Overview

The M.A. in Advertising provides students with knowledge of the ever-changing field of advertising and prepares them for management-level jobs that encompass important skills such as strategy development, research, media planning, and data analytics. 

Admission Requirements

A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution
• The School's official application
• An $85.00 non-refundable application fee
• Three letters of recommendation
• 500-work typed statement of academic and professional goals
• Official transcripts of all college work, both undergraduate and graduate.
• Note: In addition, international applicants must send a copy of their diploma for all degrees earned, and all documentation that confers their degree, with English translation.
• Note: All transcripts must be the original document, forwarded directly from the University: Xerox copies, true copies, notarized copies and other types of copies are not acceptable.
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (Only for International applicants)
• Copy of current passport (International applicants only)
• CV / resume

Curriculum Requirements 

Core Courses
COM 601Theories of Communication3
COM 602Foundations of Quantitative Communication Research Methods3
or COM 603 Qualitative Research Methodologies
STC 610Advertising Foundations in a Global Society (Advertising Foundations in a Global Society (NEW COURSE))3
STC 611Consumer Insights and Engagement Strategies (Consumer Insights and Engagement Strategies (NEW COURSE))3
STC 692Advertising Practicum (Advertising Practicum (NEW COURSE))3
Core Electives
Choose one from the following:3
Project Management for Advertising (Project Management for Strategic Communication (NEW COURSE))
Media Strategies and Planning (Media Strategies and Planning (NEW COURSE))
STC 681
(Business of Account Management (NEW COURSE))
Advertising Electives
Select four from the following:12
Advertising Entrepreneurship (Advertising Entrepreneurship (NEW COUSRE))
Consumer Insights among US Hispanic Markets (Consumer Insights among US Hispanic Markets (NEW COURSE))
Advanced Business and Advertising Strategy Development (Advanced Business & Advertising Strategy Development (NEW COURSE))
Project Management for Advertising (Project Management for Strategic Communication (NEW COURSE))
Design for Strategic Communication
Social Media Strategies
Social Media Analytics
International Advertising (International Advertising (NEW COURSE))
Multicultural and Inclusive Advertising (Multicultural & Inclusive Advertising (NEW COURSE))
Media Strategies and Planning (Media Strategies and Planning (NEW COURSE))
STC 681
(Business of Account Management (New Course))
Advertising Management (Advertising Management (NEW COURSE))
Advanced Projects and Directed Research in Strategic Communication
General Electives6
Students must take 6 credits of electives outside of advertising. Courses should be selected in consultation with the Program Director.
Total Credit Hours36

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
Year One
FallCredit Hours
COM 601 Theories of Communication 3
STC 610 Advertising Foundations in a Global Society 3
COM 602 Foundations of Quantitative Communication Research Methods 3
 Credit Hours9
Spring
STC 611 Consumer Insights and Engagement Strategies 3
Core Elective 3
Advertising Elective 3
 Credit Hours9
Year Two
Fall
Advertising Elective 3
Advertising Elective 3
Outside Elective 3
 Credit Hours9
Spring
Advertising Elective 3
Outside Elective 3
STC 692 Advertising Practicum 3
 Credit Hours9
 Total Credit Hours36

Mission

This program provides students with an advanced understanding of the advertising industry and how to effectively connect with consumers in a diverse, technologically savvy world.

Goals

The goals are to:

  • prepare students for a constantly evolving market impacted by globalization and cross-cultural dynamics;
  • give students the knowledge, skills and acumen needed to conduct consumer research, analysis, and insights appropriate for advertising and management positions; and
  • prepare students to succeed in advertising agency positions that require graduate-level expertise.

Student Learning Outcomes

Outcome 1

Students will demonstrate an advanced understanding of how globalization and cultural differences impact key aspects of the advertising process, such as consumer insight, research, media planning, and creatives. 

Outcome 2   

Students will demonstrate that they can define a problem and conduct research to generate consumer insights.

Outcome 3

Students will be able to evelop advertising strategies and impact evaluations to address real-world problems in the advertising context.

Outcome 4

Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate orally and present advertising insights, strategies, and plans clearly and effectively.