Eric Said:

What's a good online college to get your masters degree?

We Answered:

My best recommendation would be to contact a number of colleges to find the best fit for you and your needs (tuition, schedule, career opportunities, etc.). Too often people enroll in the first school they find rather than taking the time to find the best school for them. Taking that time now could save you a lot of time, money and frustration if you choose the wrong school.
This site has some good info on regionally accredited online degrees and some colleges that offer them to help expand your search:
http://www.ecollegefinder.org
I think you can enter your info on there for any colleges you are interested in and they will send you more info for free. Good Luck!

Gabriel Said:

how does a person, w/ a college degree in communications, retail management catch a break in the PR field?

We Answered:

I was once in your position many years ago. My major was psychology with an English minor. One of the things I did in college was intern at a local agency to build up some PR experience in the field. That got my foot in the door for an entry-level position (temp) with a major PR firm after graduation. I proved myself through hard work to where they hired me full-time.

I've always recommend that people new to the industry start with PR firms, whether it's fresh out of college or a career change. Many are usually looking for interns and entry-level folks to do the grunt work. And yes, you will have to start with the simple things of sending faxes, building media lists and doing a lot of the tactical things that aren't very glamorous. However, you will learn and you will learn a lot.

Agencies are the best resource, as you learn the tricks of the trade, the types of industries and PR practices that are out there. It will help you decide what direction you want to take: public affairs vs. consumer products vs. technology vs. investor relations and so on.

Many online job sites don't have such jobs because agencies and companies will use specialty sites to list positions. I would recommend going to www.prsa.org (Public Relations Society of America). They have a job bank for positions all over the country. I recommend joining PRSA or IABC (International Association of Business Communicators), as their local chapters offer great networking opportunities.

Look at your skill set and highlight what would be a good match. It sounds like event planning is one of them, as it shows attention to detail, logistics and strategy (all things that are required in the PR field). Familiarity with writing style (AP) is a must, and your sales skills can actually be beneficial in pitching reporters. After all, you are trying to "sell" them a story.

If you have any community involvement where you've done PR work, highlight that to show you have that experience. Even if it's something as simple as putting together a fundraising event and sending invitations to the media to attend.

I hope this is helpful. Good luck!

Nora Said:

Does an Online Degree have the same value as a tradtional one?

We Answered:

You're much better off going to a real school with a real campus. Employers want to know if you interact well with others and that can only come through membership in campus organizations and face-to-face interaction with the faculty. Plus - there are a lot of phony on-line universities that for a fee will give you a degree in the field of your choice complete with a phony transcript and you never have to do a lick of work. Employers know the names of these outfits so be careful. The Univ. of Phoenix is recognized as being legitimate however. And I find it difficult to believe there isn't a Sunbelt school that doesn't offer a degree in Organizational Communication.....that's one of the fastest-growing areas in the field of communication.

Lloyd Said:

Is a degree from University of Phoenix online accepted by employers?

We Answered:

University of Phoenix has one of the worst reputations of the online schools.

In general, I would take the temporary financial hit of completing your degree if it means getting a better education from an accredited, respected institution....if you look at finances alone, the money you would "save" in the next 4 semesters would be peanuts compared to the lifetime earning potential from a better education. If you're going to spend the time and money, don't get an online degree.

Yes, some (but certainly not all) employers will accept a degree from UoP. You'll be at a disadvantage compared to other job applicants with degrees from "brick and mortar" schools....and pharm sales is already a competitive industry.

Eddie Said:

Which Universities in US offer a Masters degree in Communications and Advertising or in communication or adv?

We Answered:

Boston University College of Communication
Boston, MA
degree: Masters in communications


Virginia Commonwealth University Brandcenter
Richmond, VA
degree: Masters in advertising & communications


Southern Methodist University Temerlin Advertising Institute
Dallas, TX
degree: Masters in advertising


Regis University School of Management
Denver, CO
degree: Masters in mba-marketing


Eastern New Mexico University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Portales, NM
degree: Masters in communicative arts & sciences







also, go to this website to look for a grad school based on your specific preferences:
http://www.gradschools.com/ListingFuncti…