If you’re interested in marketing via social media, designing advertising campaigns, writing TV and radio ads and press releases, planning events, and shaping public perception, then consider West Virginia University Potomac State College’s strategic communications major.
Strategic communications encompasses a diverse range of career fields including: public relations, integrated marketing, social media advertising, public affairs, journalism, content marketing, and email marketing to name a few.
In Potomac State College’s recently renovated Atwater Media Lab, students will gain hands-on experience with strategic communications as they learn how to develop and produce persuasive and informational messages, as well as integrated communications campaigns while collaborating on and writing for the College’s newspaper, the Pasquino; using state-of-the-art Macs and 360fly video cameras. Guest speakers will also be part of the curriculum as professionals share their real-world experiences and specialized knowledge with students.
PSC Sophomore Matthew Timbrook expressed his views about the program, “I recently changed my major to strategic communications because I wanted my college career to fit me like a glove. I enjoy all of my classes, but the fun, unique classes are my favorites. I never thought I would be talking on, or producing ads for radio – but I have, and I loved it! This class has been a great opportunity, giving me insight into other possibilities that I hadn’t considered. Once I discovered the strategic communications major, I knew it was the degree for me.”
In order for graduates and working adults to keep up with the demands of employers, soft skills like adaptability, persistence, problem-solving, conflict resolution, collaboration, and critical thinking are needed to succeed in today’s workplace.
“This type of hands-on environment provides numerous opportunities to learn these soft skills as well as keeping current in digital and social media changes. The strategic communications major is a great choice for both traditional and nontraditional students. The program also aligns with West Virginia University’s Reed College of Media creating a smooth transition for those students who choose to move from the Keyser campus to the Morgantown campus,” stated Phil Douthitt, associate academic dean at the College.
The ability to communicate clearly is a valuable skill and will play a key role in the evolution of new media. According to the 2018 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Department of Labor, overall employment in the field of strategic communications was projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
For more information about the strategic communications degree, contact Enrollment Services at 800-262-7332 or at Go2PSC@mail.wvu.edu.