Virginia's Marketing Communications pathway develops expertise in promotional messaging, advertising, public relations, content marketing, and brand communication—preparing students for careers communicating marketing messages effectively.
Students study marketing communication principles, advertising creation, public relations, social media communication, content strategy, and campaign development. They create marketing communications through projects and partnerships with marketing organizations.
Graduates work as marketing coordinators, advertising specialists, public relations assistants, content writers, or communication specialists. Every organization requires marketing communications. Advanced students pursue marketing and communications programs.
Marketing Communications at a Glance
4
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's marketing communications standards address communication strategy, advertising, public relations, content marketing, and digital communication. Standards align with marketing industry practices.
Students demonstrate competency through campaign projects and communication portfolios. The state integrates marketing communication tools and strategies.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Marketing Communications Fundamentals |
| Advertising and Promotional Strategy |
| Public Relations and Content Marketing |
| Digital Marketing Communications |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Photoshop
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - Illustrator
- ✓Adobe Certified Professional - InDesign
- ✓National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
- ✓Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce Certificate
- ✓Google Analytics Certification
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist - Word
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist - PowerPoint
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Marketing Coordinator
Entry LevelSalary range: $58,120 - $113,390
Advertising Specialist
Entry LevelSalary range: $92,010 - $141,150
PR Specialist
ExperiencedSalary range: $59,690 - $121,290
Marketing Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $134,990 - $223,850
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern at marketing agencies, advertising firms, and marketing departments throughout Virginia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in DECA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Ready to Build Marketing Communications Programs at Scale?
See how Sage can help you create standards-aligned curriculum for Marketing Communications in Virginia.