Best Online Bachelor’s in Strategic Communications Degree Programs

Effective communication is essential for success in almost every industry in the fast-paced, globally connected world of today. Organizations are looking for qualified individuals who can create strategic messages that connect with a variety of audiences in light of the growth of digital media and global connectedness.

An online bachelor’s in strategic communication program is best for students who want to start a transformational journey in the field of strategic communication. A strategic communication program provides students with a more intensive look at how organizations, groups, and people communicate.

This also gives the student of any degree in strategic communications with a deeper understanding of public relations: how people use communication to influence and adapt opinion in response to listening to public outreach.

A major in strategic communication is well-rounded, blending human and professional communications theories. The undergraduate courses cover strategic communication campaigns and apply the principles and approaches of communication research with digital media, as well as other current methods of communication.

Featured Programs

Online Bachelor’s in Strategic Communications Courses

The online bachelor of arts in strategic communications dives deep into several disciplines needed for creating and delivering effective content. This usually includes generating a relatable and impactful message, choosing the best channel for communication for efficient message distribution, and assessing corporate communication efforts alongside established benchmarks and goals.

While courses and titles may vary between programs, students in an online strategic communication bachelor’s degree will have the chance to study:

Introduction to Strategic Communication

This course introduces students to the guiding concepts, philosophies, and methods used in strategic communication and helps them examine how it functions in many fields and organizations.

Communication Theory

This course explores the fundamental theories and paradigms that support effective communication, including interpersonal communication and corporate communications. It is an examination of the creation, transmission, and reception of communications.

Corporate Communications

The ideas and tactics of business communication are the main topics of a corporate communications course. The development of corporate messages, crisis communication, organizational communication, and effective management of internal and external communication are all skills that students acquire.

Statistics

Statistics is an essential skill in strategic communication and public relations. Students learn to analyze data, interpret research findings, and make data-driven decisions to optimize communication strategies.

Public Relations Techniques

The practical side of public relations is covered in depth in this course, which teaches students how to write press releases, handle media inquiries, plan events, and develop communication strategies.

Mass Communication

Understanding the various mass media, including television, radio, newspapers, and digital media, is provided through this course. Students investigate how the media affects society and learn how to use mass communication channels properly.

Psychology

Psychology is very essential to strategic communications. Communication experts can produce messages that resonate with target audiences by understanding human behavior, motivations, and decision-making processes.

Law

Students must be aware of legal concerns pertaining to media and communication, such as intellectual property laws, privacy laws, and advertising rules.

Research

Research abilities are crucial for all fields. Students learn to gather information, research, and use quantitative and qualitative techniques to inform communication tactics.

Digital Marketing

A vital part of contemporary communication strategies is digital marketing. Online advertising, social media marketing, content marketing, and analytics for gauging the performance of digital campaigns are all topics covered in class.

Skills Acquired with a Bachelor’s in Strategic Communications Degree

This is a 120-credit interdisciplinary program that will help you develop and hone your skills to become a strategic communicator. It equips graduates with a diverse set of skills that are highly valuable in various professional settings. Skills that students develop include:

• Complex problem-solving
• Oral, visual, and written communication
• Goal-setting and evaluation methods
• Research and analytic techniques
• Creative thinking
• Cultural and social awareness
• Research and data analysis
• Public relations and crisis communication
• Interpersonal communication
• Organizational communication
• Media literacy

Why an Online Bachelor’s in Strategic Communication can be a Better Option

An online bachelor’s in strategic communication can stand out from traditional programs in several ways, offering unique advantages and opportunities for students:

Flexibility and Convenience

What makes the program stand out is its flexibility and convenience. Students can easily satisfy the core academic curriculum at their convenience and are later free to pursue the in-person internship at their own pace.

Self-Paced Learning

Most online bachelor’s in strategic communications programs allow students to complete the degree independently. Students can follow the suggested pacing or enroll in more or fewer credit hours per semester.

