Strategic Communication

Strategic communications students focus on the meld of good communication and planning with an organization. The term strategic communication is an umbrella term meant to include a variety of communication-related professions, such as public relations, branding, advertising and more. Our students are capable of recognizing a good idea or project. They see potential in stories and in people who initiate them. They will have the ability to articulate a plan, an argument, even a vision as the power of communication serves as both an informational and persuasive tool. Overall, they can organize all of these aspects into a clear and succinct plan that involves fulfilling an organization’s mission.

The program is firmly rooted in practical experience, and students will have internships throughout their entire academic career. Students may also study specialized course areas such as broadcast news writing, digital imaging, graphic design and multimedia reporting. These courses equip students to successfully complete internships with local weekly and daily newspapers, advertising agencies, radio and television stations, graphic design firms and public relations departments at local businesses and industries. This program also allows students to apply to be a cast member with the Disney College Program.

Learn And Earn Program

West Virginia University at Parkersburg offers students the opportunity to gain paid work experience while completing their associate in Strategic Communications through a state-funded program called Learn and Earn.

The Learn and Earn program is sponsored by the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, and is part of the Workforce Development Initiative Program. It is an opportunity to create partnerships between industry and community and technical colleges by allowing students hands-on learning experience, and employers to train ideal future employees.

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