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 concentration 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 concentration may be the right fit for you!

Strategic Communication in Action

In our classes, students gain hands-on experience working with key decision-makers at businesses and organizations to solve real communications challenges in the classroom. Several years ago, our strategic communication students were challenged to develop an integrated marketing campaign for the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills on FOX. The winning team was brought to Erin Hills for an exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunity, and the chance to network with FOX Sports and USGA Executives.

What You'll Learn

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
Project management

How alumni are using their skills

Professor Mike Wagner meets with a student

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
Digital Media Strategies
Strategic Media Relations
Social Media Marketing Communications

View the course guide

Students work together on a digital project

Real-World Projects and Experience

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

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

Hiebing logo

See recent grad job placements

Ready to take the next step?

Undergraduate Admissions Meet with an Advisor