Corporate Communication and Public Affairs

The Division of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs (CCPA) prepares majors to be leaders in business, government and civil society. We provide internship, consulting and applied research opportunities with world-class corporate, nonprofit and political organizations in Dallas, Washington, D.C., London and points beyond. We prepare majors for the leadership path to chief communication officer, executive director, founder, entrepreneur and more.

SMU Impact Lab Selects First Round of Grant Recipients

The SMU Impact Lab has chosen its first five organizations to receive investment funding from the program after a rigorous application process.

Featured Courses

ASAG 1301

Survey of Corporate Communications
and Public Affairs

Introduces students interested in majoring in CCPA to the different areas of study and career opportunities available in corporate communication and public affairs. Includes speakers, exercises, and personal assessments to plan one’s path through the major.

ASAG 2308

Introduction to Newswriting
for Public Relations

Introduces basic media writing, research, and interviewing skills, as well as AP style for news, features, and press releases.

ASAG 3335

Principles of Digital Communication
and Social Media

Addresses the fundamentals, strengths, and weaknesses of each significant social media channel. Includes blog writing, statistics, search engine optimization, and plan writing for a client.

ASAG 3328

Politcal Persuasion

Assesses techniques of persuasion and personal influence through the force of ethos that resides in the personality and reputation of the speaker. Develops skills through case analysis, examples, and exercises to develop awareness of the power, ethics, and effectiveness of persuasion.

Figure 1: Jane Becknel

Meadows on the Mic: Jane Becnel – Sports Marketing with the Dallas Cowboys

Alumni CCPA major and political science minor Bella Putnam interviews Meadows alumna Jane Becnel, a sports marketing associate with the Dallas Cowboys organization.

June 10, 2026
Figure 2: Molly Medeiros (left) and Grace Williams join the inaugural cohort for the Chamber's New Fight for Free Enterprise Fellowship.

Meadows Class of 2026 Graduates Selected for Inaugural U.S. Chamber of Commerce Fellowship Program

Students The year-long program will give Molly Medeiros (CCPA) and Grace Williams (Journalism, Fashion Media) hands-on experience in storytelling, advocacy and strategic communications in our nation’s capital.

June 03, 2026
Figure 3: After six weeks of preparation, M.A./MBA students presented their findings to the Dallas Chamber Music Society.

M.A./MBA Students Help Shape Future Growth for Dallas Chamber Music Society

Students As part of their capstone project, M.A./MBA students created strategic plans to help the DCMS strengthen audience engagement and organizational sustainability.

May 22, 2026
Figure 4: Hart will receive the George Ellis Award for Excellence in Innovation at the SVP Dallas Spring Impact Awards on May 2.

Innovating Impact: Jim Hart Honored with George Ellis Award for Excellence in Innovation

CCPA professor Jim Hart is recognized by Social Venture Partners Dallas for his forward-thinking leadership that bridges the arts, entrepreneurship, and social impact to drive meaningful change.

April 09, 2026

Corporate Communication and Public Affairs