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: 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
Figure 2: Saniha Aziz Chakravarthy

Meadows on the Mic: Saniha Aziz Chakravarthy – Lead Communications Director, USAA

Students CCPA alumna Maria Murad interviews Journalism alumna Saniha Aziz Chakravarthy about her career in the communications industry.

March 09, 2026
Figure 3: CCPA alum Darian Taylor (B.A. ’20) leads high-impact corporate communications strategy at AT&T.

Alumni Spotlight: Darian Taylor

Alumni CCPA alum Darian Taylor (B.A. ’20) credits his foundation at Meadows for shaping his leadership approach in his corporate communications career.

February 16, 2026
Figure 4: These nine leading Dallas arts and media organizations will offer 11 paid internships in summer 2026.

SMU Meadows Intern Fellowship Program Expands, Doubling Paid Internships in Year Two

Students will gain paid, hands-on experience, industry mentorship, and professional connections with nine leading Dallas arts and media organizations during the program’s second run.

January 28, 2026

Corporate Communication and Public Affairs