Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication Online
Learn the skills you need for a creative career in marketing, communications, advertising, or content creation with the Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication online program.
Apply by:
1/2/25
Program Overview
Our B.A. in Strategic Communication program can prepare you to be a highly skilled content creator
Become a gamechanger in today’s digital society with the Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication online program. Our Department of Communication Arts offers learners the chance to explore their creative interests and turn them into professional careers. The bachelor’s in strategic communication provides an innovative and dynamic curriculum that teaches students to develop creative strategy and content like a highly skilled content creator.
Avila's online strategic communication bachelor’s will guide you to a career in fields such as social media, public relations, or advertising. Study how to craft persuasive messaging, develop brand campaigns, and understand public relations so you can develop the ability to support product launches and brand stories. You will graduate with a portfolio showcasing your work for creative content development opportunities.
Strategic communication career opportunities:
- Social Media Manager
- Copywriter
- Digital Strategist
- Communications Manager
- Public Relations expert
- Marketing Manager
- Social Media Manager
- Copywriter
- Digital Strategist
- Communications Manager
- Public Relations expert
- Marketing Manager
$290
Per Credit Hour
Up to 90 hours
Transfer Credits
120
Credit Hours
Tuition
Learn about our affordable tuition options
The B.A. in Strategic Communication online program tuition is the same affordable, pay-as-you-go rate for all U.S. residents. Fees are included in the total tuition, and financial aid may be available.
Plus, a Prior Learning Assessment evaluates knowledge gained outside traditional academic environments and may help reduce your tuition and time to completion.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course |
|---|---|---|
| B.A. Strategic Communication | $290 | $870 |
Transfer Your Credits for Lower Tuition
Use our Tuition Estimator to see how affordable your degree could be. Slide the notch to the number of credits you've already earned—which may qualify for transfer credit—to get an estimate of what your degree might cost.
Transcripts sent from other colleges and universities will be evaluated, and accepted credits will be added to the student’s Avila record. The Tuition Estimator is not a guarantee or predictor of the number of credit hours that will be accepted. Amount of transfer credits accepted varies by program. View the desired program’s webpage for information about its transfer credit parameters.
Tuition breakdown:
$290
Per Credit Hour
Calendar
Upcoming dates you need to know
Ideal for working professionals, the B.A. in Strategic Communication online program features 8-week courses and multiple start dates each year, so you can begin at the time that works best for you. View the full calendar for all upcoming starts and corresponding deadlines.
| Term | Start Date | App Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Class End Date | Term Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2 2024 | 10/21/24 | 10/7/24 | 10/16/24 | 10/16/24 | 10/20/24 | 12/15/24 | 8 weeks |
| Spring 1 2025 | 1/6/25 | 1/2/25 | 1/2/25 | 1/3/25 | 1/6/25 | 3/2/25 | 8 weeks |
| Spring 2 2025 | 3/3/25 | 2/26/25 | 2/26/25 | 2/28/25 | 3/3/25 | 5/4/25 | 8 weeks |
Now enrolling:
1/2/25
Apply Date
1/6/25
Class Starts
Ready to take the next steps toward earning your next degree?
Admissions
Discover how to get started on your strategic communication bachelor’s
We’ve simplified the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. You can find all requirements for admission to the Avila online B.A. in Strategic Communication below.
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- 2.0 GPA in prior coursework
- Transfer up to 90 credits
In order to be eligible to receive a bachelor’s degree from Avila University, you must have the following:
- High school diploma
- Minimum 2.0 GPA on college coursework or 2.0 GPA on high school conferred transcript
- Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended
Submit all official transcripts to:
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Undergraduate Admissions
Avila University
11901 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO 64145
Courses
View the highly innovative courses for a bachelor’s in strategic communication
In order to earn the B.A. in Strategic Communications online, you will complete 120 credit hours, including 35 credit hours of general education requirements, 60 credit hours of major requirements, and 25 credit hours of electives.
CO 110: Fundamentals of Communication
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an introductory and practical approach to the process of developing, understanding and refining communication skills. In this class, we will focus on several communication areas, including but not limited to: perception of self, language, interpersonal communication, cultural communication, small group dynamics, and public speaking skills. This is a Skills Level course. FA, SP, SU.
Course objectives:
- Develop and maintain interpersonal, small group and public communication skills for use in a career and social context.
- Apply verbal and non-verbal components of oral communication to real life situations.
EN 111: Composition I
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Development of a robust composition process centered on considerations of audience and purpose. Introduction to argument, including collegiate research practices and integration of reputable sources. Intense practice in close reading for understanding and analysis. Includes refinement of writing mechanics necessary for academic discourse in Standard American English. This is a skills level course. Prerequisite: EN 095 with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement exam scores. FA, SP
Course objectives:
- Use the computer to generate multiple drafts and demonstrate writing as a process.
