Online Advertising Public Relations Strategic Communications Degree :: Accredited Universities

Our Bachelor of Arts in Advertising/Public Relations with an option in Strategic Communications is far more than a communications major. The courses in this program encompass aspects of advertising, marketing, public relations, communications, technology, law, research, social media, and many other disciplines. By studying a diverse range of topics in these fields, you can learn how to select the appropriate medium to reach your chosen audience — and design a powerful communication strategy to influence them.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

You can learn to create, analyze, execute, and evaluate communication strategies that can be applied in many industries and organizations, such as government, health care, public policy, small businesses, and the military. As a successful graduate, you can expand your career opportunities in a wide variety of fields involving communications. In these positions, you may be required to:

- craft a press release about a public issue to change or influence audience perceptions

- analyze advertising and marketing efforts to ensure a positive public image of a company

- develop and maintain relationships and communication channels with community stakeholders to support social responsibility for any organization

- nourish an organization's image based on analysis of the political, economic, technological and social environment to increase their revenues and foster goodwill

- set goals and plan projects to help the audience learn and internalize your message

- conduct communications campaigns to influence the public image of a person or an organization, or to promote a product and increase sales

Who Should Apply?
This program is designed for professionals who need a bachelor's degree to advance their career in strategic communications or are looking to change career paths. It is an ideal program if you want to work in a dynamic environment, analyzing many aspects of a situation, gathering knowledge from different disciplines, setting goals, and creating on-target, comprehensive communication strategies to move your organization’s objectives forward.

Applicants to this program will want to develop or enhance their skills in:

complex problem solving
oral, visual, and written communication
research and analytic techniques
creativity
cultural and social sensitivity and awareness

Entry Requirements

To apply for this program, you must be a high school graduate, or have completed your GED.

International applicants
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International students whose native language is not English must submit proof of English language proficiency.
The scores must be less than two years old. The following are ways in which you can satisfy the language proficiency requirement:

TOEFL: A minimum TOEFL score of 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL or 550 on the paper exam (score reports must be official and cannot be more than two years old (code #2660);

IELTS: A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 on the academic test

SAT score of 530 or higher on the critical reading section (code #2660);

ACT score of 24 or higher on the English section (code #3656);

IGCSE score of A, B, or C on the English language exam,
IB score of 5 or higher on the English Language & Literature (SL/HL) exam,

Other Fees

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If you are interested in learning how to use emerging technologies to communicate effectively, consider SNHU's online Public Relations Degree.

The BA in Communication with a Public Relations concentration emphasizes building mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their public audiences. Earn your online Public Relations Degree at SNHU to prepare for a career in corporate, government, agency and nonprofit public relations.

The Public Relations Degree online program focuses on developing your critical skills in thinking, writing, research, strategic planning and execution. Public speaking classes leverage widely available technology to promote research and speaking skills that are essential to the communications professional.

Employers often cite good communication skills as one of the most critical qualifications in a prospective employee. Our BA Communications Online Degree with a concentration in Public Relations will help you strengthen your ability to communicate effectively with co-workers, clients and the general public.

As a private, nonprofit, accredited university, we focus on ensuring you obtain the skills you need to succeed. Whether you enroll in the BA communications online or on campus, you will benefit from all SNHU has to offer:

- Learn public relations theory and industry-specific concepts that help build your public speaking, presentation and interviewing skills.

- Quality education at one of the most affordable tuition rates available.

- Complete course work in many areas of the field, gaining experience with business communication, graphic design and public relations.

- High quality instruction from our English Department faculty.

- Professors and instructors who are actively involved in their students' success.

- Accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Employment of those in public relations is expected to grow 21 percent through 2020, much faster than average for most occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Businesses' and governments' need for good public relations is increasing globally.

Careers for Communications graduates include:

Public Relations
Media Relations
Employee Relations
Journalism
Corporate communications
Advertising
Copywriting
Training & Development
Speechwriting

Entry Requirements

Applicants must have completed a diploma from a U.S. high school or equivalent program.

International applicants
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Undergraduate applications will be considered for admission to the upcoming term start on a rolling basis. Eligibility for admission is based upon the following:

- Applicants need to have completed the equivalent of a US Secondary School

- Applicants will require the equivalent of a 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale for admission consideration

- Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency as evidenced by:

TOEFL score of 71 and greater, IELTS score of 6.5 and greater, PTE score of 49 and greater, ELS score of 111 and greater, EF score of 107 and greater, and Michigan score of 85 and greater. The TOIEC examination is not accepted.

Other Fees

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Inquire into the many ways public relations and marketing influence virtually every aspect of your life when you pursue the IACBE accredited Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Marketing from Ashford University. This creative field of study includes courses in communication, consumer behavior, advertising and promotion, research, and strategy.

