University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme blends theory and applied coursework to develop skills in media writing, persuasive messaging, campaign planning, visual communication and audience research. Students follow a core sequence in communication foundations and then choose specialised courses in public relations, advertising and integrated strategic communication.

• Foundations: Introduction to Communication, Principles of Public Relations, Principles of Advertising, Media Writing and Communication Research.
• Strategy and Campaigns: Strategic Campaign Planning, Media Relations, Advertising Campaign Development, Public Relations Campaigns and Integrated Marketing Communication.
• Digital and Creative Skills: Social Media Strategy, Digital Content Creation, Visual Communication and Design for Mass Media.
• Applied Methods and Context: Audience Analysis, Research Methods for Communication, Crisis Communication and Communication Law and Ethics.
• Capstone and Experiential Learning: Internship or practicum with an employer or campus media outlet and a senior capstone project or campaign portfolio synthesising research, creative execution and evaluation.

Courses emphasise hands-on projects, real client campaigns, portfolio development and measurable outcomes. Assessment typically includes writing assignments, campaign plans, multimedia projects, presentations and a final applied project.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a completed secondary education qualification equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. Admission decisions are based on a review of the high school transcript and any standardised test results submitted; many applicants provide letters of recommendation and a personal statement to demonstrate interest and fit for the programme.

• Academic preparation: Strong performance in English and humanities subjects is recommended. Prior coursework in media, writing or business is helpful but not required.
• International students: Must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved institutional pathways; specific evidence requirements are provided by the university.
• Transfer students: Transfer applicants should submit college transcripts; credit for previous communication courses may be evaluated for degree progress.
• Practical preparation: A portfolio of relevant work (writing samples, campaign work, multimedia pieces) is not required for admission but can strengthen an application and aid in internship matching.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of communication roles across sectors. The programme is designed to produce graduates who can work effectively in fast-paced, multimedia environments and demonstrate measurable impact for organisations.

• Public relations specialist or media relations coordinator
• Advertising account executive or media planner
• Social media manager and digital content strategist
• Corporate or internal communications professional
• Nonprofit communications and fundraising officer
• Event and community engagement manager
• Research analyst for audience insight and campaign evaluation
• Freelance content creator, copywriter or communications consultant

Internships and the capstone portfolio support direct transition into entry-level roles and provide a foundation for further study or professional credentials in advertising, public relations and digital communications.

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers this degree through its communication programmes with an emphasis on applied learning and regional industry connections. Students benefit from faculty with both academic credentials and professional experience, hands-on labs and opportunities to work on real client projects.

• Practical experience through internships, practicum placements and client-based campaign courses.
• Support for portfolio and resume development to help secure jobs in PR, advertising and digital media.
• Access to media-production resources and courses that teach contemporary digital tools and analytics used in professional practice.
• Opportunities to build connections with communications professionals across the Gulf Coast and broader markets, aiding career placement and experiential learning.

The programme is suited to students who want a career-oriented communication degree that balances strategic thinking, creative execution and measurable evaluation in public relations and advertising.