Program Details
Mass Communications with concentration in Advertising/Strategic, Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of ScienceVirginia Commonwealth University
Transfer Guides are designed to maximize transfer credit as students complete their associate degree at the community college before transferring to the bachelor's degree program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. The following Transfer Guide(s), applicable to this program, are available in the Resource Center. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
The Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture offers a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications with concentrations in one of four areas: advertising, journalism, media production or public relations. The concentration in advertising prepares students for careers at advertising agencies, marketing departments of corporations or service organizations, and media companies.
Outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know how to do the following: Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communication professions in which they work Critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness Apply tools and technologies appropriate for the communication professions in which they work Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts Think critically, creatively and independently Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications Understand and apply the principles and laws appropriate to the communication professions in which they work, including copyright and trademark law Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of groups in a global society in relationship to communications Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for strategic advertising professions, audiences and purposes they serve
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | Careers in advertising strategy start here. This major is for people who enjoy analyzing consumer trends, monitoring competitive businesses, and devising approaches to reach target audiences. If you're fascinated by consumer behavior, adept at problem-solving, and thrive in dynamic environments, then a degree in Advertising Strategy is the ideal choice for you. |
| Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes The overview section of the Robertson School of Media and Culture explains the requirements for students to be admitted to, and remain in, the foundation program or a specific concentration in the school. Students must earn a total of 45 credits in classes at the 300-level and above, including upper-level mass communications course work. To graduate from the mass communications program, students must have both a minimum cumulative GPA and a minimum major GPA of 2.5 and must earn a minimum grade of C in their senior-level capstone courses. The mass communications curriculum includes the foundation and specific concentrations. Foundation course work for advertising students MASC 101, MASC 201 and MASC 204, each with a minimum grade of C; and completion of general education courses UNIV 111, UNIV 112, ECON 203, STAT 208 or STAT 210, and a course from the scientific and logical reasoning area of inquiry. Completion of both ECON 210 and ECON 211 may substitute for ECON 203. To enroll in MASC 203 or MASC 204, students must receive departmental permission. To enroll in a mass communications course, majors must have earned a minimum grade of C in all courses prerequisite for that course. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Complete courses that are equivalent to VCU's Mass Communications (MASC) foundation courses. You’ll need grades of C or better. Then petition to your concentration (like Strategic Advertising, Journalism or Media Production). You must have a VCU cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher and have C's or better in the prerequisite courses to declare the major and to graduate. Then you’ll be set for an exciting career in media.
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Strategic Advertising majors are set up to do well in master’s degree programs like the school’s Media Leadership and Integrated Communications programs, as well as the VCU Brandcenter, the most highly regarded graduate school for advertising, branding, and marketing. Since internships lead to real-world experience and better jobs, all Strategic Advertising majors complete at least one internship. Students work in advertising agencies, communications departments, marketing departments, consumer research companies and nonprofit organizations. Our Internship Coordinator helps students navigate that process. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | The Robertson School offers an educational experience that promises students good jobs after graduation. Capstone courses are a great way to work with real clients, have your work published and get exposure to life in the industry. Advertising students recently worked on projects for Busch Beer, Smithfield Foods, and Hilton Hotels. Careers in media start at the Robertson School. |
Program Credit Requirements
If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Commonwealth University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in General Studies or Social Sciences is recommended for this major. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in General Studies or Social Sciences is recommended for this major. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service. |
| Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts: Communication Studies Specialization, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies (Professional Communication) | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science Degree Communications Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications - General Broadcast Concentration | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Marymount University | Communication (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Art | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Professional Writing Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Communication Studies (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1122.00 | Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 27-3041.00 | Editors | Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-3023.00 | News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 27-3043.05 | Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers | Create original written works, such as scripts, essays, prose, poetry or song lyrics, for publication or performance. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
| 11-2032.00 | Public Relations Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client. | Management Occupations |
| 27-3043.00 | Writers and Authors | Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material. | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occ |
Cost To Complete