Welcome to the Advertising and Public Relations Program

The emphasis of a specialization in Advertising and Public Relations is two-fold: current theories in marketing, advertising, corporate communications, public relations, and communications management are combined with practical hands-on projects and external experience. Students are introduced to the techniques of writing and producing campaigns that market an idea, service, product or institution to specific audiences. We explore theories of consumer behavior and the cultural, political, and economic impact both have on society. While students have hands-on experience in creating their own advertising and public relations campaigns and marketing proposals, research, writing, critical analysis skills and presentation skills are strongly emphasized in all classes. Students earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Communications upon graduating.

Projects include market research reports, integrated marketing communications proposals, new business proposals, media kits, and corporate image and communications management case studies. Courses in Quark Xpress, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator provide students with the productions skills needed to complete assigned projects and present a professional portfolio upon graduation. We highly encourage our majors to apply for one or two internships, particularly in their senior year.