School of Journalism and Mass Communication
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Strategic Communication

Strategic communication informs and persuades audiences to take action. By using written, oral and visual communication skills, strategic communicators tell the stories of people, brands and organizations.

The strategic communication track prepares students for careers in advertising, public relations, media planning, political communication, social media, digital marketing and many more.

Are you interested in:

  • Getting in on the ground floor of an ad agency or public relations firm and working with the leading brands of the day?
  • Leading digital and social media for a non-profit changing people’s lives?
  • Informing and entertaining through video, audio and social media?

If any of these sound interesting, the strategic communication track may be the right fit for you!

Meet with an advisor

What you'll learn

Students in a Digital Media Strategies class taught by Debra Pierce, faculty associate in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, make presentations on their solutions to real-world business communication problems to a panel.

In-Demand, Transferable Skills

Students learn the skills employers need, including:

  • Research, analytics and insights
  • Creative strategy development
  • Media planning and buying
  • Social media and digital marketing
  • Public relations and media relations

How alumni are using their skills

Katy Culver, an associate professor in journalism and mass communication, facilitates an editorial-planning discussion with journalism students in a magazine-production class in Vilas Communication Hall.

Well-Rounded, Cutting Edge Curriculum

Our courses reflect what is happening in the industry today to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow. Some of our classes include:

  • Creative Campaign Messages
  • Strategic Media Planning
  • Account Planning and Strategy
  • Public Relations Strategies
  • Social Media Marketing Communications

View the course guide

An image of UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blanks is displayed on a video camera as she speaks.

Real-World Projects and Experience

Work in student agency settings for real clients to build your portfolio with projects such as:

Read more about student work

What you'll do

Students from The Black Voice discussing a multimedia project

Get Involved

Join one of a dozen student organizations sponsored by SJMC and get real world strategic communication experience.

PRSSA logo

Ad club logo

See student organizations & media

A student shaking hands with an employer at a career fair

Launch Your Career

By leveraging our strong professional network of alumni and our dedicated career advisor, 97% of our graduates find careers in their chosen field, like:

  • Account Coordinator
  • Media Planning Assistant
  • Communications Specialist
  • Social Media Marketing Coordinator

Learn About Career Services

Students in a Digital Media Strategies class taught by Debra Pierce, faculty associate in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, field questions following their presentation on solutions to real-world business communication problems to a panel that includes representatives from American Family Insurance in the Digital Media Studios in College Library.

Work for the Best

Our graduates go on to work for some of the leading organizations locally and across the globe.

Ketchum PR logo

Edelman PR logo

Hiebing logo

See recent grad job placements

If you’d like to get started on the strategic communication track, it’s time to take the next step.

How to Apply Meet with an Advisor