The biggest advantage of tailoring your own schedule is that you can have a schedule that best fits your current lifestyle. This will also allow students to concentrate longer on difficult subjects while advancing through easy concepts.

Access to Diverse Perspectives

Compared to traditional degrees, online degree programs have more international applicants. This lets students know peers from various geographic regions, ethnic backgrounds, and occupational disciplines.

Exposure to various people and beliefs allows students to understand several things differently. This diversity can enhance conversations and interactions in the online classroom.

Enhanced Technology Integration

Innovative digital technologies and platforms are frequently used by online programs to distribute course materials, support communication, and produce stimulating learning environments. Students become proficient in digital communication tools, which are increasingly crucial in contemporary business.

Expanded Networking Opportunities

Networking opportunities in online programs are often global based. Through virtual gatherings, forums, and online communities, online programs can provide special networking opportunities. Students can expand their professional networks by connecting with classmates and professionals from various areas and industries.

Real-World Application

Real-world projects, virtual internships, and group projects with business partners are all included in some online programs. Although not generally required, most employers prefer to have candidates with field experience. With the internship experience, your chances of getting hired post-graduation are relatively high.

Cost Savings

Online courses frequently feature reduced tuition costs and don’t require students to pay for indirect costs like rent and gas. As a result, most online learners are working adults looking to earn a degree without going bankrupt.

Career Advancement Opportunities

An online degree in strategic communication gives people who are already employed the freedom to balance work and study while developing their careers with new skills and credentials.

Online Bachelor’s in Strategic Communications Career Paths

Journalists: These professionals perform high-level investigation, research, write, and deliver news pieces and information using a balanced, effective, and straightforward approach.

Journalists are very keen on gathering accurate information. They double-check their resources, verify sources, and publish only newsworthy stories to inform the public about different topics.

Median Annual Salary: $48,370

Social Media Managers: These strategic communications professionals deliver content and messaging via different channels and platforms in which viewers can engage and interact with brands.

Depending on the role of these managers, they can either handle content creating and publishing activities or check the page’s quality assurance. There are also social media managers that specialize in working exclusively in a certain channel.

Median Annual Salary: $56,770

Communications Officer: These professionals write, promote, and distribute content about a specific brand, its products/services, and its activities. They also coordinate digital content creation, write press releases, draft social media and blog posts, maintain archives of information, or track campaign metrics.

Median Annual Salary: $62,340

Communication Consultants: They are the ones that advise organizations on the best practices for content creation, delivering it, and then maintaining the organizational communication plan to establish a public image for the company. They can either work as external or internal professionals, although this will depend on their focus. Communication consultants also strategize the many aspects of an effective marketing campaign.

Median Annual Salary: $81,260

Copywriters: They are strategic communications professionals who strongly focus on creating content using methods made by a brand or organization and targeted information. They write actionable, intelligible, and error-free copy that may appear in publications, advertisements, marketing campaigns, social media, and other communication materials.

Median Annual Salary: $69,510

Public Relations Managers: These professionals provide leadership, especially in the creation and distribution of the materials for communications that form the organization’s public image. They manage these things to exude a positive image of the organization. Sometimes, they help and supervise other professionals to help them accomplish their goals.

Median Annual Salary: $119,860

Digital Strategists: Digital strategists manage the creation of digital content. They see that the organization’s content is ready for release and then promote these on digital media platforms like websites or social media channels. Most of the time, they serve as project managers, focusing on the complex goal of improving brand awareness, loyalty, and engagement as part of their duties.

Median Annual Salary: $105,211

Specialized Certifications for Strategic Communicators

One of the best additions to your degree is obtaining strategic communication certifications to improve or prove your professional expertise and dedication to the field. Certifications demonstrate your proficiency in particular strategic communication fields. They show that you have put in the time and effort to expand your expertise in a specific area, which increases your appeal to potential employers or customers.

If you plan to work from home or become an independent freelancer, certifications will boost your marketability and inspire confidence in potential clients. Customers might feel more secure choosing someone with a proven track record.

