ProgramsSTR 560: Strategic Communication Capstone (Spring 2026)

STR 560: Strategic Communication Capstone (Spring 2026)

Program Overview
Program Title STR 560: Strategic Communication Capstone (Spring 2026)
Organization Butler University
# of Students Enrolled
13
# of Projects Running
5 Project/s Added (of 3 Projects Expected)

Program Timeline

Project Duration

Start Date: 03/16/26      End Date: 05/04/26

2 months
Collaboration Overview
About Students

Graduate students enrolled in the Strategic Communication Capstone (STR 560) are highly motivated individuals specializing in communication, marketing, or related fields. These students bring strong academic foundations in communication strategy, consumer insights, brand messaging, and campaign development. 

They are ready to apply what they’ve learned in a professional, high-stakes setting, using real proprietary data and working closely with clients to deliver innovative solutions to pressing organizational challenges. 

Student Level:   Graduate Degree

Student Time Commitment:   Full Time

Team Structure:   4 - 5

Program Goals
The goals of the Strategic Communication Capstone include: 

  • Apply strategic communication frameworks to real-world organizational challenges.

  • Analyze proprietary data to inform strategic decisions.

  • Engage directly with industry partners through check-in meetings and presentations.

  • Deliver actionable, evidence-based recommendations tailored to the organization’s needs.

  • Develop professional communication skills — including written reports and formal presentations.


By the end of the course, students will have experience acting as communication consultants and will have demonstrated high-level problem-solving, time management, teamwork, and critical thinking.
Format Structure

Multiple Projects Multiple Teams
Format Title Capstone
Format Description
This is a collaborative capstone experience designed to give graduate students the opportunity to work directly with real organizations on a pressing communication or marketing challenge. Industry partners benefit from fresh, evidence-based perspectives, deep research, and actionable recommendations — while also supporting the development of future leaders in strategic communication. 

Each student team will be matched with a unique industry partner and will dedicate the full duration of the course to researching, analyzing, and developing high-impact communication strategies aligned with the organization’s goals.
Benefits For Industry Partners
Project Modality Fully Remote
Industry Partner Requirements to Participate
Project Topics Digital Marketing Market Research Marketing
Target Industries Aerospace & Defense Agriculture & Farming Arts & Recreation Biotech & Pharmaceuticals Computers & Hardware Construction, Repair & Maitenance Consumer Services Education Energy & Utilities Fashion & Apparel Finance Food & Beverage Government Health Care Insurance Manufacturing Media Natural Resources Non-Profit Professional Services Public Works Real Estate Restaurants, Bars & Food Services Retail Semiconductor Software & IT Sports & Entertainment Telecommunications Transportation & Logistics Travel & Tourism
Skills & Expertise Brand strategy Campaign development Communications Audit Competitive analysis Consumer research Content strategy Data analysis Digital marketing Marketing analytics Media planning Messaging development PR strategy Presentation skills Report writing Stakeholder communication Strategic communication planning
Location Information & Preferences

Local (within 30 miles)

Industry partners from anywhere are welcome to apply!
Sponsorship

No Sponsorship Required
Compensation

No Compensation Required

Other Requirements
Participating organizations should: 

  • Present a clear communication or marketing challenge to explore

  • Be available for an initial kickoff meeting and weekly check-ins (30–60 minutes)

  • Respond to student questions or materials asynchronously via email or the CapSource platform

  • Provide relevant data, documents, or context to support student work

  • Participate in the final presentation and feedback session
Expected Time Commitment For Project Managers 2 Hours per week
Key Program Dates Due Date

Program Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Kick-off Meeting Notes

 03/22/2026, 23:55 PM US/East-Indiana (UTC-04:00) Action Item

Mid-point Check-in Notes

 04/12/2026, 23:55 PM US/East-Indiana (UTC-04:00) Action Item

Peer Evaluation

 05/03/2026, 23:59 PM US/East-Indiana (UTC-04:00) Evaluation

Project Evaluation from Industry Mentor

 05/03/2026, 23:59 PM US/East-Indiana (UTC-04:00) Evaluation

Projects

Filters
Project Organization Topics
** Strategic Communications for Lone Willow Advisors Lone Willow Advisors Digital Marketing Entrepreneurship Growth Strategy Marketing Sales & Business Development Strategic Planning
Strategic Launch of PLAYSafe360: A SaaS Innovation in Playground Safety NVB Playgrounds, Inc. Digital Marketing Growth Strategy Marketing Product Design & Development Research, Analysis, Evaluation Sales & Business Development Strategic Planning
Engaging Gen Z in Central Indiana Arts: A Strategic Communication Initiative Indy Arts Council Digital Marketing Growth Strategy Marketing PR & Communications Research, Analysis, Evaluation