Advertising and Public Relations, B.A.
Program overview:
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising and Public Relations at St. Francis College prepares creative, strategic communicators to thrive in today’s dynamic media and marketing industries. Students learn how to craft compelling messages, build brand identity, and engage diverse audiences across traditional, digital, and social media platforms. As communication technologies and consumer behaviors continue to evolve, SFC equips students with the skills and adaptability needed to lead in the fast-changing world of advertising, branding, and public relations.
Students in the Advertising and Public Relations program study the principles of persuasive communication, media strategy, branding, audience analysis, campaign development, and digital storytelling. Through hands-on learning experiences, students gain practical skills in content creation, social media management, public relations writing, advertising design, and strategic communication planning. The program emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and professional development while allowing students to build a portfolio of campaign and media work that culminates in a capstone project reflecting their career interests and goals.
Underlying the focused, outcomes-driven curriculum is St. Francis College’s robust General Education Program, which serves as the foundation of the College’s mission to graduate educated, well-rounded individuals prepared to contribute thoughtfully, ethically, and creatively to a diverse and interconnected global society.
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO 1: Employ theories and practices of classical and contemporary rhetoric across different forms of communication.
PLO 2: Analyze media across the realms of reading, writing, listening, and viewing through critical thinking and research skills.
PLO 3: Use performance practices for creative expression and/or to address substantive global and local issues.
PLO 4: Assess their own roles as global citizen in a media-saturated world, and the social responsibilities of these roles.
PLO 5: Create media projects using the tools and technologies of media production.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Code | Title | Credits |
| General Education Program |
|
| Understanding College (FS) | 1 |
| Writing and Presentation (WRI1 & OC1) | 6 |
| Mathematics | 3-4 |
| Information Literacy, Media and Research (ITML) | 3 |
LWP-1000 | Introduction to Digital Humanities |
|
| Creative Voices Across Culture (HCE) | 6 |
FA-1402 | Orientation in Art |
|
| Science at Work (NPW) | 6-10 |
| Ethics, Reality, and Logic (PEM) | 6 |
| Individual and Societies (SEH) | 6 |
COM-2000 | Mass Communication |
|
COM-2015 | Mass Media and Society |
|
| Our World, Past and Present (WHG) | 6 |
| Personal Wellness (FH) | 2-3 |
| Religion and Culture (RS) | 3 |
| Media and Communication Major |
|
COM-1001 | Introduction to Media Production | 3 |
COM-2001 | Writing for Media | 3 |
| Select ONE of the following courses: | 3 |
COM-2040 | Interpersonal Communication |
|
COM-3103 | Digital Media Cultures |
|
COM-2100 | Acting I: Voice and Movement | 3 |
COM-2111 | Language of Film | 3 |
COM-2300 | Media Research Methods | 3 |
COM-3013 | Gender, Race & Class in Media Pt. II | 3 |
COM-3200 | News Writing | 3 |
COM-4990 | Field Experience in Communication Arts | 3 |
| Select ONE of the following courses: | 3 |
COM-4996 | Capstone Practicum |
|
COM-4998 | Capstone Seminar |
|
| Advertising/Public Relations Concentration |
|
COM-2002 | Introduction to Advertising | 3 |
COM-3102 | Advertising and Society | 3 |
COM-3106 | Visual Design | 3 |
COM-3400 | Persuasion | 3 |
COM-4410 | Creative Advertising | 3 |
COM-4420 | Public Relations | 3 |
| COM Electives | 6 |
| General Electives | 18 |
| Total Hours | 120-126 |
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
Whether interested in attending film screenings, networking with industry leaders, joining the Communications Honor Society or completing an Improv Boot Camp, there is no shortage of fun and interesting activities to participate in as a Communication Arts student.
Qualified students seeking an additional academic challenge can participate in the St. Francis Honors Program, where students participate in a series of small, intensive seminars, trips, and other activities that lead towards a senior thesis.
The College is also home to 15 national honor societies and its own Duns Scotus Honors Society which recognizes students for their academic and community achievements.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
📢 Advertising & Brand Strategy
You will develop creative advertising campaigns, craft brand messaging, and design promotional strategies that help organizations reach and influence target audiences.
📰 Public Relations & Media Relations
You will manage public communication, write press materials, coordinate media outreach, and help organizations maintain a positive public image.
💻 Digital Marketing & Social Media
You will create and manage digital marketing campaigns, produce social media content, and analyze audience engagement across online platforms.
🎯 Marketing & Strategic Communication
You will help organizations develop communication strategies that support marketing goals, brand growth, and customer engagement.
🏢 Corporate Communication & Nonprofit Outreach
You will develop internal and external communication materials that support organizations, businesses, and nonprofit initiatives.
🚀 Entrepreneurial & Media Opportunities
You will apply your advertising and communication skills in freelance work, consulting, or entrepreneurial ventures, while also preparing for graduate study in communication, marketing, or public relations.