Communication — Strategic Communication
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Learn to provide purposeful communication for advertising and public relations campaigns through market research, data analysis and communication planning.
Students in this program compose and deliver messages suitable for diverse audiences; have the ability to understand and conduct consumer research; evaluate communication effectiveness based on goals, context and data; and apply communication theories to strategic communication settings.
Online student?
To learn more about online delivery of this program, visit UMKC Online.
- Program Type: Major
- Academic Unit: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Standard credit hours: 120
- Delivery Mode: In-person, Hybrid, Online
- Typical Program Length: 4 years
- Typical Course Load: 4-5 per semester
- Estimated Program Cost: $49,344
- * All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
Why UMKC
Industry networking
Become a member of the Mercury Association, which is a student organization that offers resume workshops, interview sessions and networking opportunities for advertising and public relations students.
Kansas City is our classroom
Our university is deeply integrated into the community, providing students with exclusive opportunities to connect with area employers, gain hands-on experience and make an impact in their areas of interest.
Find career success
From academic and career advising to employment services and community partnerships, our award-winning faculty and staff deliver direction and support to help you succeed in your careers.
After Graduation
Strategic communications majors are prepared for careers in public relations, media and corporate communications. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in media and communication occupations is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2033. Roles such as public relations specialists and managers are expected to see growth, reflecting the increasing importance of effective communication strategies in various sectors.
Potential careers
- Advertising, promotions and marketing manager
- Search marketing strategist
- Marketing specialist
$118,657
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Advertising and Promotions Managers (11-2011.00)
Potential Courses
Strategic Communication Research
This course examines research methods and stages in advertising and public relations. Students learn how to plan, conduct and evaluate strategic communication research.
Interactive and Social Media Advertising
This course places special emphasis on the evaluation of social media and search engine advertising when examining internet advertising as a form of interactive communication. Study includes interacti…
Journalism and Visual Storytelling in the Age of Data
Students in this course learn to analyze and critique data visualization, process and manipulate data sets, and apply journalistic methods of reporting data and storytelling.
Visit the Academic Catalog for a full listing of courses and descriptions.
Related Programs and Pathways
How to Apply
- Gather your materials
- Official transcripts
- Names and locations of previous college(s) or high school(s) and dates you attended
- Citizenship, residency and visa information (if applicable)
- ACT/SAT test scores (optional). Required if you would like to be considered for applicable scholarship opportunities
- Complete the online application
- No application fee for domestic undergraduate students — $75 for international students
- Check admissions requirements
Some programs have specific admission requirements. Request information to have an admissions counselor contact you about the requirements for this program.
Application Dates
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: June 15
Classes begin in August
To Start Classes in Spring
Apply by: Nov. 15
Classes begin in January
Estimated Tuition Per Semester
$6,168
Resident Rate
(per semester)
$9,063
Heartland Rate
(per semester)
$16,090
Nonresident Rate
(per semester)