M.S. in Communication Science & Disorders
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication Science & Disorders at the University...
B.A. in Integrated Strategic Communication
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
INTAKE: Feb & Sept
Program Overview
The B.A. in Integrated Strategic Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education in communication strategies that integrate traditional and digital media platforms. The program equips students with the skills needed to effectively craft messages, engage audiences, and manage communication across a variety of channels. Students learn to navigate the evolving media landscape and gain practical experience in public relations, advertising, digital media, and corporate communication. This degree prepares graduates for careers in corporate communication, media relations, content creation, and strategic planning.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Integrated Strategic Communication is comprehensive, blending theory and hands-on learning. Students take courses in key areas such as media writing, communication theory, public relations, advertising strategies, digital communication, and visual communication. Core classes emphasize the development of written and oral communication skills, while also covering the use of media tools for strategic marketing and audience engagement. Elective courses allow students to specialize in areas such as social media management, crisis communication, and branding. Practical experiences such as internships, client projects, and workshops are integrated into the curriculum, giving students a real-world understanding of the communication industry.
Research Focus: The research focus in the Integrated Strategic Communication program is centered on understanding how effective communication strategies can influence public opinion, shape brand identities, and drive consumer behavior. Faculty conduct research on topics such as media effects, advertising effectiveness, digital communication trends, and strategic brand management. Students have opportunities to engage in research projects, working alongside faculty to analyze media strategies and explore the impact of communication on business and societal outcomes. The research focus prepares students to not only excel in their careers but also critically analyze the ever-changing media landscape.
Industry Engagement: UWEC’s Integrated Strategic Communication program places a strong emphasis on industry engagement through internships, partnerships with local businesses, and collaboration with media outlets. Students gain practical experience working on real-world communication campaigns for clients in diverse industries. These hands-on experiences help students build a professional portfolio and expand their networks in the communications field. The program also organizes industry guest speaker events, career fairs, and networking opportunities, connecting students with professionals in advertising, public relations, digital media, and corporate communication. This engagement ensures that graduates are well-prepared for their careers and are in tune with industry trends and expectations.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Integrated Strategic Communication incorporates a global perspective by exploring how communication strategies differ across cultures and regions. Students learn about international communication practices, the role of media in shaping global narratives, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in communication. The program offers opportunities for study abroad, where students can immerse themselves in different cultural contexts and develop a broader understanding of global media strategies. By integrating a global perspective, the program prepares graduates to work in multinational companies and adapt communication strategies to international markets.
Location
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 19750
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $25
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 75 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 54 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment, it offers various scholarships to international students to support their educational pursuits. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to the community.
Academic Excellence Awards: The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire provides merit-based scholarships to international students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievements. These awards are often determined by high school or college GPA, standardized test scores, and overall academic performance.
Cultural Diversity Scholarships: Recognizing the importance of diversity, the university offers scholarships specifically designed to support students from underrepresented regions or those with unique cultural backgrounds. These scholarships aim to create a more inclusive campus community.
Leadership and Community Involvement Scholarships: The university values students who exhibit leadership skills and actively contribute to their communities. Scholarships are available for international students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities and community service.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire offer scholarships to students majoring in specific fields. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, career goals, or involvement in departmental activities.
Global Engagement Scholarships: To encourage international students to actively engage with global perspectives, the university provides scholarships for those who participate in study abroad programs, internships, or research projects with an international focus.
The B.A. in Integrated Strategic Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) prepares graduates for a wide variety of career options across multiple sectors of the communication industry. The degree equips students with a versatile skill set in communication strategies, media relations, and content creation, which can be applied in both traditional and digital media environments.
Public Relations Specialist: Graduates can work as public relations specialists, managing communication between an organization and the public. This role involves creating press releases, organizing events, handling media relations, and crafting strategies to maintain a positive public image for clients.
Advertising Account Manager: Graduates may choose to work in advertising agencies as account managers, overseeing client relationships and coordinating marketing campaigns. They would be responsible for ensuring that campaigns meet the client’s objectives and resonate with target audiences.
Digital Marketing Specialist: With a focus on online communication, digital marketing specialists develop and implement strategies to promote brands through social media, email marketing, content marketing, and SEO. Graduates can work in digital marketing agencies, corporations, or as freelancers.
Media Planner/Buyer: As media planners and buyers, graduates will be responsible for selecting and purchasing media space for advertising campaigns. They ensure that advertisements reach the intended audience by analyzing data and strategizing the best platforms and timings for ad placements.
Corporate Communications Specialist: A corporate communications specialist is responsible for managing internal and external communications within a company. This role involves preparing speeches, newsletters, reports, and media responses to ensure effective communication with stakeholders.
Content Strategist: Graduates can pursue careers as content strategists, managing content creation and distribution across various platforms, including websites, social media, and blogs. They develop content calendars, editorial plans, and ensure content aligns with brand messaging.
Brand Manager: In this role, graduates oversee the development and positioning of a brand in the market. They manage branding efforts, monitor brand perception, and create campaigns to reinforce brand identity and engage with the target audience.
Social Media Manager: Social media managers are responsible for developing social media strategies, creating content, and managing online communities. Graduates will use their skills to enhance brand visibility and engagement across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Crisis Communications Manager: Graduates can also specialize in crisis communications, where they manage communication strategies during times of crisis or emergency. This role requires quick thinking, strategic messaging, and media handling to protect a brand’s reputation.
Event Planner: Event planners organize corporate events, conferences, and public relations activities. Graduates with strong organizational and communication skills can work in event management, ensuring that events are successfully planned and executed.
Media Relations Coordinator: Graduates can work as media relations coordinators, maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets. They will manage press releases, coordinate interviews, and ensure that their organization’s story is effectively communicated to the media.
Marketing Communications Manager: Marketing communications managers oversee the execution of marketing campaigns, combining advertising, public relations, and digital media strategies to promote products or services. Graduates can work in various industries, from healthcare to technology, ensuring messaging aligns with marketing goals.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist: A CSR specialist manages an organization's social impact initiatives. Graduates can help develop and promote a company’s sustainability and corporate responsibility efforts through strategic communication that engages both internal and external audiences.
Freelance Communications Consultant: For those interested in entrepreneurship, graduates may opt to become freelance consultants, offering their communication and media strategy expertise to businesses on a contract basis. This option provides flexibility and the ability to work across various industries.
