Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Public Relations
Bring to light the mission of your clients by earning a marketing and public relations degree
The Marian University Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Public Relations program focuses on equipping students with the skills needed to address the public relations and strategic communication needs of organizations, while also being able to evaluate marketing needs and develop strategies for success.
Those in the BS in Marketing and Public Relations program will gain insight into modern communication strategies that enhance brand image, along with being exposed to the ways value can be created for organizations to increase their brand awareness. The curriculum draws the best elements of both the Marketing major and the Public Relations track of the Communication major into one complete career package for students.
To prepare students for career success, the Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Public Relations provides real-world experience through exercises that involve producing campaign materials, brochures, newsletters, and press releases. Because marketing and public relations applies to so many industries and sectors, our students spend time learning about its applicability in the private and public sectors before concentrating and focusing on a particular area of study.
Learn how to promote a brand and protect it
Real World Experience
Students provide consulting services to local organizations and enter internships and cooperative work experiences in their field of interest. Grow your resume before you graduate.
Be Part of a Team
Marketers work with colleagues across all departments. Students get exposure to all facets of business, including:
- Accounting
- Communication
- Economics
- Finance
- Graphic arts
- Information technology
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers
– A Growing Profession
With a degree in marketing and PR, your career path is wide open. Plus, your internship experience will give you an edge over other job applicants.
PR and Marketing Coordinator Salary
While you may not be making the salary of an experienced professional right after you graduate, a degree from Marian sets you up for a bright future.
Explore a Marketing and Public Relations Degree
Listen to Dr. Cheryl Seelig, professor, describe the business majors and minors at Marian University. A business degree from Marian University opens the door for a career with any company, in any industry. Choose a specialty in sport and recreation management, business administration, marketing, marketing and public relations, accounting, healthcare administration, management information systems, or finance. Professors bring topics to life through their real world experience in running companies and managing staff. Courses teach you about businesses not only from a local/regional perspective but also from an interconnected global perspective. Discuss current events and how to survive and thrive in different economic conditions. Whatever your major, participate in an internship where you spend between 150 and 300 hours at a business either in the U.S. or abroad.
As a business student, you will take general education courses alongside students from all Marian bachelor programs. Then you will take a core of business courses and courses specific to your concentration. If you are not sure what business major is for you, reach out to our Center for Academic Support and Excellence (CASE). They have tools to help you choose a business degree based on your interests and abilities.
BS in Marketing and Public Relations Curriculum
To ensure you can work to meet customers’ needs, the Marian University Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Public Relations program will prepare you to become a professional with the ability to produce campaign materials, brochures, newsletters, and press releases. A quality marketing and public relations strategy is at the foundation of every business. Through courses that integrate real business challenges into classroom learning, students will become comfortable with leading these efforts in a variety of sectors.
As a bachelor’s level student, you are required to take about 30 credits of general education courses as part of the 120 credits required for a bachelor’s degree. Gen eds are required regardless of your major.
All students take 10.5 to 17 credits in these areas:
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Argumentative and Research Writing
- Introduction to Christian Theology
- Interpersonal Communication
- Introduction to Ethical Reasoning
- First Year Studies
Core Courses
Marketing and public relations majors will take courses covering topics such as:
- Intercultural Communication
- Writing for Media
- Mass and Digital Communication
- Marketing Management
- Creative Reasoning
The Marian University Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Public Relations program focuses on the fundamental concerns, theoretical approaches, and methods of the field.
Learning Outcomes
- Students will possess an integrated knowledge of business functions and systems.
- Students will possess practical, written communication skills.
- Students will possess effective oral communications skills.
- Students will be able to effectively apply critical thinking skills to business problems.
- Students will understand how to effectively analyze consumer needs and wants and buyer behaviors.
- Students will apply marketing concepts on how to respond to environmental and social needs to stimulate business growth through case solving methods and marketing techniques.
Internship Experience
The internship provides practical work experience related to the student’s career objective. All internships involve planned and supervised on-the-job training with interaction among the student, a faculty advisor, and a supervisor from the site of the internship. The student may complete the internship on a part- or full-time basis. Before the student begins their internship, they must consult with the internship coordinator in their respective discipline to review requirements and expectations.
Before the start of the internship, the site must be approved, and a learning contract and supervisor agreement must be completed. Students are eligible to register for a 0-3 credit internship upon achieving junior status. Specific internship requirements, such as the number of hours, paperwork, and other assignments may differ depending on major. Students must consult with the program director and internship coordinator for these details and cannot register for the internship until authorized by the internship coordinator. Business students are required to complete a minimum of one internship experience regardless of the number of declared majors.
Professional Standards
The Marian University Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Public Relations program focuses on the following principles:
Outcomes Assessment – The academic business unit has developed and fully implemented an outcomes assessment process consistent with their mission and broad-based goals.
Strategic Planning – The academic business unit has developed and implemented a strategic planning process that enables continuous improvement and guides it into the future consistent with its mission.
Curriculum – Programs offered are consistent with current, acceptable business practices and the expectations of professionals in the academic and business communities.
Faculty – Appropriate program coverage is provided by highly-qualified faculty with adequate time to devote to teaching, service, and scholarly activity.
Scholarly and Professional Activities – Faculty members are involved in scholarly and professional activities that enhance the depth and scope of their knowledge.
Resources – Financial resources available are sufficient to support a high-quality learning environment.
Internal and External Relationships – The academic business unit has productive working relationships with other functional units within the institution, meaningful linkages to business practitioners and organizations, effective relationships with external organizations, and is accountable to the public.
International Business Education – The academic business unit ensures that students possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to understand and deal effectively with critical issues in a dynamic global business environment.
Educational Innovation – The academic business unit maintains an environment that encourages and recognizes innovation and creativity in the education of business students.
Professional Conduct – Standard for Students
Faculty and staff expect the highest standards of honest, ethical professional conduct from each student. Primary components of professional behavior expected include respect for others, full engagement, responsibility and integrity, and commitment to quality.
The Marian University Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Public Relations program faculty prepare students to achieve their goals through a classroom experience centered on a personal, applied approach. Graduates can find career success in a variety of settings, including advertising, product line management, public relations, and sales. With numerous hands-on experiences, students are one step ahead of the competition to find success in both the private and public sectors.
Criteria for Undergraduate Business Students
A student who meets Marian University admission standards and declares a business major must comply with the following standards at each class level:
Freshman Criteria (for students with at least 30 credits completed)
Students should have completed the following with a minimum grade of C:
- ENG 101 or ENG 105
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00
Sophomore Criteria (for students with at least 60 credits completed)
Students should have completed the following with a minimum grade of C:
- ENG 151 or ENG 106
- MAT 111 or MAT 130 or MAT 132
- BUA 210
- Science lab(s)
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00
Junior and Senior Criterion (for students with at least 80 credits completed)
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00
Failure to Meet Criteria
Any business student failing to meet these criteria is placed on probation. During the first semester of probation, students may continue taking business courses. If the student has failed to meet the criteria after one semester on probation, that student may only retake deficient classes and general education requirements.
Graduation Requirements
A business student is not allowed to graduate with a D+ or lower grade in any business course. If such a grade is recorded, the course must be retaken, and a grade of C- or above must be achieved. All business students are required to take a comprehensive exit examination during the semester before graduation. Students pursuing more than one major in the business program must complete at least 15 credits of unique courses to count in each major. Students pursuing a minor must complete at least 9 credits of courses unique to the minor.
