Integrating AI Literacy, Ethics, and Governance in Strategic Communication Education

This article addresses the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on strategic communication practice and the corresponding need for professional training and targeted learning to help communication practitioners develop AI expertise. Drawing on adult learning and education theory, the article argues that a deep understanding of and ability to use and govern AI responsibly are essential for practitioners to maintain high professional standards and relevance as trusted communication professionals. A narrative review of scholarly and professional literature revealed four interconnected competencies that should guide the development of learning outcomes, curricula and assessments: (1) AI literacy and digital competencies; (2) critical evaluation and data verification skills; (3) strategic and editorial judgment; and (4) ethical reasoning, governance, and accountability. Examples of learning outcomes and pedagogical approaches are recommended, with a focus on experiential, reflective, and ethically grounded activities that illustrate the importance of human oversight of AI uses and outputs.