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Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Corporate Communications

Majors Overview March 19, 2014

Both large and small companies hire communication experts to project a corporate voice through multiple audiences and media channels. Bachelor’s degree programs in Corporate Communications will provide an in-depth education about new and traditional media communications. Those whom graduate may find jobs involving advertising management, broadcast media, or public relations.

B.S. Programs in Corporate Communications

Schools offer bachelor’s degree programs in Corporate Communications as either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.), devised to teach students the use of communications theory in workplace environments. Concepts of document, digital, graphic and visual design are taught, in addition to the benefits, drawbacks and uses of different media including electronic and print. Instruction in mass media history, sociology, psychology, consumer behavior, and persuasion is involved in these programs to make students adept in engaging various audiences, including viewers and readers. A corporate communications internship is involved in many programs, thereby allowing students to achieve acquisition of professional experience in workplace settings.

Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma.

Coursework

The emphasis of a Corporate Communications program is mainly on developing digital, oral and written communication skills, in addition to an understanding of humanities, technology, media and business. Apart from general education prerequisites, coursework may include topic areas such as:

•Communication ethics
•Media law
•Marketing or market research
•News writing
•Interpersonal communication

Career Choices

The use of multidisciplinary curricula in Corporate Communications programs to impart instruction on communication methods for different business environments allows graduates to seek entry-level careers with numerous business interests, including private corporations, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. They can choose from career options such as:

•Communications director
•Media relations specialist
•Public relations manager
•Public relations specialist
•Marketing manager

Continuing Education Choices

Students who seek to enhance their professional knowledge can enroll in master’s degree programs in Corporate Communications and Public Relations, with entailed opportunities to specialize in specific areas of communications. Schools offer degree programs in several areas including public relations writing, strategic communications, research methods, and information ethics. Students may choose from several electives, with concentrations in social media relations, public affairs, crisis communications, nonprofit public relations, and consulting.

Professional organizations offer accreditation or certification to business communications and public relations specialists who satisfy a set level of education and experience. The Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) designation is conferred by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) to candidates who have a minimum of five years of work experience with a corresponding level of education at the postsecondary level; schools also require the submission of a portfolio and passage of an exam by applicants. The Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation is offered to candidates by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) after they have gained five years of professional experience, in addition to completing a portfolio review and passing an examination.

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