Bachelor of Arts in Advertising

The undergraduate advertising program prepares students for careers in advertising, public relations, and a variety of related fields. Graduates find employment in advertising and public relations agencies, media companies, consumer goods companies, businesses involved in electronic commerce, internet communications, sales promotion, event planning, promotional products, direct marketing, and other industries. Businesses, non-profit institutions, and most government offices can use the skills and knowledge instilled in graduates of the program. Advertising education entails both arts and sciences. Communication, psychology, and marketing are central to the field, and for some students visual design and writing are equally essential. The field and its study reaches, affect, and draw upon every aspect of society. Students receive a broad liberal arts background, as well as in-depth study of advertising, including consumer psychology and behavior, research, strategic analysis, writing, using mass media as communication vehicles, principles of managing advertising campaigns, along with an essential emphasis in social responsibility and the ethical use of these skills. Internships and other cooperative educational opportunities are encouraged in the program. Students may also choose to pursue the Specialization in Public Relations and the Specialization in Sales Communication which are particularly relevant for advertising majors. Co-curricular activities include multiple student advertising and public relations clubs, as well as national student competitions. Study abroad programs provide ways for students to gain experience that enhance and reach outside of the classroom, further advancing their employment opportunities upon graduation.