Changes coming to popular major

As spring semester begins at CSB+SJU, the Communication Department plans for changes to help guide students in their future paths of work.

The title of the degree will now be “strategic communication studies,” as currently displayed by the department’s page on the CSB+SJU website. In addition, students can expect to choose from two distinct concentrations that align with their aspirations.

The website outlines the new aim of the degree, the new modifications made to the degree and department, and what students are now to expect:

“A degree in strategic communication studies helps you understand and navigate a world that has become so noisy and full of information.”

Kelly Berg, an associate professor of the department, took part in the planning committee as these changes were collaboratively constructed.

“I feel excited that we have been able to come together to coordinate with one another to make sure that we’re all focused on the same kinds of outcomes for our students on the career level,” Berg said.

Next year’s class of first-year students and the current class of first-year students can expect to choose one or both of the new concentrations: Public Relations and Marketing (PRAM) and Public Advocacy and Leadership (PAL).

Students will also have the option to choose their own path if they desire. The PRAM concentration will prepare students who plan to utilize their degrees within the broader communication and business sectors, such as marketing, advertising, event planning, social media management or corporate communication.

The PAL concentration prepares students for roles that involve influencing public opinion, shaping policies and leading initiatives that address social issues, such as public policy, nonprofit and advocacy organizations, community relations or political communication.

CSB sophomore Marisa LaPlante shared how she is pleased with her strategic communication studies and how they have fittingly prepared her for her future endeavors.

LaPlante hopes to enter the marketing or human resources fields after completing her undergraduate degree at CSB+SJU. She has chosen the PRAM concentration in alignment with her aspirations.

“When you hear ‘communications major’ that can mean a lot of things,” LaPlante said. “So now, instead you’re able to choose your focus, and with employers that can be helpful.”

For the major, students are required to complete a total of 40 credits with or without a concentration and a total of 48 credits if they do both concentrations.

In addition, the Strategic Communication Studies Department hopes to collaborate with the Global Business Department at CSB+SJU to support students who study both fields or have an interest in merging the two.

As of fall semester, a total of 240 CSB+SJU students were declared as either strategic communication majors or minors. While current upperclassmen will not be as impacted by these changes, all students are still encouraged to be open about how their strategic communication studies at CSB+SJU can be a guide and allow them to grow in preparation for their endeavors.

“I think the key is no matter what they do, we’re not just trying to educate them for now,” Berg said. “We’re trying to make sure that they’re adaptable going forward because the careers that are going to be created over the next 20 to 30 years are not the same careers that even exist today.”