Doane University

What you'll study

The programme blends theoretical foundations in communication with practical skill development across public relations, advertising and applied communication. You will study core subjects in strategic communication, media writing and visual communication alongside modules that focus on digital media, campaign planning and professional practice.

• Foundations: Introduction to Public Relations, Principles of Advertising, Communication Theory.
• Writing and Production: Media Writing, Copywriting for Advertising, Multimedia Production, Visual Communication and Design.
• Strategy and Planning: Strategic Communication, Campaign Planning and Execution, Audience Research and Media Analytics.
• Professional Practice: Public Relations Campaigns, Crisis Communication, Media Relations and Stakeholder Engagement.
• Digital and Emerging Media: Social Media Strategy, Digital Advertising, Content Creation and Analytics.
• Law, Ethics and Research: Media Law and Ethics, Communication Research Methods.
• Experiential components: Internship or practicum with an employer, applied projects in collaboration with community organisations, and a senior capstone integrating strategy, creative work and evaluation.

Entry requirements

Doane evaluates applicants holistically, considering academic records, extracurricular involvement and personal statements. Typical requirements include a completed secondary school certificate or equivalent and submission of high-school transcripts.

Applicants from the United States generally present a high-school diploma and are asked to submit any available standardised test scores if they choose, though test policies may be flexible. Transfer students should provide college transcripts and course descriptions for credit evaluation.

International applicants must provide certified academic transcripts and demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or other evidence of English-language ability. All applicants are encouraged to include a personal statement and examples of relevant work or experience where available.

Career prospects

Graduates leave the programme prepared for roles across public relations, advertising and wider communication fields. The curriculum emphasises both creative production and strategic thinking, giving graduates practical experience valued by employers.

• Public relations officer, media relations specialist or communications coordinator
• Advertising account executive, copywriter or media planner
• Social media manager, content strategist or digital marketing specialist
• Corporate communications or internal communications professional
• Communications roles in nonprofits, government agencies and cultural organisations
• Opportunities to progress to postgraduate study in communication, marketing or related disciplines

Why study at Doane University

Doane offers a small-campus environment with personalised attention from faculty and opportunities for close mentorship. The university emphasises experiential learning, so students in the programme benefit from laboratory facilities, media production suites and locally arranged internships that connect classroom learning with workplace practice.

Students have chances to work on real campaigns, collaborate with regional organisations and participate in cross-disciplinary projects drawing on Doane’s liberal-arts curriculum. Support services such as career advising and alumni networks help students explore placement, volunteer and employment options after graduation.