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Apply By

  • Dec. 3 (Spring)
  • April 1 (early Summer sessions)
  • July 22 (Fall)

Class Begins

  • Spring: Jan. 10
  • Summer: May 9 (early sessions)
  • Fall: Aug. 22

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Arts
in Strategic Communication

WSU College

Murrow College of Communication

Strategies for Cutting-Edge Communicators

Communication can be a powerful tool. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, there is an increasingly high demand for versatile communication experts who can effectively use a wide range of technologies, techniques and strategies to communicate key messages and help organizations achieve their goals. 

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WSU Global Campus Integrated Strategic Communication.

What is Integrated Strategic Communication?

Strategic communicators master the ability to creatively and persuasively communicate with target audiences, building mutually beneficial long-term relationships between organizations and the public. They acquire and maintain a diverse toolbox of communication tools and skills, including creative multi-media content creation, social media and digital content management, market research, branding strategy, and persuasive communication techniques. 

Find out more from an Integrated Strat Comm Outstanding Senior!

What You’ll Learn

WSU’s integrated strategic communication major, available entirely online, provides a broad-based curriculum that focuses on both digital and traditional media. Coursework in the program emphasizes theoretically grounded, data-based decision-making to solve problems and innovate. As an integrated strategic communication student, you will acquire skills you need to prepare for careers in corporate communications, social media, community and media relations, advertising and public relations. Jobs are available in public relations firms and advertising agencies as well as in virtually all industries and businesses that require the expertise of communication professionals.

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WSU Online Integrated Strategic Communication Degree Strengths

  • The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication is highly regarded nationwide by professionals and wins awards for student’s work.
  • Students will learn applied principles of advertising and public relations and participate in an internship to solve real-world communication problems.
  • Learn from professors who win awards for their teaching and professional work, are nationally ranked for their research, and emphasize high standards in the tradition of Edward R. Murrow.

Program of Study

All courses are available online

All WSU undergraduates must complete a minimum of 120 semester credits of which 40 credits must be at the 300 – 400 level to earn a BA in Integrated Strategic Communication. At least 30 credits must be from WSU.

All WSU undergraduates must complete the University Common Requirements (UCORE). These can generally be satisfied with a direct transfer degree. For a list of direct-transfer agreements, visit WSU’s Transferring an Associate Degree web page.

10 semester credits

Before advancing to upper-division courses required for the degree, students must become certified as an integrated strategic communication major. Students are required to apply for certification. A Global Campus integrated strategic communication academic advisor can provide additional information about the process.

Certification Minimum Requirements

  • Complete the following pre-certification courses:
    • COM 101 [SSCI] – Media and Society
    • COM 102 [COMM] – Public Speaking in the Digital Age
    • COM 105 [HUM] – Communication in Global Contexts
    • COM 138 – Communication Overview
  • Have earned at least 30 semester credits (15 or more from WSU)
  • Pass the Murrow College Grammar and Writing Exam (via the COM 138 course)

Students may apply to certify during the semester in which they will complete the requirements listed above.

Certification decisions are based on the number of spots available that semester, cumulative WSU GPA, the number of credits completed, and the applicant’s performance on the Murrow College Grammar and Writing Exam (via the COM 138 course). A cumulative GPA of 3.0 guarantees certification.

Students will take COM 300 in the first semester upon certification.

6 semester credits

  • COM 210 [COMM] – Multimedia Content Creation
  • COM 300 [M] – Writing in Communication

33 semester credits

  • COM 309 – Quantitative Research Methods
  • COMJOUR 333 [M] – Reporting Across Platforms
  • COMSOC 301 – Foundations of Persuasion
  • COMSTRAT 310 – Digital Content Promotion
  • COMSTRAT 312 – Principles of Public Relations
  • COMSTRAT 380 – Advertising Principles and Practices
  • COMSTRAT 383 [M] – Media Strategies and Techniques for Public Relations
  • COMSTRAT 476 – Consumer Insights and Branding
  • COMSTRAT 485 [M] – Public Relations Management and Campaigns
  • COMSTRAT 495 – Strategic Communication Professional Internship
  • MKTG 360 – Marketing

Transfer students bringing in 30 or more semester credits from an outside institution, and a 3.0 or higher transfer GPA will be directly admitted into the Murrow College. After consulting with a Murrow Professional Academic Advisor, a student transferring with junior status (60 or more semester credits), with a 3.0 or higher transfer GPA, and who has completed COM 101 or COM 105 from another institution, will be allowed to take COM 300 in their first semester at WSU with all remaining 100 level required communication courses. All transfer students are required to consult with a Murrow Professional Academic Advisor prior to enrollment at WSU.

Please review the online WSU Catalog for additional information about specific degree requirements.