for strategic communication students. After securing an internship, students must gain approval from the departmental internship coordinator, have an on-site evaluation, and report on the internship experience. Three credits (120 hours) of this field experience are required for the major, and many students complete more than one internship. Students have interned with advertising/marketing firms, non-profits, and media companies in the Fargo-Moorhead area and beyond. Internships often lead to jobs.
Scholarships
The Department of Communication awards a number of scholarships to students who excel in academics and who have demonstrated career potential. Applications are due by March 1. Visit the department website for information.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Students majoring in strategic communication are encouraged to gain experience by joining the Advertising Club or the department's chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). NDSU has two honoraries for top students majoring in a degree program offered by the Department of Communication. Pi Kappa Delta is a national honor fraternity for students involved in human communication activities. Lambda Pi Eta is a national honorary for communication majors with high academic achievement.
High School Preparation
A well-rounded high school education with experiences in high school music, forensics, theater, journalism, FFA, or scouting serves as good preparation for the strategic communication major. Students with interests in science and art, business and service, and publicity and promotion will find a major in this department to be a good fit.
The Faculty
Faculty members in the Department of Communication are dedicated teachers, scholars, and practitioners who are committed to providing high-quality courses, hands-on learning experiences, and opportunities for undergraduate research. We encourage students who want to learn more about our faculty to reach out via email or schedule an appointment via Navigate.
Strategic Communication Plan of Study
Please note this is a sample plan of study and not an official curriculum. Actual student schedules for each semester will vary depending on start year, education goals, applicable transfer credit, and course availability. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor on a regular basis to review degree progress and customize an individual plan of study.
First Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
COMM 112 Understanding Media and Social Change | 3 | COMM 110 Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
COMM 114 Human Communication | 3 | COMM 200 Introduction to Media Writing | 3 |
COMM 189 Skills for Academic Success | 1 | ENGL 120 College Composition II | 3 |
ENGL 110 College Comp I (or placement into ENGL 120) | 4 | Gen Ed Humanities & Fine Arts | 3 |
Gen Ed Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | Gen Ed Science & Technology | 3 |
Gen Ed Wellness | 2 | Gen Ed Science & Technology Lab | 1 |
| 16 | 16 | |
Second Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
COMM 212 Interpersonal Communication | 3 | COMM 375 Principles of Strategic Communication | 3 |
COMM 220 Persuasion | 3 | Major Elective | 3 |
Minor or Language Coursework | 3 | Minor or Language Coursework | 3 |
Gen Ed Global Perspectives | 3 | Gen Ed Humanities & Fine Arts | 3 |
Gen Ed Science & Technology | 3 | Gen Ed Science & Technology | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | |
Third Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
COMM 377 Media Planning | 3 | COMM 425 Specialty Writing | 3 |
Major Elective | 3 | COMM 496 Field Experience | 3 |
Minor or Language Coursework | 3 | Major Elective | 3 |
AHSS Requirement | 3 | Minor or Language Coursework | 3 |
Gen Ed Upper Division Writing | 3 | AHSS Requirement | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | |
Fourth Year | |||
Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
COMM 431 Communication Ethics and Law | 3 | COMM 472 or 476 Public Relations Campaigns | 3 |
COMM 470 Research for Strategic Communication | 3 | or Advertising Campaign Practicum | |
Major Elective | 3 | Major Elective | 3 |
Minor or Language Coursework | 3 | Major Elective | 3 |
Additional Coursework or Internship | 3 | Minor or Language Coursework | 3 |
Additional Coursework May Be Required to Reach 120 Credits | 1 | ||
| 15 | 13 | |
Total Credits: 120 |
View NDSU equivalencies of transfer courses at: www.ndsu.edu/transfer/equivalencies
Minard Hall
Room 338
Minard Hall is located on the south end of campus on Albrecht Boulevard (Campus Map)
Contact Information
Communication
NDSU Dept 2310,
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
DEPT PHONE: (701) 231-7705
DEPT WEBSITE: www.ndsu.edu/communication
or
Office of Admission
North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept #5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Tel: (701) 231-8643 / Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/admission/
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