Undergraduate Strategic Communication and Media
About the Strategic Communication and Media Program
Our program prepares students for professional careers and graduate studies with hands-on coursework, accomplished faculty and exceptional co-curricular opportunities. In addition, we offer up-to-date instructional computer labs, converged media production spaces and a continually evolving curriculum to meet today’s workplace demands. Graduates will join a remarkable community of alumni who have achieved professional success from coast to coast.
What Can I Do With a Strategic Communication and Media Degree?
SRU offers degree programs designed to transform students into experts in the fields of new media production and design, public relations and integrated marketing strategy, video and television production, social media, research and analysis, and written and oral communication. Students will be prepared for careers in advertising, journalism and broadcasting, public relations and strategic communication, web and digital design, and more. Our graduates work for sports teams, Fortune 100 companies, advertising and PR agencies, production companies, media organizations, and businesses and nonprofit agencies of all sizes.
Why Choose a Strategic Communication and Media Degree?
- Applied Curriculum
Hands-on coursework means students are not only learning to understand their field, but also developing demonstrable, applied skills needed for success in the workplace. - Experienced and Engaged Faculty
Students will be taught and advised by full-time faculty members who have professional experience in their fields and know their students’ names. Faculty prioritize a student’s personal growth and professional development in a caring, supportive environment. - Exceptional Student Organizations
Our students pride themselves on the pre-professional experience they gain by being a part of our award winning student organizations, including The Rocket, our multi-platform, independent student newspaper; WSRU-TV; WSRU-FM; Rock PRSSA; College Dress Relief; Lambda Pi Eta honor society; the SRU Film Society; AdFed; and the SRU UNICEF Club. - Professional Preparation
Our department offers a robust internship program so students can practice and demonstrate professional readiness. Students also complete a senior capstone seminar that guides them in developing a digital portfolio, exploring job opportunities and graduate school, learning professional skills for the workplace, and networking. - Networking and Alumni
Graduates will join an exceptional group of alumni who work in communication and media careers from coast to coast, and along with other industry leaders, support the department as members of our professional Advisory Board.
(Being at SRU) really shaped and molded me. I was able to take advantage of the clubs and organizations, and because of that, I've been able to make a career out of it.
Adam Bell ‘10, Programming Supervisor
Town of Carry, NC
Strategic Communication and Media BA, BS and Concentrations
Strategic Communication and Media, Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Maintains the tradition of communication as a liberal art and recognizes the blurred boundaries among communication specialties. The curriculum focuses on developing your ability to produce, distribute, analyze, and critically consume communication. Additionally, since communication underlies all human pursuits, the program emphasizes the ethical standards necessary to preserve the ideals of democratic free expression.
Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Strategic Communication and Media, BS - Concentration in Advertising
Takes a business and strategic communication approach to prepare students for a career in the broad field of advertising. The program focuses on teaching students how to develop strategies for targeted messaging across multiple platforms. With 54 required credits, the concentration allows students to pursue minors or second majors in complementary fields, preparing them for jobs at agencies, companies, or news outlets.
Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Strategic Communication and Media, BS - Concentration in Digital Media Production
Introduces students to a wide digital landscape including social media, video, and web development. This program is designed to develop your theoretical, technical, and creative skills for working with different types of media, with a focus on encouraging user interaction. You can also specialize in print, electronic, video, or audio media to prepare for a career as a graphic designer, video editor, or web developer.
Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Strategic Communication and Media, BS - Concentration in Health Communication
Places you at the forefront of the growing healthcare industry by providing an opportunity to learn how to communicate effectively. This program ensures graduates not only understand the nature and complexity of the healthcare industry but also possess the hands-on skills necessary to navigate this field.
Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Strategic Communication and Media, BS - Concentration in Integrated Marketing Communication
Prepares students to be at the forefront of modern marketing. The program ensures graduates understand the complex and ever-changing world of 21st-century marketing. Students benefit from campus organizations, media production spaces, a cutting-edge curriculum, and modern computer labs to develop their skills.
Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Strategic Communication and Media, BS - Concentration in Multimedia Journalism
Emphasizes excellence in writing for a variety of media. Students learn to write for a mixed-media environment and gain hands-on experience in print, online, and video media through The Rocket, SRU's award-winning student newspaper.
Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Strategic Communication and Media, BS - Concentration in Public Relations
Prepares you to communicate complex information across various media platforms. The curriculum is designed to equip you with the skills needed for the research, planning, writing, and technology-based aspects of the profession. Our faculty, with extensive professional experience, will provide you with the knowledge needed to become a successful PR professional.
Catalog | Curriculum Guide
Strategic Communication and Media - Certificate
For a listing of this program’s undergraduate certificates and related offerings, visit SRU’s official program catalog page.
Catalog | Program ListCareer Outcomes
While some of our students go on to graduate school after completing their bachelor’s degree, most begin strategic communication and media careers, including:
- Producer and on-air personality, WTAJ-TV
- Marketing associate, American Eagle Outfitters
- Account executive, Red Havas US
- Social Media Specialist, WebFX
- Graphic Designer/Campaign Coordinator, Lamar Advertising
- Area Executive Director, Autism Speaks
- Sports reporter, Indiana Gazette
- Videographer/editor, 21 WFMJ-TV
- Constituent outreach specialist, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Internship Opportunities
SRU art students may complete internships based on their individual interests. Students have completed internships at various locations including:
- ABC Television, New York, New York
- Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, Pirates and Passion
- National Aquarium, Baltimore, Maryland
- The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Washington, D.C.
- UPMC and Highmark Health
- General Motors Corporation
- Pittsburgh International Airport
- American Cancer Society
- American Eagle Outfitters
Clubs & Organizations
- Lambda Pi Eta: Award-winning student honor society
- Rock PRSSA: Award-winning student-run integrated marketing firm
- The Rocket: Award-winning independent student newspaper
- College Dress Relief
- SRU AdFed
- SRU Film Society
- SRU UNICEF Club: Promotes children’s rights
- WSRU-FM: Student-run radio and podcasting
- WSRU-TV: Award-winning student television station
Resources from SRU
From application tips to academic information and support, we provide the guidance and tools you need to start strong and stay on track. Our resources are here to help you make the most of your SRU experience.
