The College of Communications' bachelor of arts (B.A.) in advertising/public relations with an option in strategic communications, offered online through the World Campus, will help working professionals advance their careers
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The communications profession is increasingly focused on helping organizations build relationships with their publics and drive behavior through targeted communications. To design these strategic communications, professionals need a broad range of problem-solving, communication, research and analytical skills. For career advancement, they need a college degree. Penn State's new bachelor of arts in advertising/public relations with an option in strategic communications offers a convenient way to gain the education they need online.
"We live in an information age," said Shannon Kennan, senior lecturer and director of outreach and instructional design in Penn State's College of Communications. "We are sharing information, searching for information and creating information constantly. The strategic communications degree is very versatile and flexible and will help adults learn how to communicate differently based on the communication platform. Employers consider this a valuable skill."
The College of Communications has developed its first online program for delivery through Penn State's World Campus. "It was a natural fit for the college to offer the strategic communications option online," said Kennan. The college currently offers resident bachelor's degrees in advertising and public relations.
Strategic communicators handle a variety of responsibilities, including writing press releases, analyzing advertising and marketing, developing and maintaining relationships, nurturing an organization's image, setting goals and conducting other activities.
The B.A. in advertising/public relations with an option in strategic communications emphasizes complex problem solving; oral, visual and written communication; research and analytical techniques; creativity; and cultural and social sensitivity and awareness. Courses cover advertising, marketing, public relations, communications, technology, law, research and social media topics. Graduates will be capable of designing comprehensive communication strategies for all types of organizations.
Applications are being accepted for spring 2013 for the advertising/public relations with an option in strategic communications degree. For information, visit the program's website online.
Penn State World Campus specializes in adult online education, delivering more than 80 of Penn State's most highly regarded graduate, undergraduate and professional education programs through convenient online formats. World Campus is part of Penn State Outreach, which serves more than 5 million people each year, in all 67 Pennsylvania counties, all 50 states and more than 100 countries worldwide.