- Strengthen skills in the construction and logical development of a clear and concise thesis.
AR 183: Survey Art II: From the Renaissance to Modernism
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of major artists, artwork, styles, and techniques, from the Renaissance through the 20th Century with the primary focus on the major Western art movements (including architecture) and the relationship between the social function of art and its form, content, and context. 2015 CORE: Creativity & Culture, Acquire. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Arts. SP.
Course objectives:
- Identify and explain the significance of major works of art.
- Recognize & describe the aesthetic elements which mark selected periods & artists.
BI 111: General Biology - Cell & Genes w/Lab
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
A survey of cell theory (cellular structure and function) and molecular genetics that illustrates the nature and limits of science and two of the fundamental concepts of the life sciences. Elements of evolutionary theory will be discussed throughout the course and examples from all kingdoms of life will be used. Laboratory will introduce students to methods of microscopy, modeling, and experimental design and analysis. This course will identify key theories of science, including contributions and limitations of scientific discovery. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory per week. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Acquire. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Natural Science. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Identify the basic molecules of life and to predict their properties and reactions.
- Connect the genetics of all biological life and understand the basic flow of genetic information.
EN 278: Global Lit
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Through the lens of literature, this course explores the flows of people and their culture and labor across borders. Each text is examined in terms of its artistic and political dimensions with a focus on identity, gender politics, and historical revision. Rather than discrete nations and single cultures, the course concentrates on movement, hybridity, and multiplicity. In addition to physical movement, the course examines other possessions that move across the borders including information, language, traditions, and beliefs, examining ways in which people remember, reimagine, and reshape their sense of self and community. Prerequisite: EN 111 or EN 112. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Acquire, Global Studies. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Literature/Rhetoric. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Appreciate the aesthetic qualities of literary texts and develop an awareness of influential critical and interpretive methods
- Analyze and interpret works from different historical and cultural traditions using appropriate critical terms of literary analysis and responding to questions about genre, style, and content or theme
HI 204: American Experience II
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is a survey of major political, social, cultural, and economic changes in United States history from 1865 to the present, with emphasis on the development of industrial society, consumerism, the expanding role of the United States in world affairs, as well as civil rights and other social movements. Meets the lower-division requirement for American History in the history major. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Acquire. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, History.
Course objectives:
- Knowledge: Identify and characterize the major questions of United States and World history in terms of continuity and change using relevant political, economic, social, religious, and cultural institutions, traditions, and beliefs.
- Theory: Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of race, gender, class, ethnicity, or religion on the experiences of ordinary and extraordinary people of the past using current historical theory and methodology.
MA 117: Mathematical Modeling and Reasoning
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive overview of the skills required to navigate the mathematical demands of modern life and prepare students for a deeper understanding of information presented in mathematical terms. Emphasis is placed on improving students’ ability to draw conclusions, make decisions, and communicate effectively in mathematical situations that depend upon multiple factors. 2020 Core: Liberal Arts, Mathematics. SP, SU.
Course objectives:
- Perform operation with real numbers. Evaluate algebraic expressions.
- Solve and apply linear equations and inequalities.
PL 255: Ethics
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is a critical examination of a range of major ethical theories, where students will systematically reason through and discuss major ethical notions as well as notions of ethical agency. Questions that might be covered include but are not limited to: How do we as members of communities live? How ought we live? What are the differences between good and bad choices? Why should I act other than what is in my self-interest? Do I have duties to myself and others? If so, what are those duties? What kinds of actions are morally significant or irrelevant to moral thinking? 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Philosophy. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Obtain knowledge of basic ethical theories and how they apply to all areas of live: personal, professional and societal.
- Recognize the differences between moral absolutism, relativism and pluralism.
PY 101: General Psychology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the theories, methods, and perspectives that psychologists use to describe and explain behavior and mental processes. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Acquire. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Social Sciences. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
1: Knowledge Base in Psychology
1.1a: Use basic psychological terminology, concepts, and theories in psychology to explain behavior and mental processes.
1.1b: Explain why psychology is a science with the primary objectives of describing, understanding, predicting, and controlling behavior and mental processes.
1.2a: Identify key characteristics of major content domains in psychology (e.g., cognition and learning, developmental, biological, and sociocultural).
2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
2.1b: Use psychology concepts to explain personal experiences and recognize the potential for flaws in behavioral explanations based on simplistic, personal theories.
2.1a: Describe the value and limitations of using theories to explain behavioral phenomena.
2.1b: Describe common fallacies in thinking (e.g. confirmation bias, post hoc explanations, implying causation from correlation) that impair accurate conclusions and predictions.
