Earn a Degree in Strategic Communications at University of Arkansas Grantham

The Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication degree program provides a foundation of theories and principles in communication. This program is designed to optimize students’ ability to analyze situations from multiple perspectives; define and collect relevant information; and develop, present, and justify solutions or innovations

How long is this online Strategic Communications bachelor’s degree program?

At 120 credit hours, your degree program is designed to be completed in 38 months. It could take less time depending on how much transfer credit you receive and how many classes you take every term.

How much will the bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications online program cost?

The undergraduate rate is $295 per credit hour – lower if you’re a member of the military, a veteran or part of a military family. Grantham also offers scholarships for those who qualify.

When can I start?

Courses begin monthly, so we’re ready when you are.

Call us at (888) 947-2684 to learn more about our accredited degree programs, financial assistance opportunities or enrollment process.

Strategic Communications (Bachelor of Arts)

Strategic Communications Degree Program Outcomes

After successfully completing your degree in Strategic Communications, you will be able to:

  • Use critical thinking skills to effectively solve problems
  • Use appropriate communication skills across settings, purposes and audiences
  • Critically solve communication problems ethically
  • Effectively analyze and synthesize knowledge from a variety of academic disciplines
  • Demonstrate skills in research while applying various communication theories in writing and presentation across a variety of disciplines
  • Demonstrate the ability to create and present a strategic communication plan that integrates information from a variety of sources.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with terminology and concepts basic to the field of strategic communication

Core Professional Competencies

University of Arkansas Grantham prepares graduates to succeed in a variety of professional and civic settings by incorporating these critical life skills into the curriculum:

  • Communication – Formulating and expressing thoughts and ideas effectively using oral, written and non-verbal communication skills in person, in writing and in a digital world.
  • Distributed Collaboration – Working effectively across distributed locations and asynchronously to achieve a common goal through relationship-building, shared responsibility, empathy and respect.
  • Professional and Social Responsibilities – Engaging in social responsibility through seeking justice, valuing diversity, respecting the environment; demonstrating professionalism through integrity, mutual accountability and ethical behavior. This includes considering the social and global impact of individual and organizational decisions and an awareness of and adherence to regulations, professional standards and industry best practices.
  • Critical thinking/problem solving – Using analytical reasoning when gathering and evaluating relevant information to effectively formulate possible solutions for an issue, problem or a variety of issues. This includes the ability to recognize potential consequences of a decision.
  • Data Aptitude - Developing information literacy and the capacity to manage data with subsequent finding, structuring, evaluating and interpreting in order to provide meaningful analysis to accomplish a specific purpose.

Strategic Communications (Bachelor of Arts)

University of Arkansas Grantham’s 100% online coursework is designed to help you prepare for success in your next challenges.

