Strategic Communication


General Planning Tips For Strategic Communication 

  • The Strategic Communication curriculum is fairly flexible, and with careful planning you can study abroad for a semester and still graduate on time.
  • There are a wide variety of journalism electives to choose from abroad.  Many of the courses focus on concepts and topics unique to that particular institution giving you the opportunity to study a topic not offered at KU.
  • Because journalism students are required to have a second major or minor, many students choose to satisfy those requirements abroad.
  • Study abroad is a great way to satisfy your KU Core requirements. Therefore, it is a good idea to reserve some of your KU Core classes to take abroad.
  • Scholarships are available for study abroad both through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement and national organizations. Research your opportunities early.
  • Courses to take at KU: Most journalism foundation courses and Strategic Communication major requirements must be taken at KU.  It is recommended that Strategic Communication majors take journalism electives abroad.

When To Go

Freshman

  • Schedule a meeting with a journalism advisor during your first semester at KU to discuss your four year plan and identify specific courses as well as specific timing opportunities for your study abroad experience.
  • After you've met with your academic advisor, continue your program research by visiting the KU Study Abroad Info Center in Lippincott Hall. Study abroad peer advisors can help you to identify suitable study abroad options based upon the information you received from your advisor.
  • Studying abroad usually requires two letters of recommendation, so it's good to start identifying individuals who can speak to your academic qualifications as well as your ability to be successful during an international experience.
  • The School of Journalism often offers faculty-led program opportunities during the summer term.  Applications for these programs are due on March 1st or earlier, so visit the Study Abroad Info Center early in the spring semester to learn more.
  • The summer before your sophomore year would also be a great time to take some of your KU Core courses abroad.

Sophomore and Junior

  • Strategic Communication majors can study abroad during the fall or spring semester of their sophomore or junior year.
  • Because many journalism courses at KU are taught during both the fall and spring semesters, it gives you quite a bit of flexibility in planning for a semester abroad.
  • You can take a combination of journalism elective courses, second major/minor requirements, and/or KU Core requirements during your semester abroad. 
  • In addition to the faculty-led program opportunities offered by the School of Journalism, summer internships abroad are a great way to gain valuable professional experience in a unique location.  There are several locations to choose from, and you can participate in these internships the summer after your sophomore or junior year.

Senior

  • If you study abroad as a senior, work closely with your academic advisor prior to your departure to make sure that you are on track to complete your degree requirements on time.
  • Strategic Communications majors are required to take Strategic Campaigns, JOUR 640, at KU.  You should not study abroad during the spring of your senior year if you have not yet taken this course and are planning to graduate that term.

Courses and Credit

  • Journalism faculty have already pre-approved a number of journalism courses abroad. To see available pre-approved courses, visit the Course Equivalency Database.
  • If you want to take a class/classes that have not been pre-approved, complete the credit approval process.

Recommended Semester Programs

DIS Copenhagen - Denmark

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year

Sample Courses: New Media and Strategic Communication

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore -  Italy

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year

Sample Courses: Digital Journalism and Digital Media, Publishing Publicity and Cultural Journalism, The Italian Approach to the Media. 

Massey University - New Zealand

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year

Sample Courses: Photojournalism, Multimedia Editing

Swansea University - Wales

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year

Sample Courses: Media History, Theorizing the Media

Masaryk University - Czech Republic

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year

Sample Courses: Diversity in Media, Global Media Industries, Media and Society, International Journalism

Lorenzo De Medici - Italy

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year

Sample Courses: Italian Culture & Television; Sports, Media & Society; Media Ethics

University of Stirling - Scotland

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year

Sample Courses: Media Writing, Digital Media, Radio Feature Production

University of Wollongong - Australia

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - sophomore or junior year

Sample Courses: Infomania, Newsroom Practice, Professional Writing

Semester Programs Offering Courses Taught in Spanish

Pontificia Universidad Católica - Argentina

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - junior year

Sample Courses: International Journalism, Media Planning

Universidad de Costa Rica - Costa Rica

Recommended Timing: Fall or spring semester - junior year

Sample Courses: Multimedia Project Management, Strategic Advertising

Recommended Short-Term Programs

Creativity and Culture in Rome - Italy 

Recommended Timing: Summer - any year

Sample Courses: JOUR 500

Scottish Media and Culture - Scotland

Recommended Timing: Summer - after sophomore or junior year

Sample Courses: JOUR 500 + one Univ. of Stirling International Summer School Course

International Internships

Recommended Timing: Summer - after sophomore or junior year

Sample Courses: Varies by location

Lorenzo de Medici - Italy 

Recommended Timing: Summer - any year

Sample Courses: Event Planning, Integrated Marketing Communications