2.2b: Describe what kinds of additional information beyond personal experience are acceptable in developing behavioral explanations (i.e., popular press reports vs. scientific findings).
3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World
3.1a Describe key regulations in the APA Ethics Code for protection of human or nonhuman research participants.
5: Professional Development
5.1d Describe how psychology’s content applies to business, health care, educational, and other workplace settings.
RS 117: World Religions
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course offers both a historical and critical look at human religious experience through a study of the world’s many religious traditions. Topics include: the varieties of religious belief and the historical/political experiences that inspired them, including ideas of the holy and sacred, scriptures, myths, symbols, rituals, and morality. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Acquire, Global Studies. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Religious Studies, Global Studies. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Learn the primary features of the major world religious systems, with special focus on scriptures, social and cultural formations, history, myths and rituals, ethics, and the category “sacred”
- Learn to interrogate the methodologies used in discussing the categories of “world religions” and “religious experience,” with particular focus on the role that dominant narratives and elite discourses play in the formation of these systems
IS 311 (IS/GS): Peace Studies
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an interdisciplinary (religious studies, communication, philosophy, sociology, history, and economics) approach to achieving peace on a personal, local, national, and international level. The focus is on developing practical strategies for creating peace and living peacefully in a global society. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Contribute, Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Studies.
Course objectives:
- Examine the development of peace research and peace studies over the last 50 years.
- Understand the breadth and scope of the interdisciplinary field of peace studies.
Note: The Applied Research Project course (CO485) is a 16-week course.
BU 322: Organizational Behavior & Development
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The study of the structure, individual and group behavior, and development of organizations. Prerequisites: EN 111 and CO 110.
Course objectives:
- Understand how individual, group, and organizational processes and structure influence behavior in organizations.
- Select and apply appropriate constructs to analyze specific organizational situations.
- Identify and analyze critical factors that influence organizational change.
- Analyze one’s own behavior and its impact on organizational effectiveness.
- Analyze innovative solutions for problems using critical thinking and creative reasoning.
- Determine how systems theory relates to the effectiveness of organizations.
BL 305: Legal Aspects of Business
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The study of legal issues inherent to business operations such as contracts, torts, and crimes; the web of legal, social, political, and economic systems that business operates in locally, nationally, and internationally; and the frameworks available to assist business in legal problem-solving and ethical decision-making.
MK 310: Marketing
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the principles and practices of marketing goods and services. Strategy and planning are emphasized as well as a thorough treatment of product, pricing, physical distribution, and promotional issues. The marketing concept is given extensive treatment. Prerequisites: EN 111 and CO 110.
BU 312: Consumer Behavior
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Analysis of internal factors influencing consumer behavior and identification of variables basic to the segmentation of consumer markets. Prerequisites: BU 310 and PY 101.
BU 321: Management
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Principles of management applicable to any organization including functions, processes, and behavior concepts. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Demonstrate an understanding of management theory necessary to perform successfully in a management position.
- Apply basic management knowledge and techniques to the management functions of decision- making, planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling, in order to enhance achievement of organizational goals and objectives.
BU 350: Data Science: Business Intelligence & Analytics
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is designed as an introduction to, and overview of, fundamental and intermediate business intelligence and analytics concepts and techniques. The emphasis is primarily on the thought processes behind different types of data science techniques and secondarily on the mechanical execution of such analysis. Topics include current data visualization practices, data mining, classical statistical analytics and customer and social data analysis.
CO 152: Introduction to Strategic Communication
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The Introduction to Strategic Communications is designed to enhance your ability to strategically influence and further an organization’s mission and goal accomplishment using state of the art communication techniques. This course provides a foundation upon which you will learn to use an array of tools to develop, track and measure communication effectiveness against established goals and objectives.
CO 212: Conflict Resolution
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on various strategies for dealing with conflict in a positive manner. It is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to resolve conflicts and have successful outcomes. The skills of listening, assertion, problem solving, and conflict management are emphasized. Prerequisite: CO 110. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform.
CO 213: Strategic Presentation in the Digital Environment
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This class is designed to teach students to fulfill a multifaceted communications role. Specifically, students learn how to prepare key messages and talking points, write and deliver short speeches, make unscripted remarks, deliver presentations, conduct a Q & A, and effectively manage a media interview. Throughout the semester, students are challenged to prepare messages, talking points, a series of short speeches, and a final presentation in a public environment complimented by state-of-the-art digital presentation software
CO 225: Mass Media and Society
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The printing press contributed to the spread of knowledge and eventually - through books, newspapers, magazines, film, sound recordings, radio, television, and the internet - gave voice to cultural beliefs. The class examines the influence mass media has on the process of belief formation by identifying and quantifying the “gatekeepers” and the role of mass media in shaping societal issues. The emphasis will be on the critical evaluation of media effects on society, which includes an overview of each medium of communication and the economic and technological developments within. The course provides students with the tools that will enable them to learn about and communicate an understanding of rational and the belief formation processes involving mediated communication.
