Integrated Strategic Communications degree finally offered at Vancouver campus
For many, the uncertainty of life post-graduation is a scary concept. Yet, Washington State University Vancouver’s new Integrated Strategic Communication program exemplifies success in giving students hands-on experience in preparation for the job hunt after graduation.
The esteemed Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at WSU in Pullman premiered on the Vancouver campus in fall 2017. Last May 60 graduates from the program earned their degrees.
According to program staff such as the Director of Integrated Strategic Communication, Dr. Narayanan Iyer and professor Dr. Elizabeth Candello, the most vital part of the Integrated Strategic Communication program is assessing the needs of students and the community.
Professor Candello explained how the program has been working hard to develop partnerships with local businesses and corporations to create opportunities for students. “Behind the scenes we’ve been working over a year on identifying those community members that would offer the greatest opportunity for our students,”says Candello.
Once the program was officially instituted on the Vancouver campus, both Candello and Iyer brought partnerships into the classroom. In the past year, the communication program has worked with Portland Police Bureau, Clark County Public Health, Washington State Department of Transportation, Habitat for Humanity and more recently the National Women’s Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation.
Iyer, spoke about the surprising turnout of the program, explaining how “Our initial goal was to have 20 majors in our first year. We exceeded that goal with 60 majors within the first year.”
Iyer further stressed that his goal for the program is to “deliver a strong product,” which includes continuously evaluating the needs of the students and industry, keeping an appropriate student to staff ratio, making sure staff members are qualified and continuing to partner with the local business. Dr. Iyer highlighted the importance of making sure the strategic communication courses are catered to student needs.
Melanie Shelton, a recent Integrated Strategic Communication graduate started in the program unconventionally. At 38 years old, she entered with an established sales career behind her. Shelton is now doing freelance work in the industry and attributes her success to the foundation she built through the WSUV program.
“I enjoyed the curriculum. I thought it was pretty well-rounded and gave me a lot of exposure to a variety of aspects in PR, advertising and communication careers,” says Shelton. “The teachers worked hard to make connections with local businesses and are absolutely invested in the student’s success.”
Anna Nelson is the Editor in Chief for the VanCougar. She is a senior and is studying strategic communications.