Your Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Marketing from Ashford University demonstrates your understanding and mastery of all aspects of marketing and public relations, which include advertising, branding, and corporate communications. You will study and evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of marketing and public relations messages while engaging in problem analysis, strategic planning, message development, and tactical solutions. The capstone course provides you with the opportunity to use the skills and abilities developed throughout your studies to develop a marketing plan.

Entry Requirements

Students seeking admission to an online undergraduate program must meet the following admission requirements prior to the start of the first course at Ashford University:

Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school according to approved Foreign Evaluation services. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants who have successfully completed at least a two-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution, as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies, may be admitted.

Be 22 years of age or older, or be exempt from this requirement by meeting one of the following criteria:

- Earned a minimum of 30 transferable credits* as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies;

- Earned an Associate’s degree or higher from a regionally or approved nationally accredited institution; or

- Seeking readmission to Ashford University after withdrawal from a degree program; or

- Current degree-seeking student at Ashford University requesting to change majors.

Have the ability to study English indicated by one of the following:

- Achieved a recognized high school diploma or equivalent in which the primary language of instruction was English

- Received a GED that was taken in English

- A minimum of 30 credits have been earned from regionally or approved nationally accredited colleges/universities in the United States or equivalent in which the primary language of instruction was English; or

- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination taken within the past two (2) years. A minimum score of 500 paper-based or 61 Internet-based is required. Copies of official scores must be submitted prior to provisional enrollment, and official scores must be submitted for full admission.

Submission of official transcripts from all postsecondary education attempted.

TOEFL scores submission.

Cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.0.**

Other Fees

Books and supplies : $4,000

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If you are interested in advertising, promotions or communications, you should consider an Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) major.

IMC focuses on the strategic integration of the functions of public relations, advertising, promotion, direct marketing and personal selling to achieve brand equity and increase the effectiveness of promotional communications with target audiences.

You will be equipped to confront the fragmentation of mass markets, the explosion of new technologies that give consumers more control over the communication process, the emergence of global markets, and the rapid changes in economic conditions within which organisations operate.

As a graduate you will have the necessary skills and knowledge to make a decision on planning, research and execution of IMC programs to address real business needs.

Entry Requirements

A completed recognised Bachelor Degree (or higher) in any discipline with a grade point average of 4.0 (on a 7 point scale).

Other Fees

Overseas examination fees

Textbooks

Student Services and Amenities Fee (Max. $281/year)

Incidental unit costs

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The purpose of the Masters of Science in Marketing program is to provide a learning experience that students can readily transfer into everyday practice in their marketing careers and businesses. Performance competency (skill- and knowledge-developing projects) and affective development (value-challenging experiences) are emphasized. Projects focus on enhancing the following skills: Internet, primary, and secondary research; software (MSWord, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project Management); creative; decision making; project and people management; analytical; synthesis; integrative; conceptual; and communication. The program is designed to provide a high degree of specialization within the area of marketing, with an in-depth understanding of advanced concepts, knowledge and skills.

Program Objectives
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Graduates of the Masters of Science in Marketing program will be able to demonstrate the ability to:

Examine the emerging challenges that are transforming the corporate landscape with respect to marketing.

Utilize an expanded marketing vocabulary by exploring the functional and specialty areas of marketing.

Perform market segmentation, SWOT, and competitive analyses to take advantage of changes in the marketing environment and advances in technology.

Assess the impact of individual and group decision-making processes, cultures and sub-cultures, and integrated marketing communications on consumer buying behavior.

Develop a sampling plan dictated by the constraints of a research project, including access to a population, time, and available funding utilizing the best data collection mode for reaching that sample.

Develop overall leadership and team building skills to become a more effective change agent and achieve desired business outcomes.

Evaluate the legal issues arising in the operation of a typical business and apply legal concepts in making and implementing business decisions.

Plan, implement, and evaluate advertising and promotional programs based on a thorough understanding of the overall marketing process, consumer behavior, communications theory, and the media of advertising and promotion.

Evaluate the impact of public relations on various businesses, industries, and organizations, and design crises scenarios to counter negative publicity.

Apply the brand management process to product and service lines in order to increase awareness, company sales, and profits.

Evaluate the impact of service quality on business operations and determine the appropriate focus for customer perception and expectations.

Perform international marketing analysis to determine country attractiveness for a particular product and the most advantageous mode of entry.

Analyze current ethical issues related to market research and segmentation, product management, advertising, and personal sales to make sound marketing decisions.

Examine the strategic management process and evaluate the challenges faced by companies and their leaders in the form of comprehensive case analyses of real-world business scenarios.

Entry Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree

Other Fees

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