Strategic Communication

Administration
Abbey Levenshus, PhD, Department Chair

Department Website
www.butler.edu/communication/strategic-communication/

Why Study Strategic Communication?

Strategic communication emphasizes the creation and distribution of socially responsible, research-supported, and theoretically sound targeted communication messages for both internal and external audiences. Strategic communication majors, therefore, learn the theories and skills required for successful written, visual, and oral communication. In addition, majors gain valuable skills related to research, planning, strategic thinking, and problem solving that will serve them well in professional careers or graduate school.

Why Study Strategic Communication at Butler?

While many programs offer courses in advertising and public relations, few have successfully merged their curriculum to reflect the increased blurring of lines between these two disciplines. Butler’s Strategic Communication Department, however, recognizes that it is necessary for our majors to understand the synergistic nature of advertising and public relations to succeed in the diverse fields that comprise strategic communication. But success in strategic communication relies on more than this, of course. Our courses are rigorous, highly interactive, and experiential. Students are not only introduced to concepts, processes, and theories, but also are challenged to apply their knowledge to solve real-world strategic communication challenges through problem-based learning and service-learning opportunities, and national-level public relations and advertising competitions. We like to say that our students “practice the profession” from day one. Class sizes are also small, typically around 18 students, and led by passionate and dedicated professors.

Strategic communication students also learn outside of the classroom as active participants in the various extracurricular opportunities the program offers. Through participation in the Public Relations Student Society of America Butler University chapter, ADrenaline advertising club, and an internship program, our students have outstanding experiential learning opportunities with a diverse array of businesses, advertising, and public relations agencies, as well as government and nonprofit organizations in Indianapolis and throughout the country. In this way, students gain the real-world knowledge necessary for a successful career.

Strategic Communication Student Learning Outcomes

Students will critique and evaluate the effectiveness of communication work products.
Students will research, analyze, interpret, evaluate, select and organize data with purpose of disseminating information to diverse audiences through written and/or visual communication.
Students will use new communication technology effectively.
Students will produce professional-quality communication materials, which demonstrates effective written, oral, visual and/or technologically mediated communication skills.
Students will demonstrate team-building and collaborative skills.
Students will supply relevant analytical or theoretical frameworks to strategic or mass communication practices.
Students will demonstrate and display a commitment to professional, ethical and legal standards and responsibilities.

Degree Programs

Major in Strategic Communication, with optional specializations in Public Relations, Advertising, or Advertising Creative Design
Minor in Strategic Communication

Graduate Programs

Administration
Mark Rademacher, PhD, Graduate Director

For general information on applying and admission to any Butler graduate program or course, see the Admission Information and Requirements section. School- and program-specific requirements are detailed below.

Programs

Major

Graduate Program

Strategic Communication, MS

Graduate Non-Degree Programs: Certificate

Strategic Communication Graduate Certificate

Minor

Strategic Communication Minor

Courses

Strategic Communication; Graduate Strategic Communication