Strategic communications are an important part of organizations across all industries. If you have good people skills, a career in public relations could be perfect for you.
Boise State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications program helps you build essential communication skills and graduate with a strong portfolio tailored to your area of interest.
Public relations professionals often plan, direct or coordinate activities that shape public perception and raise awareness for their organizations or clients.
Existing experience in roles like customer service, healthcare support or sales are especially beneficial for earning a communications degree for a career change.
The degree prepares you to adapt in a growing field and pursue roles such as:
- Communications specialist
- Media and social media relations
- Branding and promotions
- Issues advocacy
- Health communication
- Crisis communication
Career-ready curriculum for building soft skills
The strategic communications program works at any stage of your career or level of experience, as long as you want to make a positive impact on the world by increasing understanding and shaping perceptions of an issue, industry or organization you are passionate about.
If you’re at the beginning of your career and looking to gain relevant skills in an industry where you want to work long-term, you’ll see a clear connection between what you’re learning and your career goals.
If you’re looking to advance your communications and public relations career, you can gain additional credentials or a deeper foundation in public relations concepts and skills.
If you hope to transition into a new field and believe working in communications is a strong fit, you’ll gain more career stability, the potential to influence change and the ability to work within your “why” with a communications degree.
If you’re looking to return to school to finish a degree in communications for improved career opportunities, you’ll gain an increased sense of self-empowerment, a career that provides long-term growth and a better quality of life.
No matter what stage of your career, you’ll gain practical experience and build a professional portfolio that prepares you for real-world roles in public relations and strategic communications.
How can I specialize my communications degree?
You can tailor your strategic communications bachelor’s degree with an optional certificate or emphasis area to support your public relations career path. Certificates may be completed independently or in conjunction with a degree program.
Strategic communications emphasis areas
- Communications emphasis: Learn to manage professional processes and relationships and prepare for both internal and external communications such as employee communications, collaboration, business communications and community relations.
- Media emphasis: Focus on building expertise in multimedia storytelling, social media strategy and media law. This option is perfect for aspiring media professionals wanting to create content and navigate today’s digital landscape.
- Project emphasis: Gain hands-on experience managing real-world projects, timelines and stakeholder communications. This option is ideal if you’re interested in leading strategic initiatives across industries.
Strategic communications certificates
- Certificate in Media Content Management: Prepare to demonstrate your experience and knowledge managing various forms of digital media to hiring managers your experience and knowledge of the management of various forms of digital media. Working professionals switching careers or those looking to expand their skill set will also benefit from this certificate.
- Certificate in Communication Management: Gain the know-how to communicate concisely and effectively communicate in a way that informs your audience of the issues at hand, relays key information, notes important changes or answers questions.
The online Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications program includes industry-relevant and ethical courses that follow Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) guidelines and are taught by experienced faculty with real-world expertise in ethical, professional communication.
You’ll also have access to personalized support from faculty and staff who are committed to your success, in and beyond the virtual classroom, as you work toward turning your people skills into a communications career.
Learn more about the strategic communications program
Earning an online Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.