Overview
Students majoring in Advertising choose between two distinct paths: Advertising Management or Creative Advertising. Students who choose the Advertising Management track will learn about the business side of Advertising, which focuses on consumer behavior, research, media planning, account planning, and account management. Graduates of this track will be prepared for jobs in areas such as account planning, account management, consumer research, media planning, and advertising entrepreneurship. Students who choose the Creative Advertising track will take courses in graphic design, copywriting, and art direction and will graduate with a marketable portfolio of creative work. Graduates of this track will be prepared for jobs as copywriters, graphic designers, or art directors.
Our Advertising program has ties to the American Advertising Federation (AAF), maintains a student chapter of AAF, and also participates in the National Student Advertising Competition each year.
The Advertising Creative track can fulfill either the Arts & Humanities or the People & Society area of knowledge requirement. The Advertising Management track fulfills the People & Society area of knowledge requirement.
Curriculum Requirements for Advertising - Creative Track
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| STC 114 | Principles of Advertising | 3 |
| STC 200 | Advertising Strategy Development | 3 |
| COM 250 | Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics | 3 |
| Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Requirement | ||
| Writing Skills Course: | ||
| JMM 108 | Writing for the Digital Age | 3 |
| Presentation Skills Course: | ||
| COS 211 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Digital Skills Course: | ||
| STC 102 | Graphic Design for Strategic Communication | 3 |
| STC Courses | ||
| STC 202 | Advanced Graphic Design for Advertising | 3 |
| STC 231 | Creative Advertising Concepts and Copywriting | 3 |
| STC 331 | Advanced Copywriting | 3 |
| or STC 390 | Art Direction | |
| or STC 303 | Typography and Brand Design | |
| STC 384 | Advertising Creative Strategy and Execution | 3 |
| STC 434 | Advertising Campaigns | 3 |
| STC 496 | Advertising Portfolio Development | 3 |
| Select two additional Advertising Electives 1 | 6 | |
| Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication | ||
| Advanced Graphic Design and Photography | ||
| Typography and Brand Design | ||
| Project Management for Advertising | ||
| Advanced Copywriting | ||
| Social Media Messaging and Strategies | ||
| Digital and Mobile Advertising | ||
| International and Cross-cultural Advertising | ||
| Advertising Internship | ||
| Media Buying and Advertising Sales | ||
| Art Direction | ||
| Seminar in Advertising and Society | ||
| Public Opinion and Mass Communication | ||
| Social Media Analytics | ||
| International Public Relations | ||
| Integrated Marketing Communication | ||
| Special Topics in Advertising | ||
| The Business of Account Management | ||
| Mobile Application Development | ||
| Marketing Requirement | ||
| MKT 301 | Marketing Foundations | 3 |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| WRS 105 | First-Year Writing I | 3 |
| WRS 106 | First-Year Writing II | 3 |
| or ENG 106 | Writing About Literature and Culture | |
| STC 103 (Double Counts for Major and Math Requirement) | ||
| People and Society Cognate | 9 | |
| STEM Cognate | 9 | |
| Minor or Second Major and Electives | 51 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Curriculum Requirements for Advertising - Management Track
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| STC 114 | Principles of Advertising | 3 |
| STC 200 | Advertising Strategy Development | 3 |
| COM 250 | Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics | 3 |
| Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Requirement | ||
| Writing Skills Course: | ||
| JMM 108 | Writing for the Digital Age | 3 |
| Presentation Skills Course: | ||
| COS 211 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Digital Skills Course: | ||
| STC 102 | Graphic Design for Strategic Communication | 3 |
| STC Courses | ||
| STC 233 | Writing for Advertising Account Management | 3 |
| STC 312 | Research Methods for Advertising | 3 |
| STC 388 | Media Planning | 3 |
| STC 434 | Advertising Campaigns | 3 |
| Select 6 credits in STC courses with a Strategy & Research, Management or Media Focus: | 6 | |
| Project Management for Advertising | ||
| Media Buying and Advertising Sales | ||
| Advanced Research Methods for Advertising | ||
| Advanced Business and Advertising Strategy Development | ||
| Social Media Analytics | ||
| The Business of Account Management | ||
| Advertising Management | ||
| Select two additional Advertising Electives 1 | 6 | |
| Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication | ||
| Advanced Graphic Design for Advertising | ||
| Advanced Graphic Design and Photography | ||
| Project Management for Advertising | ||
| Advanced Copywriting | ||
| Social Media Messaging and Strategies | ||
| Digital and Mobile Advertising | ||
| International and Cross-cultural Advertising | ||
| Advertising Internship | ||
| Media Buying and Advertising Sales | ||
| Art Direction | ||
| Seminar in Advertising and Society | ||
| Public Opinion and Mass Communication | ||
| International Public Relations | ||
| Integrated Marketing Communication | ||
| Special Topics in Advertising | ||
| The Business of Account Management | ||
| AAF National Student Advertising Campaign Competition | ||
| Advertising Entrepreneurship | ||
| Structured Research and Practice at SoC Consultancy (Orange Umbrella) | ||
| Introduction to Intercultural Communication | ||
| Intercultural Communication: International Perspectives | ||
| Communication Law and Policy | ||
| Media Industry Trends | ||
| Marketing Requirement | ||
| MKT 301 | Marketing Foundations | 3 |
| Marketing Elective | ||
| MKT 310 | Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategy | 3 |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| WRS 105 | First-Year Writing I | 3 |
| WRS 106 | First-Year Writing II | 3 |
| or ENG 106 | Writing About Literature and Culture | |
| STC 103 (Double Counts for Major and Math Requirement) | ||
| Arts and Humanities Cognate | 9 | |
| STEM Cognate | 9 | |
| Minor or Second Major and Electives | 51 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 123 | |
- 1
Students must complete at least one course with an international or intercultural focus. Courses that meet this requirement include: STC 350, STC 482, COS 343, COS 545, and MKT 360. Other courses may be used to fulfill this requirement with the approval of an Advertising faculty advisor. Studying abroad also fulfills this requirement.
