The certificate in strategic communication will prepare you to plan and execute deliberate communication. You'll learn to coordinate the integration of appropriate tactics to further sales, political, religious and social goals.
Specific certificate requirements are available in the Undergraduate Studies Office of the Department of Communication and Journalism.
Strategic Communication Certificate Requirements
What is Strategic Communication?
Strategic communication is creation of the plan and the tools or tactics used to implement that plan effectively. It is a process that supports:
- Advertising
- Corporate communication
- Marketing
- Promotions
- Public affairs
- Public information
- Public relations
The value of effective strategic communication is acknowledged by both profit and nonprofit corporations and by governmental agencies. The effect of strategic communication failures on the bottom line, employee and stakeholder satisfaction and the efficient use of resources is well documented.
Gathering and interpreting appropriate information, audience analysis and harnessing the power of accurate language in message crafting are further noted as key strategic communication functions. Tactics available for implementing strategic communication are expanding exponentially as digital communication and new media evolve. Mastery of the integration of these tactics in strategic plans augment the effectiveness of internal and public issues management while mitigating corporate frustration, offensive messages and overspending.
Although effective strategic communication is critical to organizational success, many companies and agencies continue to need support and assistance in this arena. The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook notes that careers in various strategic communication areas are growing “faster than average” to “much faster than average.”