Marymount Manhattan College

What you'll study

This programme blends a liberal-arts foundation with specialised courses in public relations, advertising and applied communication. You will study core subjects such as strategic communication, media writing and copywriting, advertising principles, public relations campaign planning, and digital/social media strategy. Research methods, media law and ethics, visual communication and analytics are included to strengthen decision-making and accountability.

• Foundations: introduction to mass communication, communication theory, media law and ethics.
• Writing and content: media writing, feature and newsroom writing, copywriting for advertising, persuasive writing and storytelling for brands.
• Strategy and planning: public relations campaign development, advertising strategy and planning, integrated marketing communications, crisis communication.
• Digital and analytics: social media strategy, digital advertising, web and content analytics, SEO fundamentals and audience research methods.
• Design and production: visual communication, basic graphic design for communicators, multimedia production and editing.
• Practical experience: internships in New York City agencies or in-house teams, practicum courses that simulate client work, and a senior capstone or portfolio project demonstrating strategic planning and measurable outcomes.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary-school diploma or equivalent. Typical admission materials include official transcripts, a personal statement or essay, and one or more academic or professional references. Marymount Manhattan values demonstrated communication skills — examples of writing or a short portfolio of relevant work (such as articles, campaigns, social media content or creative samples) can strengthen an application.

Standardised test requirements may be flexible or optional; check the college’s admissions guidance for current policy. International applicants will need to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or approved alternatives. Mature or transfer applicants should submit college transcripts and may present evidence of professional experience in communication fields.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles across public relations, advertising, marketing and corporate communications. Common early-career positions include public relations coordinator, account executive at an advertising agency, social media manager or specialist, communications associate, copywriter, media planner and brand strategist. The programme also prepares students for in-house communications roles in nonprofits, cultural institutions and corporate settings, as well as for postgraduate study in communication, journalism or marketing.

Because of the college’s Manhattan location and emphasis on internships and practicum work, students often complete placements at agencies, media outlets, nonprofits and corporate communications departments, building networks and professional portfolios that support job entry and career progression.

Why study at Marymount Manhattan College

Marymount Manhattan College offers small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, which helps students get personalised feedback on writing, campaigns and portfolios. The campus’s location in Manhattan gives direct access to major PR and advertising agencies, media organisations and cultural institutions for internships and industry partnerships.

The curriculum emphasises hands-on learning through practicum courses, supervised internships and a senior capstone that requires students to produce professional-standard work. Faculty are practising professionals and academics who combine industry experience with classroom teaching. Support services such as career advising, internship placement assistance and portfolio review help students transition from study to employment in the competitive New York communications market.