B.S. Communication, Advertising & PR Emphasis

If you are looking for a career as an event planner, event coordinator, development director, art director, creative director, account executive, speech writer, media planner, lobbyist, copywriter, marketing manager, public relations director, press secretary, graphic designer or marketing coordinator, the advertising & PR emphasis is for you. In addition to a core of communication classes required of all department majors, advertising & PR students study discussion techniques, photo & graphic editing, photography, interpersonal communication, media writing I & II, development and applied advertising and PR.

A Bachelor of Science degree is intended for those students who want to spend the maximum amount of time on classes within their field. It does not include a minor or a foreign language requirement.

Job Market
The communication job market is very broad. Just a few positions Southwestern communication graduates have held include hospital vice president, graphic artist, television producer, newspaper editor, radio station manager, photographer, public relations director, television news reporter, and author. Our graduates who have gone on to graduate school have done so very successfully, entering careers in law, business, and pastoral ministry.

Job Outlook

The job outlook in the broad communication field is very bright. More companies are hiring, and students aren’t just finding good opportunities, some are weighing multiple offers. Internships often turn into full-time positions.

Earnings 
Although this will vary widely by region and position, the most notable salary improvement in recent years is for grads with degrees in business or communication. Both groups are seeing a 2.2 percent annual salary uptick thus far. According to aol.com online, this salary improvement is ahead of computer sciences, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities/social sciences, and math & sciences. 

Educational Qualifications
Most entry-level positions in the many fields of communication may be obtained with an undergraduate degree. However, a graduate degree in communication will often provide career advantages. 

General Education Requirements
To view general education requirements for this major, please visit the catalog.