There are several certifications available for strategic communicators. Here are some of the top certifications in the United States:

Certified Strategic Communication Professional (CSCP)

This certification, provided by the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC), is intended for communication experts with at least eight years of experience in the industry. It certifies knowledge of strategic communication planning, carrying out, and evaluating.

Digital Marketing Certifications

Your knowledge of digital marketing can be improved by earning certifications in areas like Google Ads, Google Analytics, HubSpot Inbound Marketing, or Facebook Blueprint. Strategic communicators must be adept at using online marketing tools and techniques in the current digital era.

Social Media Management Certifications

Platforms like Hootsuite and Buffer provide certifications that show your proficiency in utilizing and managing social media for marketing and communication objectives.

Content Marketing Certifications

A content marketing certification from a company like HubSpot or the Content Marketing Institute (CMI) can attest to your expertise in developing and executing content marketing strategy.

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Certifications

For strategic communicators working in the PR industry, PRSA offers several credentials, including the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) and the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations.

Project Management Certifications

Project management credentials like Project Management Professional (PMP) or Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) can be helpful for communicators active in managing campaigns and projects.

Data Analytics Certifications

The ability to examine the effectiveness of communication campaigns and make data-driven decisions can be acquired through data analytics certifications like the Google Analytics Individual Qualification (IQ) or Data Science certifications.

Crisis Communication Certifications

These are specialist certificates that show proficiency in handling and successfully communicating during emergencies and disasters. Professionals in public relations, communications, corporate affairs, and other similar disciplines will find these qualifications particularly useful.

Internal Communication Certifications

Certifications focusing on internal communication techniques and employee engagement can be beneficial for communicators working on internal corporate communications and interpersonal communication.

Graphic Design or Video Editing Certifications

Modern communication tactics greatly emphasize graphic design and video editing abilities. Canva or Adobe certifications can attest to your proficiency in design.

Brand Management Certifications

Certifications in brand strategy and management can help you understand and implement successful branding projects.

Leadership and Management Certifications

For communicators who want to manage teams or projects in the communication field, certificates in management and leadership can be helpful.

Professional Organizations for Strategic Communicators

Professional organizations give strategic communicators useful tools, networking opportunities, information about the market, and career advancement opportunities. The following are some well-known professional associations and organizations for strategic communicators:

American Marketing Association (AMA)

AMA is a valuable tool for strategic communicators who work in marketing, even though it is not primarily concerned with communication. The company offers publications, conferences, webinars, and access to marketing research.

Association for Women in Communications (AWC)

The mission of AWC is to advance women in all facets of communication, especially strategic communication. It provides chances for networking, professional growth, and mentoring.

International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)

This is a multinational organization specializing in marketing, business, and corporate communication. It offers seminars, certificates, professional development opportunities, and a vibrant online community.

International Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC)

AMEC is committed to advancing efficient methods of measuring and assessment in public relations and communication. It provides information on communication measurement, webinars, seminars, and more.

International Corporate Communication Council (ICCC)

The ICCC is a global organization for corporate communication specialists. It provides global networking opportunities, conferences, and resources for communication leaders in numerous industries.

International Public Relations Association (IPRA)

IPRA works to advance public relations best practices and professional standards. For PR and communication professionals worldwide, it provides educational opportunities, seminars, and networking possibilities.

Institute for Public Relations (PR)

IPR is a research-based company devoted to improving public relations techniques. Access to market research, books, webinars, and instructional programs are all made available.

National Communication Association (NCA)

Strategic communication is one of the several communication disciplines that NCA, a comprehensive organization for communication, addresses. It provides resources, conferences, publications, and networking opportunities for academics and practitioners.

Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

One of the biggest and best-known professional associations for those working in public relations and strategic communication is PRSA. It provides access to papers, webinars, seminars, workshops, and a sizable network of communication specialists.

Learn more about how to major in communication .