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, affects, and draws 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.

Admission as a Junior

Enrollments in the Advertising program are limited. In addition to the university and college requirements, students must complete Advertising 205, and Psychology 101 with a combined minimum grade–point average of 2.00.

To be considered for admission, upper-division students transferring from other institutions must have completed the required courses for admission as a junior referenced above with a combined minimum grade–point average of 2.00.

For additional information about procedures for admission as a junior, students should contact the Coordinator of Undergraduate Student Affairs, College of Communication Arts and Sciences.

Admission to a Second Bachelor's Degree Program  or an Additional Major

The ability of the Advertising program to accommodate students seeking admission to a second bachelor's degree program or an additional major is limited. At a minimum, these students must meet the same requirements as for admission to the advertising major as a junior.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts  Degree in Advertising

1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of the catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Advertising.
   
   The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Advertising major is met by completing Advertising 486.  That course is referenced in item 3. a. below.
2. The requirements of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences for the Bachelor of Arts degree.
3. The following requirements for the major.