University of Mount Union

What you'll study

The programme blends foundational communication theory with applied courses in public relations, advertising and digital media. Core topics typically include principles of public relations, advertising strategy, media writing and copywriting, visual communication and design, mass media law and ethics, and communication research methods.

• Media and Writing: news and feature writing, media relations, press release and speech writing.
• Strategic Planning: campaign development, audience analysis, brand positioning and messaging strategy.
• Digital and Visual Communication: social media strategy, digital content creation, multimedia production and design for communication.
• Research and Measurement: qualitative and quantitative research methods, programme evaluation and media analytics.
• Professional Practice: internships, practicum projects, client-based campaigns and a capstone experience synthesising learning into a professional portfolio.
• Electives and Interdisciplinary Options: courses in marketing, organisational communication, event planning, advertising copy and creative strategy, and optional study-abroad or cross-disciplinary electives to broaden perspective.

Entry requirements

Admission to the undergraduate programme typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a completed application. The University of Mount Union reviews academic preparation in relevant coursework, high school transcripts, and the applicant’s overall profile including extracurricular involvement.

Applicants may be asked to provide a personal statement or short essay and letters of recommendation. For those with relevant experience, submission of a short portfolio of writing or media work can strengthen an application. The university operates with a holistic admissions approach; prospective students should check Mount Union's official admissions guidance for any programme-specific prerequisites or recommended preparatory courses.

Career prospects

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

• Public relations specialist or media relations coordinator
• Account executive or strategist in advertising and marketing agencies
• Social media manager, content strategist or digital communications specialist
• Corporate communications or internal communications professional
• Event and community relations manager for non-profits, higher education or cultural organisations
• Communications researcher, brand manager or marketing analyst

Many students also use the degree as preparation for graduate study in strategic communication, marketing, business or related fields. The programme’s emphasis on internships and portfolio development supports direct entry into entry- to mid-level professional roles.

Why study at University of Mount Union

Mount Union offers a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, allowing students to get practical, hands-on experience. The communication programmes feature applied learning through client-based projects, supervised internships and a capstone that helps students build a professional portfolio.

Facilities and resources include digital media labs and equipment for content production, opportunities to collaborate with local businesses and organisations, and career services that support internship placement and employer connections. The combination of classroom instruction, experiential projects and personalised advising aims to prepare graduates for immediate employment or further study in the communication and media fields.