Degree Overview: Associate of Business Science in Communications and Public Relations
Majors Overview July 19, 2013An Associate of Business Science in Public Relations and Communications does not exist. However, Associate of Science (A.S.) degree programs are offered in communication and media at different four-year institutions and community colleges.
A.S. in Public Relations and Communications
Students who are interested in the fields of public relations and communications can pursue an associate degree program to acquire the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the dynamic media industry. Admission criteria generally require applicants to hold a general educational development (GED) certificate or a high school diploma.
Typically, students who are interested pursue A.S. degree programs in communications and public relations where courses focus on the generation of press and news releases, event planning and consumer investor relations. While general education courses are the components of most associate degree programs, these programs also have courses with a media focus that impart hands-on training to prepare students for entry level jobs in the field.
Program Coursework
Typically, required courses differ between academic institutions; however, theoretical and practical coursework is at the core of most public relations and communications degree programs. Students will be introduced to the fundamentals in the following courses:
•Methods of oral communication
•Advertising
•Microeconomics
•Management of broadcast networks
•Radio production
•Writing for the media
•Composition
•Marketing principles
•Mass media
Career Options
Associate degree programs in public relations and communications will prepare students to seek employment and obtain job titles such as:
•Public relations assistants
•Marketing assistants
•Radio promotions assistants
Information on Continuing Education
After students graduate from an associate’s degree program, they can continue their education by completing a four-year bachelor’s degree program, a requirement by employers in the field, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Membership of the Public Relations Society of America and passage of the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations will enable an individual to attain the Universal Accreditation Board’s accreditation provided he or she has a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years’ experience. Additionally, the International Association of Business Communicators may award the Accredited Business Communication to an interested individual with these credentials.
