BA Strategic Communications at Pennsylvania State University

Programme overview

The Strategic Communications online degree, to be offered via the World Campus, explores the theories, methods, and tools used to structure persuasive messages. The major includes an overview of strategic communications principles and concepts that sets the stage for more advanced studies. Students learn about research and analytic techniques used to design and implement effective communication campaigns that are delivered via traditional and new media options.

Faculty: Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications | Duration: minimum 120 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: University Park, PA, United States

What you will study

The degree requires a minimum of 120 credits, including General Education and the requirements for the major. Required courses include Basic News Writing Skills, Gender, Diversity and the Media, Writing for Media, Principles of Strategic Communications, Strategic Communications Law, Strategic Communications in a Global Environment.

Career pathways

Successful graduates can expand their career opportunities in a variety of fields involving communications, and may have the opportunity to: analyze and manage advertising, public relations, and integrated marketing communications; develop and maintain relationships and communication with an organization's stakeholders; cultivate an organization’s image and reputation; set goals and plan projects to help an audience retain a message; and conduct organized communications campaigns to influence the public image of a person or an organization, or to promote a product or initiative with maximum efficiency. Those skills can make graduates a valuable asset for businesses, corporations, government, and nonprofit organizations.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Direct Admission to the Major Incoming first-year students who meet the program admission requirements are admitted directly into the major. Admission restrictions may apply for change-of-major and/or change-of-campus students. For more information about the admission process for this major, please send a request to the college, campus, or program contact (listed in the Contact tab).

Undergraduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer entry; the application opens August 1 for Fall and Summer and June 1 for Spring.

Early Action: apply by November 1 to receive a decision by December 24. Recommended submission deadline for all applications: December 1. Applicants apply through the MyPennState application or the Common App. A nonrefundable application fee is paid by credit card; fee waivers are available to eligible students.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.psu.edu/apply/

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