CO 235: Principles of Advertising
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study of advertising from the agency perspective. Examination of the industry and its evolution nationally and internationally, including legal and ethical issues, creative process, evaluation criteria, and use of media.
CO 317: Promotional Writing
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides practice in crafting persuasive messaging for advertising, public service announcements, sports marketing, product launches, and brand story pitches using the full array of digital and social media engagement tools. The course will also examine the relationship between branded messaging advertising. Students will produce advertorials, branded content, web-based content, ambient ads, stealth advertising, social media campaigns, and product placements.
CO 331: Public Relations Concepts
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Nature and role of public relations, activities of professionals in the field, influences which affect organizational behavior, ethics, and the development of public relations professionals.
CO 415: Integrated Brand Management and Communication
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course integrates all aspects of strategic brand communications including advertising, public relations, digital media, social media, promotion, and marketing analytics. The content focuses on creating a data-driven, purposeful engagement with a brand’s stakeholders driving market differentiation, loyalty and identity. Attention is paid to blending new and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and algorithms in a holistic and organic strategy to address varied audiences. Students put their learning to work during the semester by developing a branding program for a business, agency, cause, or non-profit organization. Students learn to manage a plethora of community assets, create a coherent mix of communication tactics, and work within a team environment. Meets the Capstone requirement for the Strategic Communication degree.
CO 452: Contemporary Communication Strategies
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Capstone course synthesizing public relations, advertising, sales concepts, and organizational communication. Participation in group project work with community businesses and substantial writing of proposals, contracts, and relevant business correspondence.
CO 485: Applied Research Project
Duration: 16 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course requires the completion of a faculty-approved project that demonstrates application of program outcomes to either a researched topic or a project with an external organization. It is comparable to a project a student would complete as an internal or external professional. The purpose of the Applied Research Project is the application and demonstration of skill and proficiency as a direct result of student learning. This course is a 16-week course and is only offered during the first session of a term. Prerequisite: Senior standing
CO 499: Senior Seminar
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Colloquium setting for graduating seniors with emphasis on discussion of contemporary issues in student’s area of concentration. Portfolio of work area required by end of seminar. Meets the Capstone requirement in the major.
EN 112: Composition II: Rhetorical Argument
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Expansion of writing skills with training in academic research, proper citation, and reasoned argument. Emphasis on persuasive composition, including critical analysis of arguments and rhetorically attentive arguments from evidence. Refinement of a mature writing process centered in revision practices. Includes close reading for understanding, analysis, evaluation, and response. May not be taken concurrently with EN111. This is a skills level course. Prerequisite: EN 111 with a grade of “C” or better or appropriate placement exam scores. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Acquire. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Write a clear, well developed, effectively organized, and convincingly reasoned paper.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the values of many diverse Americans and of the writing strategies successful authors use to communicate ideas clearly through reading and responding.
PY 224: Psychology of Communication
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A hands-on examination of individual differences in receptive and expressive communication, with a focus upon increasing awareness of self in the context of group interactions.
Course objectives:
- Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.
- Describe applications of psychology.
- Engage in critical thinking to solve psychological problems and issues.
- Demonstrate effective writing for various audiences.
- Exhibit effective presentation skills for various audiences.
- Interact effectively with others.
- Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation. Discover the intrapersonal, interpersonal and systemic forces and factors that impact and influence human behavior.
- Utilize human relations strategies - thinking and relating skills - to improve interactions with other.
- Develop “transferable skills” to enhance personal and professional growth and development in the family, work place and community.
- Discover and develop actions that promote valuing diversity.
- Strengthen personal adaptation to change and other “hardiness” skills.
PY 373: Diversity in the Workplace
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This interactive course increases your understanding of a variety of models of individual, cultural, and social group identities, focusing on several contemporary frameworks for understanding differences. Special emphasis is placed on providing the skills and competencies necessary for working with multicultural, inclusive teams. Prerequisite: PY 101. 2015 CORE: Creativity & Culture, Contribute, Global Studies, Community Engagement. FA, SP, SU.
Course objectives:
- Define and describe terms and concepts associated with, and identify actual examples of, diversity in the context of various environments.
- Differentiate between Cultural Awareness, Cultural Appreciation, and Cultural Appropriation.
- Describe the roots and current state of the feminist movement and how it relates to today’s diversity oriented workplaces.
- Analyze the data and claims surrounding the gender wage gap.
