Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

What you'll study

This programme combines core communication theory with hands-on practice in public relations, advertising and multimedia production. You will study foundational topics such as principles of public relations, advertising strategy, media and society, and communication ethics, alongside applied skills courses in media writing, social media strategy, graphic design basics, video production and web content. Research and measurement are emphasised through classes in communication research methods and campaign evaluation, and the curriculum typically culminates in a practicum or capstone project where students develop and execute a real-world communication campaign.

• Core topics: public relations principles, advertising concepts, communication theory, media law and ethics
• Practical skills: media writing, press releases, social media management, multimedia storytelling (audio/video), basic graphic and web design
• Research and strategy: audience analysis, research methods, campaign planning and evaluation, crisis communication
• Applied learning: practicum/internship placements, capstone campaign project, portfolio development

Entry requirements

Admission is to the undergraduate programme level and typically requires a completed secondary school diploma or equivalent. Applicants are asked to submit official transcripts and may be asked for a personal statement or answers to short questions about their interest in communication. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts for review. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests or other university-approved evidence. Specific GPA thresholds, portfolio requirements and any additional documents are detailed by the university admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of entry-level roles in communications, marketing and media. Common career pathways include public relations specialist, media relations coordinator, advertising account assistant, social media manager, content strategist, corporate communications officer, event communications specialist and nonprofit communications manager. The applied nature of the programme also lends itself to freelance media work, roles in digital marketing or continuing study in graduate programmes in communication, marketing or business.

Why study at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s offers a small-campus learning environment with close faculty mentoring and an emphasis on applied, experiential learning. The programme integrates liberal-arts perspectives with practical coursework and opportunities for internships and community-engaged projects, helping students build a professional portfolio. The university’s regional connections and alumni network provide avenues for internships and entry-level employment in the Upper Midwest and beyond, while campus career services support job preparation, resume and portfolio review, and interview readiness.