Strategic Communication, BS

For other Communication Department majors, see Digital Media & Cinema, BS and Graphic Design, BS .

Purpose

The Communication Department exists to educate students in the development of skills that will enable them to appropriately and creatively utilize the latest technology to communicate Christ creatively. To be a competent communicator one must know the Word that God gave us and the world God created. The common core of the Strategic Communicaiton program provides a foundation in essential disciplines that will contribute to the student’s ability to communicate effectively in today’s world.

The Strategic Communication program at CIU gives students basic communication, public relations, and media production skills. Writing for a variety of editorial platforms – print and broadcast news, digital media (blogs, websites, social media, corporate communication), and marketing – is emphasized. In addition, this major encompasses course work in public relations research, crisis management, and social media strategies. The program is designed for students who wish to prepare for rapidly expanding opportunities in business communication, digital marketing, social media and web development.

Objectives

Develop essential disciplines in the field of media and communication
Integrate biblical knowledge into the display of media for marketplace and ministry organizations
Devise strategies that will effectively connect individuals, communities, organizations and businesses online portals and social media
Integrate a biblically-based Christian worldview that can be used in social media settings
Demonstrate proficiency in computer-mediated technology that facilitates the creation and sharing of information, ideas, interests and other forms of expression via social media networks

Graduation Requirements

Minimum 120 semester hours of credit
Complete 18 hours in Bible and Theology courses.
6 semester hours of Leadership Development courses.
Minimum of 30 semester hours of General Education
Minimum 24 semester hours in Communication Core courses.
Minimum for 24 semester hours in Strategic Communication courses
Minimum 24 semester hours of upper division courses
Satisfactory evidence of Christian character and doctrinal views
Meets all ethical requirements and Student Life standards
Minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA

See Undergraduate Core for graduation requirements.

Course of Study (120)

Degree Core (54-55)

Math (3) - Choose one of the following:

The following majors are designated: Business Administration - MAT 1110, Educational Studies - MAT 1110, Health Sciences - MAT 2100, Psychology - PSY 2100, Teacher Education - MAT 1110
MAT 1110 - College Algebra Credits: 3
MAT 2100 - Introduction to Statistics Credits: 3
PSY 2100 - Statistics for the Social Sciences Credits: 3
PHI 2610 - Introduction to Logic Credits: 3

Culture and Arts (3) - Choose one of the following:

ART 2110 - Art Appreciation Credits: 3
ENG 2120 - Film Appreciation Credits: 3
MUS 2110 - Music Appreciation Credits: 3

History (3) - Choose one of the following:

The following majors are designated: Business Administration and Teacher Education - HIS 1110
HIS 1110 - Introduction to World History Credits: 3
HIS 2310 - United States History and Government Credits: 3
HIS 2400 - Ancient Rome: Empire of Civilizations Credits: 3

Science (3) - Choose one of the following:

The following majors are designated: Teacher Education - BIO 2113; Health Sciences - BIO 2110 and BIO 2111
BIO 1100 - Introduction to Human Biology Credits: 3
BIO 2113 - Introduction to Biology Credits: 3
CHY 1100 - Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry Credits: 3
NTR 2110 - Introduction to Nutrition Credits: 3
PHE 2120 - Health Science & Personal Wellness Credits: 3
SCI 1100 - Introduction to Physical Science Credits: 3

Leadership Development and Spiritual Formation (6)

CSL 0101 - Christian Service Learning I Credits: 0
CSL 0201 - Christian Service Learning II Credits: 0
CSL 0202 - Christian Service Learning III Credits: 0
ICS 1210 - Discovering the Mission of God Credits: 3
MSD 1110 - Encountering Spiritual Formation Credits: 3

Communication Core (24)

COM 1500 - Introduction to Social Media Credits: 3
COM 2150 - Human Communication & Interaction Credits: 3
COM 2210 - History of Communication and Media Credits: 3
COM 3470 - Integrated Marketing Communication Credits: 3
COM 3510 - Christians, Media, and Culture Credits: 3
COM 4430 - Professional Leadership Development Credits: 3
COM 4930 - Internship in Communication Credits: 3
PHI 3610 - Introduction to Christian Apologetics Credits: 3

Strategic Communication Major (24)

COM 2220 - Communication, Research, Theory, and Design Credits: 3
COM 2720 - Principles of Public Relations Credits: 3
COM 3420 - Writing for the Media Credits: 3
COM 3500 - Social Media Strategies and Analysis Credits: 3
ENG 3810 - Professional Writing Credits: 3
BUS 4200 - Marketing Credits: 3
PSY 4330 - Social Psychology Credits: 3
Select one:
COM 3410 - Digital Photography Credits: 3
COM 3712 - Video Production Credits: 3
COM 3720 - Webpage Design and Development Credits: 3

Open Electives (18)

Students are encouraged to choose a minor to complement their major program of study or consider a Bible major. Most minors are comprised of 18 credit hours.