Online bachelor's degree programs in advertising

You love writing punchy, effective sentences that make people perk up and pay attention. You're sure you can write those online and print ads better than those who are getting paid to do it. You hear the punch line in your head before the comedian can finish the joke. Sounds like you'd be a great candidate for a career in advertising or business communication. Consider enrolling in an online bachelor's degree in advertising program or a school offering business communication degrees. Knowing the right words at the right time can make you money.

Business communication degrees: Getting started

Online bachelor's degree programs in advertising can build your background in:

• copywriting
• campaign development
• audience development
• marketing
• consumer trend sampling
• art direction

Online bachelor's programs leading to business communication degrees can prepare you to take the reins on a vital in-house or agency PR department creating press releases, internal communications, newsletters, training materials, magazines, and company videos.

Following completion of your degree in advertising, you'll have a portfolio of work to show prospective employers for work in a company's advertising, promotion, or marketing company or with an advertising agency or public relations firm. The sky's the limit as you advance to positions such as lead copywriter, art director, marketing manager, or free-lance consultant.

Careers for graduates of online degree programs in advertising or business communication

How much can you earn? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported 2009 salary levels for advertising and business communications careers that should get your attention.

Advertising and Promotions Managers direct the team designing and delivering a company advertising campaign in print, web, and broadcast media. Prepare for the field by completing a bachelor's degree in advertising. May 2009, average salary for advertising and promotions managers: $82,370.

Public Relations Managers create and communicate outward facing press releases or broadcast materials that improve a company's brand or image. Studies leading to business communication degrees can prepare you for the field. May 2009, average salary for public relations managers: $89,690.

Marketing Managers perform customer assessments and work in concert with advertising and promotion managers to sell products and services to a focused target audience. May 2009, average salary for marketing managers: $110,030.

Advertising Sales Agents, sometimes known as advertising account executives, sell advertising space for print or digital publications, and for web and broadcast media. They often specialize on a specific product or publishing niche. Online bachelor's degree programs in advertising can teach you the ins and outs of the trade. May 2009, average salary for advertising sales agents: $43,360.

Online bachelor's degree programs in advertising and programs leading to business communication degrees can boost your credentials to enter this highly competitive field. Not sure about the right degree program? Just getting started? Peruse WorldWideLearn's Guide to College Majors and reserach bachelor's degree programs in communications, advertising and public relations.

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