Welcome to the Department of Strategic Communication; for short, we just call it StratComm. Our department focuses on strategic and organizational communication, which involves the mindful, purposeful, and planned communication to, from, within, and between organizations, from corporate to government to NGOs, and their public audiences.
Welcome Note from the Chair
This year promises to be an exciting one for StratComm as we work to continue building a strong community among our students, staff, and faculty, reaching out to the campus, community, and the Communication discipline, and growing and being recognized for the department’s achievements in both research and practice.
StratComm offers an undergraduate degree that focuses on one of three academic areas: organizational leadership, public communication, and public relations. In addition, StratComm provides advanced work in communication management for which students earn the Master’s of Science degree. Several of our faculty members are involved with the School of Communications and Theater’s doctoral program, which offers a Ph.D. degree in Mass Media and Communication. Our faculty includes scholars who are theorists and researchers, and practitioners with expertise in various aspects of strategic communication.
As a newcomer to StratComm, I look forward to meeting students, parents, and alumni this coming year. I hope you will be part of our community and gain the benefits that our department has to offer.
Go Owls! And have a great year.
Deborah A. Cai
Professor & Chair
Our curriculum emphasizes
The role of communication in creating and shaping organizational relationships among multiple and diverse stakeholders.
Skills in presentation, listening, and influence/advocacy; advanced skills in image & reputation management, negotiating, lobbying, campaigning and managing crises.
The ability to adapt to diversity and other cultures.
Developing an understanding of global mediated communication, including ability to utilize the mass media communication technologies in day-to-day work.
Understanding of problem-solving and policy-making, and analysis of complex contemporary policy controversies.
Building and maintaining effective organizations and teams.
Organizational change and the role of leaders and communication professionals as change agents.
Important connections to business, humanities, and social sciences studies beyond that required by the core curriculum.
Ethical issues.
Practical application of leadership skills through required internship and/or service learning.
About the Department
Related Links
For Prospective Students
For Current Students
Welcome to the Department of Strategic Communication; for short, we just call it StratComm. Our department focuses on strategic and organizational communication, which involves the mindful, purposeful, and planned communication to, from, within, and between organizations, from corporate to government to NGOs, and their public audiences.
Welcome Note from the Chair
StratComm offers an undergraduate degree that focuses on one of three academic areas: organizational leadership, public communication, and public relations. In addition, StratComm provides advanced work in communication management for which students earn the Master’s of Science degree. Several of our faculty members are involved with the School of Communications and Theater’s doctoral program, which offers a Ph.D. degree in Mass Media and Communication. Our faculty includes scholars who are theorists and researchers, and practitioners with expertise in various aspects of strategic communication.
As a newcomer to StratComm, I look forward to meeting students, parents, and alumni this coming year. I hope you will be part of our community and gain the benefits that our department has to offer.
Go Owls! And have a great year.
Deborah A. Cai
Professor & Chair
Our curriculum emphasizes