Create Messages that Matter
A strategic communications degree prepares you to design, deliver and analyze messages in today’s fast-changing media and technology environments. Graduates are employed in public relations, marketing, video production, social media and broadcasting, fields that require expertise in digital storytelling and message strategy. Our faculty build strong mentoring relationships as they guide students toward personal and professional goals.
What to Expect in the Strategic Communications Degree Program
Craft compelling messages tailored to diverse audiences and platforms.
Write, design and produce multimedia content for real-world communications channels.
Use research tools and analytics to evaluate the effectiveness of media strategies.
Courses in Strategic Communications
You’ll take courses that prepare you to craft and assess messages across a variety of media and professional settings. Through a blend of theory and hands-on practice, you’ll gain a strong foundation in writing, research and digital communication.
As a strategic communications major, you’ll be equipped for careers in media, public relations, marketing and beyond while also strengthening your ability to connect and communicate in everyday life. This strategic communications degree program includes core classes along with specialized topics such as message design, media strategy and audience analysis.
Required Courses Meet the Faculty
BCVoice: Real-world media experience on campus
Students gain real-world publishing experience through BCVoice, Bridgewater’s student-run campus media outlet. From news and reviews to podcasts and videos, students produce content in written, visual and audio formats—while learning ethical journalism, team collaboration and audience engagement.
Field Experiences in Communications
Making connections and putting your classroom work into practice are key to making sure you are ready for the job market.
Students are encouraged to complete a field experience during their junior and/or senior year. You’ll work in a professional environment under the guidance of a mentor with experience in your chosen communication field.
Recent off-campus placements have included: Sports Illustrated, Valley Pike Farm Market, Skyline Literacy, Virginia FC and Bluestone Vineyard.
On-campus experiences have included roles with: Athletic Media Relations, Admissions, Marketing and Communications, and Alumni Relations.
Senior Seminar – Capstone Course
The senior capstone course prepares you to transition from college to a career with confidence. In this course, you’ll refine your job search strategies, design resumes and cover letters, and practice effective interviewing techniques—all while developing your professional communication style.
Every student in the strategic communications program completes a personalized capstone project that showcases their strengths.
Recent student projects have included:
- A sports-focused podcast series
- A social media campaign for BC women’s basketball
- A short dramatic film
- A blog series documenting job shadowing experiences
Master of Arts in Digital Media Strategy
Students can apply for the Master of Arts in Digital Media Strategy program at the end of their junior year. This innovative interdisciplinary program allows students to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years. Strategic communications majors are particularly well-prepared for this program that focuses on advanced message design, production and analysis, as well as project management and consulting strategies.
Strategic Communication Degree Careers: From PR to Digital Marketing
Pursue careers in advertising, broadcasting, public relations, event planning, higher education, marketing, sales and customer service. Our graduates have gone on to work at places such as Carnival Cruise Line Entertainment, Klett Consulting Group, University of Virginia, James Madison University Alumni Association, HOVA Flight Services and Japan Tobacco International among others. Their career paths include:
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Social Media Manager
- Program Manager
- Web Designer/IT Content Creator
- Communications Coordinator
- Vice President of Marketing
- Digital Marketing Analyst
- Communication Director
- Marketing Specialist
- Photojournalist
- SEO Content Writer
- Marketing Consultant
- Editor
- Podcast Producer
Chart your path
Learn more about the options for employment and advancement in the field of communication from the National Communication Association.
Megan Huffman was Student Body President and is the permanent President of the Class of 2003. She interned with the college’s Marketing and Communications Office and at WHSV TV 3 where she engaged in Creative Services. She travelled abroad to Australia as well as participated in trips to NYC and LA to experience the television industry first-hand. Megan earned a Master of Science in Public Relations concentrating in the International Nonprofit Sector from Boston University. She completed a graduate program in Mass Communications in London and interned with Special Olympics Great Britain Public Relations. Megan has had many leadership positions in the non-profit sector and is currently Executive Director for SHARE Greater Lynchburg. “The liberal arts curriculum provides a vast landscape of learning. I took full advantage of the diversity of leadership, nontraditional trips, and unique academic opportunities. I found my voice at Bridgewater, and it has led to leadership roles in my career in the non-profit boardroom and in entrepreneurship and social justice advocacy. My pursuit of justice and advocacy for the marginalized is rooted in my faith which was affirmed at Bridgewater, and has led me on a lifelong journey of truly seeking purpose and impact in all that I do…“I’ll forever be indebted to such an impactful place on my journey, and I want to keep connecting with students and continue serving as a proud alumna.”
Jennifer Midgette played field hockey and lacrosse throughout her BC experience. She took an Interterm trip to Los Angeles where she experienced the media industry up close. She earned a second bachelor’s degree in Television and Film from Full Sail University and started her career working for NBC as a digitizer, transferring tape to digital records. At NBC for ten years, she is now a Technical Media Manager and one of thirteen people in this position on call 24/7. She is the first contact for technical issues and solves software and server issues as well as assisting editors in post-production. Jennifer’s advice is to start early in the student’s college career to find connections, internships, and potential job opportunities for the future. “It is never too soon to start looking for a job so start making connections into the working world.”
Questions? Contact Us!
- Dr. Melanie K. Laliker, Department Chair
- 540-828-5473
- mlaliker@bridgewater.edu
