Effective communication is crucial for the successful operation of any organization. Whether facilitating communications between businesses or resolving conflicts internally, having a working knowledge of how to communicate efficiently and diplomatically can help solve problems and open new opportunities for individuals and businesses alike.
Communication is a critical function in organizations, regardless of size and scope. As such, strategic communication skills are essential for professionals across the spectrum of organizational roles, from entry-level specialists to executive leadership. With a highly specialized focus, the online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication with an Emphasis in Organizational & Strategic Communication program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University prepares students to be effective, professional communicators in any type of organization.
What Is Strategic Communication?
According to the PHA Group, strategic communication involves “communicating the best or ‘right’ message, through the most effective channels, measured against tangible organisational and communication-specific goals.” The Business and Financial Times simplifies the concept, defining it as “delivering the right message to the right audience at the right time.” In other words, strategic communication means having a consistent and replicable method of communicating in an organization, both internally and externally.
Courses like Communication and Leadership, Interpersonal Communication, Risk and Crisis Communication, and Organizational Communication in Southeastern’s online B.A. program prepare students to develop effective communication strategies for organizations. The interpersonal and professional communication skills students gain help them develop larger narratives within organizations, facilitating the clear communication of ideas and cohesive brand messaging to larger audiences.
The Benefits of a Specialized Organizational and Strategic Communication Major
The study of strategic communication focuses on integrating communications efforts with specific goal attainment and a well-defined plan, all aligned with the organizational mission and vision. This means developing a method of communicating ideas throughout an organization that will point everybody in the same direction.
Specializing in organizational and strategic communication prepares a student for the world of modern mass communication and its role within a company. Having the foundation of skills necessary to develop these communications strategies is a great way to gain an edge in the communications industry. Here are just a few of the jobs and areas of work that strategic communication majors can pursue when they graduate:
- Communications manager
- Human resources professional
- Marketing manager
- Advertising
- Public relations
Earning a Professional Communication Degree Online
Online degree programs are rising in popularity, driven largely by their convenience and affordability. Due to the online education model’s inherent flexibility and accessibility, allowing students to complete studies anywhere at any time, it can be an ideal option for working professionals and others who have obligations that could make attending a traditional, on-campus program challenging.
Southeastern’s online organizational and strategic communication bachelor’s program is taught by the same faculty who teach on campus and offers the same degree of rigorous study as the school’s brick and mortar programs. This means students can expect the type and quality of feedback that on-campus students receive in addition to the flexibility associated with online degree programs.
The online B.A. in communication degree from Southeastern requires 124 credit hours of coursework, up to 90 of which can be transferred in from previous collegiate studies. Full-time students may complete graduation requirements within four years, though taking a heavier courseload or transferring in credits can shorten this timeframe substantially. Further, students who work full time or seasonally may choose to lighten their courseload according to changes in their scheduling needs.
Strategic communication continues to grow as a critical component of organizational success. Organizations rely heavily on communications professionals for everything from overseeing internal communications and conflict management to managing external communications and brand messaging. In a field experiencing such rapid growth, it is important to have an edge. Earning a bachelor’s degree in communication focused on organizational and strategic communication is a great way for aspiring professionals to set themselves apart from the crowd and further their careers.
Learn more about Southeastern’s online B.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Organizational & Strategic Communication program.