Media & Strategic Communication (BA)
Why Media & Strategic Communication?
As the world of communication and media continues to grow and change, savvy professionals who understand the latest in digital media technologies and trends are in high demand. Major in media and strategic communication to join the leading edge of new media, film and television, public relations, advertising, and journalism.
Why Study Media & Strategic Communication at Iona?
Iona University’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Media & Strategic Communication degree program prepares you for rewarding media careers through hands-on experiences and cutting-edge digital communication courses. In addition, the Media & Strategic Communication faculty’s professional expertise informs the major’s curriculum. You’ll be learning from people who have held—and some who still hold—your dream job.
Located in New Rochelle, Iona is just 20 miles from New York City, the media capital of the world. The proximity opens up networking opportunities with our many talented alumni working in the industry and facilitates internship experiences to jumpstart your media career.
Our two major concentrations—Digital Media & Production and Public Relations—allow you to dive deeper into the area of the media landscape that most appeals to you. To further customize this degree, Media & Strategic Communication majors interested in entering into the field of sports broadcasting can earn a five-year BA-MA dual degree in Sports Media. There is also the option to pursue a minor in Media & Strategic Communication alongside another major.
What You’ll Learn
Majoring in Media & Strategic Communication (MSC) enhances your abilities as a creative and analytical storyteller. The MSC core curriculum teaches the fundamentals of developing and producing media content across communication disciplines. Our leading-edge courses focus on the unique demands of digital communications.
In each of our concentrations, you’ll learn more about a specific piece of the media landscape and hone the technical skills you’ll need to build a successful media career.
Digital Media & Production
Whether you want to be on-camera or behind the scenes, in traditional broadcast outlets or new media channels, our Digital Media & Production concentration features career-ready courses in digital communications.
Explore Digital Media & Product
Public Relations
People and organizations of all kinds — celebrities, politicians, large corporations, small nonprofits — need talented communicators to manage their public messages. Our Public Relations concentration covers multiple areas — promotion, marketing, reputation management, event planning, social media.
Anthony Carlo ‘15MA from Eyewitness News credits Iona with helping him land his dream job!
Iona gave me the confidence to find my voice. The leadership skills I learned during my four years helped me become the professional and the person that I am today.
Mackenzie Byrne ’22, News12 senior producer
-Read more about Mackenzie
What is it like to major in Media & Strategic Communication?
Come along with Elizabeth from the Class of 2026 as she shows you what a “day in the life” of a Media & Strategic Communication major is like! She stays busy creating and editing media, shooting videos, and managing the department’s social media accounts, but also makes time for clubs like the Iona Players, the Iona Dance Team and IUTV. Elizabeth is making the most of her time at Iona!
Everyone wants to see you succeed, from classmates to faculty. I always appreciated Iona’s smaller classroom sizes and passionate professors. I learn better in classrooms where students are more than just a number.
-Silas Gates, Media & Strategic Communication major
Read more about his full-time job at Proctor & Gamble
Careers & Outcomes
Iona graduates with their Bachelor’s degree in Media & Strategic Communication go on to hold diverse and exciting roles across the wide media industry. Benefiting from our specialized major concentrations and hands-on experiences, they pursue media careers at news outlets, advertising and marketing agencies, public relations firms, radio and television networks and more.
Job Titles
- Advertising Sales
- Content Strategist
- Data Analyst
- Editor
- Multimedia Journalist
- News Anchor
- Publicist
- Social Media Manager
- Television Writer
- Video Producer
Employers
I knew I wanted to get internship experience in the New York market, but to do that I needed to go to a school that would let me get hands-on experience as early as freshman year. At Iona, I was introduced to reporting, editing, anchoring, and more!
Teodora Mitov '23, Media & Strategic Communication and Political Science
Read more about Teodora
Media & Strategic Communication Program Highlights
Real-World Media Experience
Certain Media & Strategic Communication courses provide opportunities for real client work, and many students complete at least one internship for credit. Previous internship locations include:
- Brooklyn Nets
- CBS News
- Fox News
- HBO
- IBM
- Marvel Entertainment
- NBCUniversal
- Sports Illustrated
- Starwood Hotels
Multimedia Lab
Media & Strategic Communication majors have access to a state-of-the-art multimedia lab that includes:
- A top-of-the-line radio studio
- News stand up space
- Large video monitors for virtual appearances by media professionals
- Latest technology and software
- Distance-learning capabilities for students abroad
ESPN Production Truck
Iona broadcasts its home sporting events on ESPN3 and the ESPN app. Students work inside the facilities — calling the games and operating the cameras — and on a state-of-the-art equipment truck directing and producing the broadcast.
Learn More About Iona’s Media & Strategic Communication Major
Iona’s Bachelor of Arts in Media & Strategic Communication degree features two concentrations so you can focus your attention on building career-ready skills that interest you.
With digital communications courses, proximity to New York City and hands-on experience in the classroom and beyond, you graduate equipped with the knowledge to pursue an exciting career in the fast-paced media world.
Apply today or request information to learn more about majoring in Media & Strategic Communication at Iona.
Find Out what an Iona Education Can Do For You
Visit Campus
Our scenic campuses, located just 20 miles from midtown Manhattan, truly do offer the best of both worlds.
Let us show you around, answer your questions and give you a feel of our tight-knit community.
Apply Today
If you're considering applying to Iona, you're not alone! Since 2019, our new-student enrollment is up nearly 40%. Additionally, 99% of our first-year students receive institutional scholarships or grant aid.
Request More Information
Learn more about Iona University today!
