Applied Communication
About Applied Communication
The applied communication program integrates communication theory with real-world application. In this program, you will learn how to apply your communication skills to the workplace and engage with internal and external stakeholders. You will develop a deeper understanding of public relations, marketing, social media and customer service management and promote internal communication and teamwork.
This concentration prepares you to work in a range of industries in the public, private and non-profit sector. This program offers you a practical curriculum that covers diverse aspects of communication. It prepares you to develop a learning culture within an organization, communicate using different methods and lead others effectively.
The Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.) core curriculum provides you with the skills you need to succeed in today’s global economy. Students who are looking to complete their bachelor’s degree will receive both foundational knowledge and profession-specific skills.
Where can Applied Communication take me?
A Bachelor of Professional Studies degree with a concentration in applied communication will strengthen your skills in strategic communication, professional writing, professional presentations, stakeholder relationships, conflict management, marketing and social media. The strategies you will learn in the BPS core classes and in the applied communication classes will help you enter a new profession or advance your career.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), public relations managers earned a median annual wage of $119,860 per year in 2021*. By 2030, the BLS predicts that jobs in this field will increase by 13%*.
Advertising, promotions and marketing managers earned a median annual wage of $133,380 per year in 2021*. By 2030, the BLS predicts that jobs in advertising, promotions and marketing will increase by 10%*.
Demand for employees with strong marketing, writing and communication skills will grow as organizations seek to maintain and expand their share of the market. A degree in applied communication establishes a strong foundation for careers in any industry.
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook
Applied Communication Career Opportunities
- public relations specialist
- meeting/event planner
- media relations
- social media manager
- marketing manager
- brand manager
- customer and employee relations specialist
- organizational coach and mediator
- communications and team development consultant
Required Coursework
The Bachelor of Professional Studies is a degree completion program. In order to declare this program of study, students must have completed an Associate’s Degree or be 21 years of age and have completed a series of prerequisite courses. Most students come to this program with some college credit; however, if you are interested in this program and do not have college credit or have not completed the pre-requisite courses, please speak with an advisor to discuss your options.
In addition to prerequisite coursework, the BPS program requires that students complete a core curriculum of 20-22 hours. The BPS Core includes professionally oriented courses like Leading Oneself and Others in the 21st Century, Creativity and Innovation in the 21st Century, and Ethics, Social Responsibility and Sustainability in the 21st Century.
Certificate Milestone Option: The College of Charleston has designed a milestone option for applied communication by creating a certificate in project management. The certificate consists of the six courses in the project management concentration. These courses can always be added to a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree in the future. To learn more, click here.
Then, each student is required to complete a concentration composed of 18 credit hours of required coursework and 12 credit hours of electives. There are over 35 electives that students can choose from.
The courses in the applied communication concentration include (students are required to complete 6 of the following 8 courses):
- COMM 216 Principles and Practices of Strategic Communication
- PRST 324 Fundamentals of Coaching Individuals, Relationships and Teams in Organizations
- PRST 330 Professional Writing and Presentations
- PRST 334 Developing and Managing a Learning Organization
- PRST 335 Managing Internal and External Stakeholder Relationships
- PRST 336 Negotiation, Conflict Management and Alternative Dispute Resolution
- PRST 390 Fundamentals of Marketing Communication
- PRST 391 Social Media Communication
Finally, depending on the number of transfer credits awarded, students will need to complete additional electves to reach the 122 credits required to graduate.