Explore the ways that messages in multimedia shape our lives.
Strategic communication is a collection of related fields, including public relations, management communication, and advertising. When companies, organizations, and governments utilize strategic communication, it’s all about using purposeful communication to achieve an end goal. With a strategic communications minor, you’ll be introduced to the fundamentals of strategic communication practices, such as hands-on instruction in contemporary graphic design and video production. You’ll learn how to perform research on consumer behavior and gain insight into an audience, and you’ll find practical applications for these skills. You’ll learn about creative strategy in advertising, public relations, and the impact of social media on modern digital communications.
By the numbers
$155,320
6.2%
70+
22
Programs & Requirements
* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.
To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog.
Minor in Strategic Communication Arts
By combining a major in communication arts – or even something else! – with a strategic communications minor, you can effectively build your strategic communications degree program to meet your career goals. In strategic communication, you’ll take courses covering various topics, including graphic design, social media, advertising, and video production. The strategic communication training you’ll get from experienced professors in the field will give you the preparation you need to launch into a job in public relations.
You can also earn a strategic communications minor without majoring in communication arts! If your major is in an unrelated field but you’re still interested in pursuing public relations, adding a strategic communications minor could give you the best of both worlds.
Course Requirements
- COMM 141 - Fundamentals of Advertising and PR
- COMM 233 - Introduction to Graphic Design
- COMM 235 - Introduction to Video Production
- COMM 334 - Social Media
- COMM 343 - Creative Strategy
- 6 credit hours of electives at the COMM 300/400 level
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Program Mission
The mission of the strategic communication program at University of the Cumberlands is to provide you with the fundamentals of integrated digital and strategic communication practices, including hands-on instruction in graphic design and digital media.
Strategic Communication Careers & Outcomes
All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Mass Communications: $62,859
Mass Communications: $62,859
Mass communication refers to imparting and exchanging information on a large scale to a wide range of people. It includes mediums such as newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, film, as well as social media and the internet
Public Relations Specialist: $60,654
Public Relations Specialist: $60,654
Be the first line of communication between your clients and the outside world and help organizations maintain a positive public image.
Digital Media Strategist: $60,542
Digital Media Strategist: $60,542
Develop digital content, create marketing strategies, and help curate the images of brands.
Marketing Manager: $115,911
Marketing Manager: $115,911
Head up advertising campaigns, oversee promotions, and generate interest in a product and/or service.
HR Specialist: $63,216
HR Specialist: $63,216
Mediate employee relationships and interactions and help with training and hiring.
Journalist: $44,261
Journalist: $44,261
Observe, research, document, curate, and distribute important information to the public.
Common Questions
A strategic communication minor provides students with a foundation in various communication practices, including public relations, advertising, and video production. It emphasizes purposeful communication to achieve specific goals in different contexts, such as business and media. Students will learn skills in research, consumer behavior, and the creative strategies used in strategic communication.
A strategic communication minor typically requires 21 credit hours to complete, but the duration may vary depending on the student's course load and scheduling preferences. Generally, it can be completed alongside a major within the typical timeframe for obtaining a degree, which is often around four years. This allows students to integrate their minor studies seamlessly into their overall academic plan.
Yes, a strategic communication minor is available both on-campus and online, providing flexibility for students who may have other commitments or prefer remote learning. Online courses allow students to engage with the curriculum at their own pace while still receiving hands-on instruction in key areas such as graphic design and digital media. This option makes it accessible to a wider range of learners.
A strategic communication minor can be a valuable addition to any degree program, as it equips students with skills that are highly sought after in various fields, including marketing and public relations. Employers often look for candidates who can effectively communicate and manage information across multiple platforms. Additionally, the knowledge gained can enhance a student's marketability in an increasingly competitive job market.
Graduates with a strategic communication minor can pursue various career paths, including roles in public relations, marketing, and digital media. Possible job titles include public relations specialist, digital media strategist, and marketing manager. The skills developed through this minor can also serve as a strong foundation for further studies or specialized training in communications or related fields.
To obtain a strategic communication minor, students must complete the required coursework, which typically consists of 21 credit hours focused on strategic communication practices. Students should consult their academic advisor to ensure they meet all prerequisites and incorporate the minor into their degree plan effectively. Enrolling in relevant courses and participating in hands-on projects can further enhance their learning experience.
Yes, communications degrees are considered valuable as they equip students with essential skills in writing, public speaking, and digital literacy, which are applicable in numerous industries. Graduates are well-prepared for various roles that require effective communication strategies, making them attractive candidates in today’s job market. The versatility of a communications degree allows graduates to adapt to various career paths and opportunities.
Communications degrees generally cover a broad range of topics related to general communication skills, while strategic communications specifically focus on using communication practices to achieve specific objectives and goals, often integrating media platforms, consumer research, and targeted messaging.
A strategic communications professional plans and executes communication strategies to achieve organizational goals. This involves creating content, managing media relations, conducting research on audience behavior, and utilizing various digital platforms to enhance a brand’s image and effectiveness.
An example of strategic communication is developing a comprehensive marketing campaign that uses targeted social media ads, press releases, and multimedia content to build brand awareness and drive consumer engagement. This approach strategically aligns communication efforts with business objectives to achieve measurable results.
Faculty Experts in Communications
Learn more about the communications faculty you will interact with.

Robert Floyd

Jeremiah Massengale
Jeremiah Massengale
Contact Information
