Bachelor of Arts in Social Influencing, Communication, and Creative Media (Adult Education)
Are you interested in becoming an individual content creator or digital entrepreneur, or exploring careers in research or analytics? 51³Ô¹Ï's Bachelor of Arts in Social Influencing, Communication, and Creative Media combines a strong primer in analytical and production skills with a commitment to service and real-world learning. Ideal for students who are interested in pursuing analytics roles or continuing into graduate education, the major could also launch careers outside of social influence.
- Program Length:
-
2.00 or 4.00 Years
- Course Length:
-
7 or 14 Weeks
- Tuition:
-
$675 Per Credit
- Credit Hours:
- 120
Career Outlook
• Tuition discount available; ask for details
Job Prospects
• Digital marketing
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Digital advertising
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;SEO
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Social media
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Content creator
51³Ô¹Ï 104,800 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Salary Information
The median annual wage for media and communication workers - public relations specialists, news analysts, writers, authors - was $70,300 in May 2024. The median wage for media and communication equipment workers - broadcast technicians, film and video editors, photographers - was $56,480.
Regional Strength
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;Pennsylvania projects a 4.3% growth in advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations and sales manager positions by 2033, with a 6.3% growth in marketing research analysts and marketing specialists.
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;New Jersey also foresees around 4% growth of marketing manager roles.
•&²Ô²ú²õ±è;New York indicates a 6.4% growth in marketing manager roles and a 8% growth in market research analysts and marketing specialists.
Career Support at Alvernia
Alvernia's Office of Career Development supports students and alumni in job searches and career planning. Its services include individual career advising; résumé, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile reviews; interview preparation and practice; access to career information as well as internship and job opportunities; career fairs and networking connections; and graduate school application support.
Getting Started
- Application Instructions
Through a rolling admission process, prospective students may apply to Alvernia at any time. Multiple start dates throughout the year allow accepted students to begin a program of study at an accommodating time. We continually review applications and accept students for each of the six term starts (August, October, February, March, May, and July).
Keeping on track is important throughout the process. We encourage you to work with an admission team member to submit all materials and meet all deadlines. Our dedicated team will work directly with you to identify the best options that work for you and your unique situation. Once your application is complete, you will not have to wait long for a decision. We continually review applications and notify students as soon as a decision has been made.
To get started, visit our Adult Education Application page for a list of instructions and documents needed.
- Financing Your Education
There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.
- Curriculum
Core (12 credits)
- COM 131 - Writing for the Media
- COM 140 - Media Literacy
- COM 223 - Speech for Professional Settings or COM 103 - Fundamentals of Speech
- COM 330 - News and Feature Writing
Influence (9 credits)
- COM 240 - Public Relations
- COM 342 - Social Media Marketing
- PSY 215 - Multicultural Issues OR COM 2xx - Intro to Cultural Studies
Multimedia (9 credits)
- COM 260 - Digital Storytelling or COM 360 - Creative Media Workshop
- COM 332 - Multimedia Design: Publications or COM 362 - Multimedia Design: Videos
- COM 432 - Digital Publication Production
Analytics (12 credits)
- MAT 208 - Introductory Statistics
- BUS 315 - Data Analytics and Information Systems OR COM 346 - Digital Market Analytics
- PSY 405 - Social Psychology
- COM 470 - Communication Research Methods
Related Requirements (6 credits)
- Any COM or PSY course (3)
- BUS 452 High Performer Development (3)
Professionalism/Career Training (3 credits)
- BUS 251/351/451 High Performer Development Series (HPDS) (3 credits) or BUS 452: (3 credits; online)
Mid-Degree Assessment (0 credits - Assessment/Portfolio Review upon 50-70 credits completed)
- Capstone: COM 481 - Internship OR COM 480 - Senior Communication Practicum
Why Choose Alvernia?
• A nationally ranked comprehensive regional university, Alvernia offers more than 50 majors and minors, including a growing number of online programs offering the flexibility to study at your own pace.
• With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, you're not just a number here. Our faculty members are accomplished scholars, experts in their fields and supportive mentors who are committed to their students’ success.
• Your time here will include a transformational experiential learning opportunity. Employers today are looking for graduates who can hit the ground running. Experiential learning ensures our students have the confidence and experience to step into their roles in a rapidly evolving job market on day one.
Smart Ways to Save at Alvernia
Your goals matter—and affordability shouldn’t stand in the way. Alvernia offers multiple ways to make tuition manageable, including payment plans, financial aid options and tuition reimbursement programs. We guide you every step of the way.
Bringing credits with you? Alvernia offers transfer-focused scholarship options and staff ready to help you map a clear path to graduation—whether you’re transferring into a day program or completing your degree at an accelerated pace.
Apply for admission, then complete the FAFSA (school code 003233). Pennsylvania residents should file by the May 1 state grant deadline. Once your FAFSA is received, accepted and you’re registered, we’ll prepare your aid offer.
Many employers and organizations partner with Alvernia to offer tuition discounts for working adults. Check whether your workplace is eligible and see how a Preferred Partner benefit can lower your tuition on select programs.
If your employer reimburses you after the semester ends, Alvernia can help you postpone tuition payment for up to 30 days after the semester—at no additional charge—so you don’t have to pay everything upfront.
26 Questions with a Class of 2026 Graduate
Communication major & commencement student speaker Héctor Malavé '26 talks what prepared him for the future and who he'll never forget at Alvernia.
Over 100 Alvernia students present research at annual HECBC conference
Annual event brings together five Berks County colleges to highlight student research
Alvernia holds annual Earth Day of Service, ramps up sustainability efforts
Students, leadership, faculty and staff help to beautify the area, part of the university’s continued push to advance sustainability.
Alvernia students and faculty earn statewide recognition at SPSEA conference
51³Ô¹Ï's Education students and faculty were recognized for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to the field at the Kindling Change 2026 Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (SPSEA) Conference & Convention.
