Consider a featured online communications program currently taking applications.
| School | Level | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of West Alabama | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts/Science Integrated Marketing Communications
Gain hands-on multimedia experience in several areas as you study web design, social media, news writing, photography, graphic and interior design, video, and event planning. |
Website |
| University of West Alabama | Master | Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications
Graduates of this program are prepared for management-level work with clients in advertising and communications settings. |
Website |
| University of Texas Permian Basin | Bachelor | Online BA in Communication
Multiple tracks: Communication Studies, Strategic Messaging, Professional Communication, Sports Media. |
Website |
| Drake University | Bachelor | BA in Journalism & Mass Communication
2 specializations in Digital Communication or Public Relations. |
Website |
| American University | Master | Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Program teaches you to connect creatively and strategically with audiences through targeted campaigns. |
Website |
Click to see more online programs that are taking applications for 2024.
Two popular institutions in the state of Michigan have accreditation from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC). Michigan State University in East Lansing provides a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant has multiple Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs within Journalism, Photojournalism, and Advertising.
Differences between the BA and BS degrees include an emphasis in influence and persuasion, and the impact course topics have socially with the BA degree, and studies will be more applied toward business and public affairs with the BS programs. Holding accreditation by the ACEJMC shows that the institution is doing what they can to improve the professional landscape of journalism and communication by meeting rigorous standards.
Top Locations for Communications Schools and Job Opportunities in Michigan
Detroit is the largest city in the state of Michigan with over 662,000 people, providing plenty of opportunity for those that are looking for communication jobs. Warren is the largest suburban community within the Detroit metropolitan area with additional career options.
There are two significant newspaper publications within Detroit, The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, run daily. The latter has the third-biggest distribution in the country, only lower than the USA Today and The Arizona Republic. Both publications are owned by MediaNews Group and Gannett, respectively.
Media Organizations in Michigan
The Detroit Media Partnership runs the production and advertising of both of these newspapers through the Michigan.com website. Both editorial staffs at the popular newspapers are completely separate despite the joint distribution.
Michigan.com provides a way for companies to advertise directly to target consumers, analyzing client programs and improving on them, determining further opportunities, and developing digital campaigns that create unique messages and interaction. Clients include Michigan's largest publicly-traded savings bank, Flagstar Bank, and Gorman's Home Furnishings in Detroit and Grand Rapids.
Consider a featured online communications program currently taking applications.
| School | Level | Program | Admissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of West Alabama | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts/Science Integrated Marketing Communications
Gain hands-on multimedia experience in several areas as you study web design, social media, news writing, photography, graphic and interior design, video, and event planning. |
Website |
| University of West Alabama | Master | Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications
Graduates of this program are prepared for management-level work with clients in advertising and communications settings. |
Website |
| University of Texas Permian Basin | Bachelor | Online BA in Communication
Multiple tracks: Communication Studies, Strategic Messaging, Professional Communication, Sports Media. |
Website |
| Drake University | Bachelor | BA in Journalism & Mass Communication
2 specializations in Digital Communication or Public Relations. |
Website |
| American University | Master | Master of Arts in Strategic Communication
Program teaches you to connect creatively and strategically with audiences through targeted campaigns. |
Website |
Click to for more online communications degrees that are taking applications for 2024.
Campus-based and online Communications programs in Michigan
Central Michigan University
- B.A., B.S. Journalism; B.A., B.S. Photojournalism; B.A., B.S. Advertising; B.A., B.S. Journalism – Public Relations Concentration
Michigan Journalism and Communications Careers, Salaries, and Associations
One of the many successful avenues for a communications career in the state of Michigan is becoming a journalist. There are many reporters and correspondents employed in this area with around 1,200 represented in the industry.
This is similar to neighboring states, such as Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. Salaries are also at the national median level with the annual mean wage estimated at $47,110 statewide. Specifically in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metropolitan area, salaries are at around $51,900, and jump by an additional $10,000 in the Grand Rapids location.
Another top communications career pathway is public relations with over 6,270 workers represented in the field according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Lansing and East Lansing metropolitan areas have approximately 1,080 employed, creating the third-most concentration of public relations positions in the United States.
This is only lower than the very dense Washington DC area and Olympia-Tumwater metro area in Washington. The Lansing area is also the ninth top-paying metro location with an annual mean wage of $79,640. Overall, the state of Michigan hits around the national median with around $62,460 for the annual mean salary.
Public Relations Society of America – Detroit Chapter
There are many professional associations for public relations throughout the state, including multiple chapters of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) alone. The Detroit Chapter has been around for over 75 years and is one of the largest PRSA groups across the country with over 400 members.
They provide support for multiple student-led associations, such as Wayne State University and the University of Michigan in Dearborn. In adddition, two $2,000 scholarships to various Michigan college students on annual basis, and thousands of prospective employees and professionals join various activities and events the association hosts.
