Become an Expert in Strategic Communications

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

Online Education at Penn State

Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than a decade of experience in online learning. We strive to create an online learning environment that brings you as close to the face-to-face experience as possible. Learn more about Penn State World Campus.