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Organizational Communication Major: Strategic Communication Emphasis

Bachelor of Arts

With an organizational communication major with a strategic communication emphasis, you’ll learn to communicate the right information, to the right people, in the right way in corporate communication and public relations.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.A. in Organizational Communication with a strategic communication emphasis, you’ll explore organizational structures, cultures, and effective communication practices while cultivating the skills to relay timely, sensitive, and impactful information. You’ll become an effective leader, team member, and strategic communicator—prepared to serve in the world through a wide range of careers.

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Why should I study organizational communication at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of Communication Studies, where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success.

  • Faith-fueled learning
    You’ll learn to thoughtfully apply your Christian values to the way you communicate in large groups, different cultures, interpersonal relationships, and media productions.

  • Customize your education
    You’ll can customize your education to match your goals by adding a second major, minor, or endorsement. For example, a minor in gender studies pairs nicely with this degree.

  • A vibrant community
    You’ll learn in a dynamic academic department where you’ll develop close relationships with your professors and classmates through informal gatherings, tutoring services, and teaching assistantships. You’ll find numerous mentorship opportunities and the comm studies department is known for providing personable, comprehensive advising support.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

Find your counselor

Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

Today's dynamic corporate environment requires you to create messages for diverse audiences that translate across multiple technology platforms. You’ll be ready to communicate within this exciting and fast-paced organizational context—becoming a well-rounded person, not just a well-rounded student. 

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Organizational communication

You’ll explore organizational structures and cultures, learning effective communication practices to relay timely, sensitive, and impactful information within corporate environments.

Relational skills

You’ll gain skills to help you communicate interpersonally, interculturally, in group settings, and one on one—all with compassion, integrity, and effectiveness.

Strategic communication planning

You’ll also learn to analyze communication needs and develop strategic plans that effectively target and engage your audience, including communication analysis, crisis communication, and corporate decision-making.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills that quip you to assess situations, identify solutions, and make informed decisions in nearly any job—and graduate school.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

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Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Study abroad

You can take classes abroad through trips over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer. Many communication studies students spend a January in Thailand in the immersive study of intercultural communication and ethnic diaspora.

Student clubs

COMMentor—a communication studies mentoring program that works closely with BethelBiz—provides opportunities to connect with experienced professionals, attend career events, and build connections as you work toward your career goals. You can also join Bethel’s Public Relations Society Student Association (PRSSA) chapter and communication honor societies Sigma Zeta and Lambda Pi Eta.

Internships

You’ll participate in an internship tailored to your specific area of interest—providing real-world, applicable experience in the field.

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Real-world impact

What can I do with an organizational communication degree?

Organizations need qualified and talented professionals to help them communicate effectively to diverse audiences, formulate key ideas, and address highly sensitive topics. You’ll learn to do this and become the person you’re meant to be—equipped for a life of purpose in many different areas.

Business

As a strategic communicator, you’ll be prized for your strong leadership abilities and analytical skills. You’ll be ready for business positions in sales, employee relations, human resources, and other leadership roles.

Communications and marketing

Your studies will help you thrive in the high-pressure and cutting-edge fields of corporate communication, public relations, and product and integrated marketing, equipping you to excel in high-pressure environments.

Management

Use your skills to manage people or projects in roles like promotions coordinator or communication specialist, where you can lead teams and drive success.

Advanced degrees

You’ll be prepared to go on to graduate school for law, politics, management, leadership, and more. In fact, many communication studies students at Bethel have received fully-funded graduate assistantships.

Skills for any field

Having built a solid foundation of critical thinking, problem-solving, and public-speaking skills, you’ll be equipped to apply your background to almost any field, including education, consulting, community development, and more.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions.

Department of Communication Studies


Location

Hagstrom Center (HC) 327

Contact

Ripley Smith

Peggy Kendall

Peggy Kendall

Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Ripley Smith

Ripley Smith

Professor of Media Communication

Bio >

Betsy Anderson

Betsy Anderson

Associate Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Jentine Arkema

Jentine Arkema

Teaching Partner in Communication Studies

Bio >

Nancy Brule

Nancy Brule

Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Christopher Shofner

Christopher Shofner

Associate Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Scott Sochay

Scott Sochay

Associate Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Jessica Samens

Jessica Samens

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

Bio >

Michael Dreher

Michael Dreher

Professor of Communication Emeritus

Bio >

Arthur Terry

Arthur Terry

Associate Professor of Communication Studies Emeritus

Bio >

158

students majoring in the department

150

students presented at regional conferences in the past 7 years

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

Apply now

You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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Find your fit

Explore related programs

Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.

Explore the full lists:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements