Widener University

What you'll study

This programme blends core communication theory with applied skills in writing, campaign planning and digital media. Students study a mix of foundational and specialised modules, typically including:

• Introduction to Public Relations and Advertising – history, roles and functions of PR and advertising in organisations and society.
• Media Writing and Content Creation – press releases, feature stories, copywriting for advertising, and multimedia content for web and social platforms.
• Strategic Communication and Campaign Planning – research-driven campaign design, audience segmentation, message development and evaluation.
• Digital and Social Media Strategies – social media management, content calendars, influencer outreach and paid digital promotion basics.
• Research Methods and Analytics – quantitative and qualitative research techniques, media measurement and metrics for evaluating campaign impact.
• Crisis Communication and Ethics – managing reputational risk, ethical decision-making and legal considerations in media and communications.
• Visual Communication and Basic Design – principles of visual storytelling, layout, and the role of imagery in PR and advertising campaigns.
• Internship/Practium – supervised workplace experience with a media, PR or advertising agency, corporate communications team or nonprofit.
• Capstone Project – a culminating applied project or campaign that demonstrates integrated strategic communication skills.

Students can often choose electives to deepen skills in areas such as public affairs, nonprofit communication, brand management, or political communication. The curriculum emphasises experiential learning through lab work, client projects and internships.

Entry requirements

Admission typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Competitive candidates present a strong record in English and humanities coursework and demonstrate communication skills through examples of writing, a short personal statement or a portfolio of relevant work.

• Standard academic preparation: completion of secondary education with evidence of competence in reading and writing.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through a recognised test or equivalent institutional evidence.
• Transfer students: college transcripts will be assessed for previous coursework; relevant community-college credits or AP/IB credits may be applied to the degree.
• Some applicants may be invited to an interview or asked to supply work samples showing writing, media projects or related activities.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of communication roles across sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Public relations specialist or account executive at PR agencies
• Corporate communications or media relations professional
• Social media manager and digital content strategist
• Advertising copywriter, account manager or brand strategist
• Communications coordinator for nonprofits, education or government
• Event and community engagement coordinator
• Market research or analytics roles supporting communications strategy

Alumni also move into adjacent fields such as marketing, sales communications, investor relations and further study in graduate programmes for strategic communication, marketing or business.

Why study at Widener University

Widener offers a career-focused communication programme with small class sizes that allow close interaction with faculty and personalised mentoring. The curriculum emphasises applied learning: students gain experience through internships, client-based projects and a capstone that build portfolio-ready work.

Located near a major metropolitan region, the university provides access to internship and networking opportunities with PR firms, media outlets and corporations. Support services such as career advising and employer connections help students translate classroom learning into professional placements.

The combination of practical training, faculty with industry experience and regional professional links makes Widener a choice for students seeking a hands-on, professionally oriented degree in public relations, advertising and applied communication.