South Carolina Communications Degrees

School Level Program Admissions
Winthrop University Master Master of Business Administration - Marketing
AACSB Accredited, 100% online.
Website

Click to see more online programs that are taking applications for 2024.

The state of South Carolina has two universities that have received accreditation from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC). One of the more popular institutions in the state, the University of South Carolina, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications or a Master of Mass Communication.

Winthrop University has various Bachelor's degrees in Mass Communication and a unique option of Integrated Marketing Communication. Holding this designation from the ACEJMC means that the program has met the criteria in nine different categories, which consist of a strong curriculum with thorough academics and professional development, faculty members that have been evaluated based on their teaching effectiveness and performance, and scholarship opportunities for students.

Top Locations for Communications Schools and Job Opportunities in South Carolina

Columbia is the second-most populous city in the state and is home to the University of South Carolina. Rock Hill is the home for the other university that has been accredited by the ACEJMC, Winthrop University.

In terms of public relations opportunities, Columbia has a number of agencies to consider. Flock and Rally offers a tremendous amount of services, be it in traditional or digital advertising, and has experience with small companies and large organizations.

In addition, they have worked with clients based in many work sectors, such as tourism, technology, real estate, and much more. Established in 2010, the agency has already received numerous awards for their success.

Other locations that see plenty of opportunities in communication careers includes Charleston and Mount Pleasant. The popular newspaper publications in Charleston are the daily Post and Courier and weekly Charleston City Paper. Many network affiliates are located in either North Charleston or Mount Pleasant, with a few owned by large media companies Gray Television and Sinclair Broadcasting Group.

Popular publications in Columbia that cover the capital city and the Midlands include the daily newspaper, The Slate, and the online-based Cola Daily. Job seekers in communications should consider publications for contribution efforts, editing positions, and potential advertising platforms.

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 South Carolina

University of South Carolina

  • B.A. Journalism and Mass Communications
  • Master of Mass Communication

Winthrop University

  • B.S. Integrated Marketing Communication

South Carolina Journalism and Communications Careers, Salaries, and Associations

Reporters and correspondents have adequate representation in South Carolina workforce according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, hitting the median level of employment when compared to other states around the country (480 positions). Most of this employment is found in the Charleston and Columbia metropolitan areas.

Across the state, the mean annual wage is above $46,600, hitting right at the median salary figures in the United States. This average salary is lower than the neighboring state of Georgia, but higher when compared to many other states in the Southeast. Within the Charleston metro area, annual salary is below the state average at $31,710, but it is more around the state average in Columbia.

The state of South Carolina has over 2,100 employees within the field of public relations, which is on the lower end of turnout for these specialist positions along the East Coast of the United States. Salary estimates for the median are at nearly $52,000, which is significantly below the nationwide median, but employees can see over the $100,000 level in the top 10 percent.

Average salaries are a bit higher in the Columbia metropolitan area with a median figure of $56,840. Public relations specialists have the responsibility of improving or developing the public image for various clients, and this can include analyzing advertising methods, releasing public statements, and managing crisis situations.

Public Relations Society of America – South Carolina Chapter

The Public Relations Society of America has a South Carolina Chapter that has been established for over 50 years. There are over 200 members in the association, providing plenty of resources and networking for career development.

South Carolina’s chapter holds events in spotlight locations such as Charleston and Columbia, and they also hold an annual conference that provides multiple workshops and discusses the latest innovation and top stories within the public relations industry. Four student chapters across the state are affiliated with this association – Anderson University, Claflin University, Clemson University, and the University of South Carolina.