Susquehanna University

What you'll study

This programme blends theory and practice across public relations, advertising and applied communication. Core course topics typically include media and newswriting, public relations principles, strategic communication planning, advertising strategy, social media and digital communication, audience research and analytics, communication law and ethics, and media effects.

Students usually take a mix of foundational classes and electives, such as:

• Media Writing and Production — writing for news, press releases, and digital platforms;
• Public Relations Campaigns — planning, executing and evaluating integrated PR campaigns;
• Advertising Concepts and Copywriting — creative development for print, broadcast and digital advertising;
• Social Media Strategy and Analytics — using measurement tools to inform communication decisions;
• Research Methods for Communication — quantitative and qualitative techniques for audience and market research;
• Ethics and Law in Communication — legal frameworks and professional responsibility in media work;
• Capstone or Practicum — a culminating project or practicum placement with a community partner, agency or in-house communications team.

Emphasis is placed on portfolio development: students create professional materials such as press kits, campaign plans, multimedia content and analytics reports that demonstrate applied skills to employers.

Entry requirements

Admission to Susquehanna’s undergraduate programmes is selective and based on a holistic review of academic records and extracurricular engagement. Typical expectations include a strong secondary-school academic record and coursework that demonstrates readiness for university-level communication and writing. Applicants are encouraged to submit examples of written or multimedia work if available.

For international students, a recognised secondary-school credential from the home country is required, and demonstration of English language proficiency is normally requested through standardised tests or equivalent evidence. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and detailed course descriptions to support transfer credit evaluation.

Career prospects

Graduates find roles across public relations, advertising, marketing and related communication fields. Common entry and mid-level positions include:

• Public relations specialist or account executive
• Social media manager or content strategist
• Advertising copywriter or media planner
• Corporate communications or internal communications coordinator
• Brand or marketing communications assistant
• Communications roles in non-profit organisations, government agencies, or higher education

Alumni often progress into senior positions such as communications director, agency account director, brand manager, media relations lead, or start their own consultancies. The programme’s practicum, internships and portfolio focus help graduates present demonstrable experience to employers in regional and national markets.

Why study at Susquehanna University

Susquehanna offers a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, which supports strong development of writing, critical thinking and presentation skills that are essential in communication careers. The curriculum is designed to balance conceptual understanding with experiential learning—students gain hands-on practice through internships, practicum projects and student-run media or agency activities.

The university’s emphasis on undergraduate research and immersive learning means students can pursue applied projects with community partners, regional businesses and media organisations. Career services and alumni networks provide support for securing internships and employment, while the institution’s location affords access to opportunities in nearby metropolitan markets as well as regional companies and non-profits.