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First co-major between the College of Arts and Sciences and Opus College of Business.
Co-Major of Strategic and Business Communication
Jobs in marketing, public relations, advertising, social media and digital communication are in high demand. The co-major of Strategic and Business Communication will equip you with the skills you need to stand out to employers and make a difference in your field.
Why Study Strategic and Business Communication at St. Thomas?
The co-major of Strategic and Business Communication offers a highly focused and streamlined curriculum for students interested in careers of strategic business communication, an integrated industry of marketing, public relations, advertising, social media and digital communication. Students with the co-major will develop both a solid and well-rounded foundation of business acumen and specialized and professional skills in strategic communication.
Set Yourself Apart
Course Requirements
Students of the co-major in Strategic and Business Communication will take 82-88 credits from Strategic Communication: Advertising and Public Relations and Business Communication concentration courses.
Four-Year Plan
First year (33 credits)
Sophomore (32 credits)
Junior (32 - 36 credits)
Senior (32 - 34 credits
Degrees Awarded
Bachelor of Arts in Strategic and Business Communication
Internship Opportunities
St. Thomas maintains a large network of alumni and local business connections, leading to real-world learning opportunities, internships and—oftentimes—employment after graduation.
The co-major emphasizes pragmatic applications and requires a course of internship for credit (2 or 4 cr.). Students are encouraged to attend panels and workshops that help in the search for internships early on.
Students should also get involved in clubs and take advantage of the Career Development Center's internship searching program.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
Students of the co-major in Strategic and Business Communication will take 82-88 credits from Strategic Communication: Advertising and Public Relations and Business Communication concentration courses.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
First year (33 credits)
Sophomore (32 credits)
Junior (32 - 36 credits)
Senior (32 - 34 credits
Degrees Awarded
Degrees Awarded
Bachelor of Arts in Strategic and Business Communication
Internship Opportunities
Internship Opportunities
St. Thomas maintains a large network of alumni and local business connections, leading to real-world learning opportunities, internships and—oftentimes—employment after graduation.
The co-major emphasizes pragmatic applications and requires a course of internship for credit (2 or 4 cr.). Students are encouraged to attend panels and workshops that help in the search for internships early on.
Students should also get involved in clubs and take advantage of the Career Development Center's internship searching program.
Career Paths
We give you the tools and knowledge you need to work in a variety of different industries after graduation.
- Account Planner
- Brand Manager
- Community Relations Specialist
- Copywriter
- Corporate Relations Specialist
- Creative Copywriting Manager
- Customer Engagement Specialist
- Digital Content Strategist
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Events Coordinator
- Marketing Communication Specialist
- Media Buyer
- Media Relations Specialist
- Promotions/Events Specialist
- Social Media Content Editor
- Spokesperson
Fast Facts
Future
Jobs in marketing, public relations, advertising and social media are expected to grow by a quarter million in the next five years.
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All students of the co-major are expected to have at least one internship before graduation.
Scholarships
Students of the co-major are eligible for the following scholarships
GHR Fellows Program
Full tuition and fees for four years (and may, pending demonstrated financial need, receive grant funds that cover room and board at St. Thomas) A fully funded J-Term study abroad experience
Professional coaching and mentorship
Networking opportunities with Fortune 500 business executives and community leaders
Fauth Business Scholarships
The Opus College of Business awards this competitive scholarship to incoming students who intend to major in Business.
Each year, up to four $10,000/year scholarships are awarded.
Teachers with Real Experience
Dr. April Eichmeier, Assistant Professor of Emerging Media
Dr. Eichmeier blends practical communication experience, earned while working in marketing communications for more than a decade, with theoretical perspectives from science communication, political communication and quantitative methods.
Dr. Mike Porter, Clinical Faculty of Marketing
An alum of St. Thomas and a PRSA Fellow, Dr. Porter (MBA, 1997, Ed.D. 2008) has over 35 years of experience in marketing/business communication, with applied experience with countless successful organizations.
Paul Omodt, Adjunct Professor
In addition to teaching, Paul runs his own public relations firm specializing in crisis communication.
Blending academic knowledge with practical experiences
You will have access to a wide variety of opportunities throughout your time at St. Thomas inside and outside of the classroom, including joining Tommie Media, PRSSA, Ad/Fed and Tommie Marketing. Additionally, the Emerging Media department will move into the new STEAM complex in 2023.
TommieMedia
TommieMedia is an award-winning web-based organization aimed to deliver campus, local and world news to the community. All of its employees are St. Thomas students.
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.