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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Strategic Communication and Public Relations (Online)

Today’s organizations need communicators who can build trust, tell compelling stories and connect with audiences across an ever-changing digital landscape. OBU’s fully online Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication and Public Relations prepares you to create meaningful communication strategies, develop engaging content and lead with integrity in business, nonprofit and ministry settings.

Through a flexible online format, you'll learn how to craft strategic messaging, manage public relations campaigns, build brands and communicate effectively across digital media. Grounded in a Christian worldview, the program prepares you to become an ethical communicator who uses words and ideas to make a lasting impact. Whether you’re completing your bachelor’s degree, changing careers or advancing professionally, OBU’s online program helps you pursue your goals while balancing work and life.

Ann McNellis

Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

“In today's current environment the fields of marketing, communications, public relations, and social media are extremely blurred. Employers will expect their employees to be able to perform a multitude of tasks at a very fast pace. A degree in strategic communications will get students ready for this exciting and ever-changing career path. They will leave with a stocked portfolio displaying a vast collection of work that will highlight many different skills and abilities. They will also be empowered with the knowledge and confidence to hit the ground running in their new career.”

Benefits of OBU's Strategic Communication & Public Relations Program

Faculty Mentors

At OBU, you'll learn from faculty who are committed to your academic, professional and personal growth. Through regular communication, individualized feedback and career coaching, professors help you develop the confidence and practical skills needed to succeed in today’s communication industry.

Faculty bring both professional experience and a Christian perspective to every course, encouraging students to communicate with purpose, integrity and excellence while viewing communication as both a profession and a calling.

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost

At OBU, we believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of your purpose. With generous scholarships and 100% of students receiving aid, your future is within reach.

To get an estimate of what your cost to attend OBU might be,please check out our Net Price Calculator. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is, especially considering the incredible academic quality, personal mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and strong Christian commitment you will experience at OBU. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else!

Scholarships and Grants

$60,000

minimum university scholarship per student
over four years

100%

of on-campus undergraduate students receive financial aid

$24,000

average annual financial award
based on 2022-23 IPEDS data

Program Information

Internship Opportunities

Communication is learned by doing. Throughout the program, you’ll apply classroom concepts through practical experiences that prepare you for professional success.

Students have opportunities to:

  • Complete internships with local and national organizations
  • Develop real-world communication campaigns
  • Build a professional portfolio of communication projects
  • Gain freelance and client-based communication experience
  • Apply strategic communication principles to authentic organizational challenges
  • Student Experience

Designed specifically for online learners, the program combines flexibility with meaningful interaction and hands-on learning.

You’ll study through Canvas using digital collaboration tools, create projects that mirror professional communication work and receive personalized faculty feedback throughout your coursework. Courses are built to provide the same academic quality and career preparation as OBU’s established on-campus Strategic Communication program while allowing you to balance school with work, family and other commitments.

Job Opportunities and Outcomes

Strategic Communication and Public Relations graduates are prepared to communicate effectively across corporate, nonprofit, ministry and media environments.

Career paths include:

  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Social Media Manager
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Corporate Communications Specialist
  • Digital Content Creator
  • Content Strategist
  • Nonprofit Communications Manager

Graduates work in:

  • Marketing and advertising agencies
  • Corporate communications departments
  • Nonprofit and ministry organizations
  • Media and digital content companies
  • Government and public sector organizations

The program also provides excellent preparation for graduate study in Strategic Communication, Public Relations, Marketing, Business Administration and nonprofit leadership.

Faith Integration

Communication has the power to influence people, shape culture and build relationships. At OBU, you'll learn to use that influence with wisdom and integrity.

Throughout the program, you'll explore how Christian principles inform ethical communication, truthful storytelling and servant leadership. Faculty encourage students to see communication as an opportunity to promote reconciliation, serve others and faithfully represent Christ in every professional setting.

Program Distinctives

  • Fully online program designed for working adults and transfer students
  • Christ-centered curriculum emphasizing ethical and purposeful communication
  • Built on the success of OBU's established Strategic Communication program
  • Balance of communication theory and hands-on professional application
  • Opportunities to build a career-ready portfolio through campaigns and client-based projects
  • Faculty with professional communication and media experience
  • Flexible format without sacrificing academic rigor

Program Options

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

  • Strategic Communication & Public Relations (Online)

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.

Benjamin Baxter

Benjamin Baxter

Chair, Division of Art and Design
Chair, Division of Communication Arts
Associate Professor of Animation and Media Production

Dr. Kaylene Barbe

Dr. Kaylene Barbe

Frank W. Patterson Professor of Communications
Professor of Communication Studies

Ann McNellis

Ann McNellis

Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

Division of Communication Arts