Program Overview

Introduction to the Integrated Strategic Communication Program

The Integrated Strategic Communication program at Washington State University's Edward R. Murrow College of Communication is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies across various channels. This involves combining advertising, social media, and public relations to tell a brand's story in a way that connects with people.

Program Description

The program focuses on ensuring a brand's message is clear and consistent everywhere, making it an ideal choice for students who are creative, collaborative, innovative, data-driven, and flexible. Students in this major describe themselves as having these qualities, which are essential for success in the field of integrated strategic communication.

Future Paths

Upon completion of the program, students can pursue various career paths, including:

• Account Executive: Manage client accounts by developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies across various channels.
• Media Buyer and Planner: Develop a comprehensive media strategy across various channels to effectively deliver a consistent brand message.
• Event Planner: Design and execute events with a holistic approach to communication, ensuring all aspects of the event align with a company's overarching strategic communication goals.
• Direct Marketing Manager: Develop and execute direct marketing campaigns that align with the company's overall strategic communication goals.
• Creative Director: Execute creative campaigns across various communication channels, ensuring a unified and consistent brand message.
• Digital Content Manager: Develop and execute a cohesive digital content strategy across various platforms, ensuring all online communications align with an organization's overall strategic message.

Major Requirements

The program requires a minimum of 120 total credits. The curriculum includes:

General Education Requirements

College Core Requirements (18 credits)

• COM 101 – Media and Society
• COM 102 – Public Speaking in the Digital Age
• COM 105 – Communication in Global Contexts
• COM 138 – Introduction to Communication
• COM 210 – Multimedia Content Creation
• COM 300 – Writing in Communication

Strategic Communication Degree Requirements (15 credits)

• COM 309 – Quantitative Research Methods
• COMSTRAT 310 – Digital Content Promotion
• COMSTRAT 395 – Introduction to Integrated Strategic Communication and Management
• COMSTRAT 301 – Foundations of Persuasion
• One Advanced Media and Society course from approved list

Integrated Strategic Communication Major Requirements (18 credits)

• COMJOUR 333 – Reporting Across Platforms
• COMSTRAT 312 – Principles of Public Relations
• COMSTRAT 380 – Advertising Principles and Practices
• COMSTRAT 383 – Media Strategies and Techniques for Public Relations
• COMSTRAT 476 – Consumer Insights and Branding
• COMSTRAT 485 – Public Relations Management and Campaigns

Major Upper-Division Electives (9 credits)

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of communication concepts and issues
2. Acquire and analyze information to address communication objectives
3. Create effective communication products (writing, visual, and speaking) to address communication objectives via multiple media platforms.

Admittance to the Major

Admittance to the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication opens the door for upper-division courses in each of the two communication degrees: Strategic Communication and Journalism and Media Production. Students are admitted directly into their desired major in the College of Communication upon admission and enrollment at WSU.

Transfer Students

After consulting a Murrow academic advisor, a student transferring with junior status (60 + credits), with a 3.0 + transfer GPA, and has completed COM 101 or COM 105, will be allowed to take COM 300 in their 1st semester at WSU with all remaining 100-level required courses.