PROGRAM SNAPSHOT:
Program Core Credits: 39
General Education Core Credits: 42
Electives Credits: 39
Total Credit Hours: 120
Accreditation(s): DEAC
University Bookstore
Textbook Pricing
Program Core: 39
Course: Title: Credits:
Course: HU260 Title: Strategies for Decision Making Credits: 3
  This course examines critical thinking and the analysis of arguments in terms of premises, reasons, and conclusions. Course topics include obstacles to critical thinking, diagramming arguments, belief and doubt, logical fallacies, inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning, inferences, and judging scientific theories.
Course: CO201 Title: Conflict and Communications Credits: 3
  The course introduces the concepts and theories related to conflict communication, conflict styles and conflict resolution techniques. Students will develop and apply skills needed to resolve conflict in various personal and professional arenas. Students will record themselves delivering speeches, thus they will need to know how to use a webcam and how to upload video files from their devices into the assignment dropbox in the Learning Management System.
Course: CO210 Title: Business Communication Credits: 3
  Through this course, students will develop professional communication skills needed in the fast-moving professional environment. With a focus on oral and written communication for business, students discover how to design and deliver messages in both formal and informal venues. Students will record themselves delivering speeches, thus they will need to know how to use a webcam and how to upload video files from their devices into the assignment dropbox in the Learning Management System.
Course: CO325 Title: Civility and Mass Media Credits: 3
  This course draws from theories in the fields of communication, sociology, and philosophy in order to provide a comprehensive overview of the concept of civility. The theories provide a lens through which communication in the digital age, and its impact on individuals and communities, will be examined. Practical tools and techniques offer an opportunity for the application of effective and appropriate civil communication in various social contexts.
Course: CO301 Title: Introduction to Communication Theory Credits: 3
  Our daily decisions and experiences can be explained by communication theory. Introduction to Communication Theory explains the key concepts and theories of human communication. This course will examine the key theories of human communication, both general theories and those specific to particular contexts, such as intrapersonal, interpersonal, small group, intercultural and public communication.
Course: CO330 Title: Mass Media Communications Credits: 3
  Mass Media Communications is designed to familiarize students with the field of communications. This course is intended to introduce the basic factors affecting mass communications in the digital age. History, models, theories, concepts and terminology of mass communication trend in newspapers, radio, television, film, books, the internet, advertising, public relations, visual messages, media law and ethics are also examined. This course will enable students to understand the complex interactions between media and society, and think critically about the ways in which mass media inform our everyday lives.
Course: CO395 Title: Digital Media Credits: 3
  This course explores the way we read, write and speak the language of digital media by bridging theory to practice. Students will learn how and why the digital world is constructed the way it is through the examination of topics such as the definition of digital media, Internet customers and potential customers, blogging and web design, and social media tools and channels. Additionally, students will examine many of the practical and critical skills necessary to become technically proficient in digital/social media use.
Course: CO401 Title: Media Ethics Credits: 3
  Media Ethics explores the origins of ethical behavior, issues and dilemmas in mass communication. Additionally, students will examine classical and contemporary approaches and their application to modern media practices.
Course: MKG131 Title: Foundations of Marketing Credits: 3
  This course on the principles of marketing provides an introduction to the nature and fundamentals of the marketing activity in modern businesses. The broad view of marketing that is presented builds on the integration of marketing with the entire enterprise, reinforced by theories and concepts as well as practices and applications. Topics include an analysis of the economic factors influencing buyer behavior, marketing research, market segmentation, development of marketing programs (new product, price, advertising and distribution decisions), and international marketing. The course also covers new marketing technologies that are revolutionizing the way companies bring value to their customers.
Course: MKG360 Title: Marketing Communications Credits: 3
  This course provides students with a baseline understanding of marketing communication strategies. Starting with the theoretical background to marketing communications, the course moves to the mechanics of producing marketing materials, describing the various techniques marketers have for telling their stories. By taking the concept of marketing as a launching point, students examine the layers of a sound marketing implementation plan by looking at several communication strategies. Initial topics include communication and miscommunication in the marketing world. The course is practical examination of real-life marketing communication tactics.
Course: MKG460 Title: Public Relations Credits: 3
  This course provides students with an in-depth analysis of public relations practices. The course aims to demonstrate the critical need for effective public relations communication in the 21st-Century by placing emphasis on the principles, processes, and practices that lead to building positive relationships in a 24/7 communications environment. Starting with an understanding of how communications research, theory, and public opinion can be applied to strategic public relations planning and creation of believable and persuasive messages, the course moves through a series of 'Speaking of Ethics' features that bring to life the daily dilemmas that confront professional public relations practitioners.
Course: MGT468 Title: Organizational Behavior Credits: 3
  This course introduces students to concepts and principles of organizational behavior. Students investigate the impact that individuals, groups, and structures have on behavior within organizations, for the purpose of applying such knowledge toward improving an organization's effectiveness. Topics addressed include motivation, leadership, communications, group structure and process, attitude and values, and the change process.
Course: ID490 Title: Interdisciplinary Capstone Credits: 3
  This capstone course is designed for the Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications degree program. Emphasis is placed on the integration of knowledge and skills developed throughout the program, culminating in a demonstration of mastery of the University's core professional competencies (critical thinking, communication, data aptitude, personal/social responsibility, career management, distributed collaboration).
General Education: 42
Course: Title: Credits:
Course: English Composition Credits: 6
Course: Math Credits: 6
Course: Natural/Physical Science Credits: 3
Course: Computer Science Credits: 3
Course: Oral Communication Credits: 6
Course: CO101 Title: Introduction to Public Speaking Credits: 3
  This course provides students with a broad overview of public speaking, including such topics as audience analysis, idea generation and development, speech organization and speech delivery. Topics include how to outline speeches, create effective introductions and conclusions, use appropriate language and control nervousness. In addition, students examine guidelines for and practice delivering informative and persuasive speeches. Students will record themselves delivering speeches, thus they will need to know how to use a webcam and how to upload video files from their devices into the assignment dropbox in the Learning Management System.
Course: CO120 Title: Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3
  This course explores the challenges of building and maintaining relationships through verbal and nonverbal language; conflict management; perception; and listening skills. Ideas are applied to everyday aspects of interaction in both personal and professional relationships. The course also provides an in-depth perspective on communication and the role is play in everyday challenges. Students will record themselves delivering speeches, thus they will need to know how to use a webcam and how to upload video files from their devices into the assignment dropbox in the Learning Management System.
Course: Humanities and Fine Arts Credits: 6
Course: Social/Behavioral Science Credits: 9
Course: General Education Credits: 3