Study strategic communication at Calvin
The Strategic Communication major strives to teach students to critique and create effective messages for specific audiences and situations. Majors tend to use their training in two distinctive ways upon graduation: (1) as communication professionals in the fields of advertising, public relations, media relations, fund raising, events planning, and journalism; or (2) as professionals in varied careers for which rhetorical training is central to success—law, politics, the ministry, and academia.
Every student in this major needs training and experience in the core rhetorical faculties and skills, so there is a specified set of shared courses. But further training and experience are contingent upon their future goals. To meet these different needs, the remaining requirements for the Strategic Communication major are based upon students' decision to specialize in Professional Communication or Rhetoric.
Within the major of Strategic Communication, the Professional Communication Track, is designed for students interested in advertising, public relations, media relations, fund raising, and events planning. The Rhetoric Track is designed for students interested in communication consulting, law, politics, the ministry, and academia.
Program requirements
Professional Track
CAS 101 or 141
CAS 190
CAS 200
CAS 211
CAS 238
CAS 262
CAS 285
Two courses from:
CAS 201, 240, 248, ART 255, 256, 305
media production (may choose 1 from): CAS 249, 290, 351
computer science (must complete all if 1 is selected): IS 141, 151, 153
CAS 305
CAS 352 or 399
One course from CAS 300-level elective, CAS 346, or approved alternative
Rhetoric Track
CAS 101 or 141
CAS 200
CAS 205
CAS 211
CAS 238
Two courses from CAS 240, 260, 270, or 318
CAS 305
CAS 327
CAS 352 or 399
Two courses from CAS 300-level electives, CAS 346 or approved alternative