- *
Electives outside the Advertising major (but within the School of Communication) must be approved by the Chair of Strategic Communication.
- *
School of Communication students are required to complete a minimum of a minor (inside or outside of the school) in addition to their Communication major to graduate. For an optional 2nd major, please see your advisor.
- *
School of Communication students must complete 6 credits of Written Communication Skills unless exempt based on SAT/ACT score or AP/IB exam, 3-6 credits of Mathematics, http://www.miami.edu/cognates/ and the Advanced Writing and Communication Skills Proficiency requirement.
Upper Level Elective Requirement
36 credits at the 300 level or higher are required for graduation. These credits may be earned from your major, minor and/or second major, and electives.
Suggested Plan of Study for Advertising - Creative Track
| Freshman Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| STC 114 | Principles of Advertising | 3 |
| STC 103 or MTH 113 | Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication (Course also satisfies School's Math requirement) or Finite Mathematics | 3 |
| JMM 108 | Writing for the Digital Age | 3 |
| WRS 105 | First-Year Writing I | 3 |
| People and Society Cognate | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| STC 102 | Graphic Design for Strategic Communication | 3 |
| STC 200 | Advertising Strategy Development | 3 |
| COM 250 | Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics | 3 |
| WRS 106 or ENG 106 | First-Year Writing II or Writing About Literature and Culture | 3 |
| STEM Cognate | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| STC 202 | Advanced Graphic Design for Advertising | 3 |
| STC 231 | Creative Advertising Concepts and Copywriting | 3 |
| People and Society Cognate | 3 | |
| STEM Cognate | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| COS 211 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| MKT 301 | Marketing Foundations | 3 |
| Select 3 credits in STC/COM Electives with an International or Intercultural Focus: | 3 | |
| International and Cross-cultural Advertising | ||
| International Public Relations | ||
| Introduction to Intercultural Communication | ||
| Intercultural Communication: International Perspectives | ||
| People and Society Cognate | ||
| STEM Cognate | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| STC 384 | Advertising Creative Strategy and Execution | 3 |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| STC 390, 331, or 303 | Art Direction or Advanced Copywriting or Typography and Brand Design | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication | ||
| Social Media Messaging and Strategies | ||
| Digital and Mobile Advertising | ||
| Advertising Internship | ||
| Media Buying and Advertising Sales | ||
| Seminar in Advertising and Society | ||
| Public Opinion and Mass Communication | ||
| Integrated Marketing Communication | ||
| Special Topics in Advertising | ||
| The Business of Account Management | ||
| Mobile Application Development | ||
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| STC 434 | Advertising Campaigns | 3 |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| STC 496 | Advertising Portfolio Development | 3 |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Suggested Plan of Study for Advertising - Management Track
| Freshman Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| STC 103 | Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication | 3 |
| STC 114 | Principles of Advertising | 3 |
| JMM 108 | Writing for the Digital Age | 3 |
| WRS 105 | First-Year Writing I | 3 |
| STEM Cognate | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| STC 102 | Graphic Design for Strategic Communication | 3 |
| STC 200 | Advertising Strategy Development | 3 |
| COM 250 | Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics | 3 |
| WRS 106 or ENG 106 | First-Year Writing II or Writing About Literature and Culture | 3 |
| STEM Cognate | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| STC 233 | Writing for Advertising Account Management | 3 |
| COS 211 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities Cognate | 3 | |
| STEM Cognate | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| STC 312 | Research Methods for Advertising | 3 |
| STC 388 | Media Planning | 3 |
| Select 3 credits in STC/COS Electives with an International/Intercultural Focus: | 3 | |
| International and Cross-cultural Advertising | ||
| International Public Relations | ||
| Introduction to Intercultural Communication | ||
| Intercultural Communication: International Perspectives | ||
| Arts and Humanities Cognate | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Junior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| MKT 301 | Marketing Foundations | 3 |
| Arts and Humanities Cognate | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Select 3 credits in STC courses with a Strategy & Research, Management or Media focus: | 3 | |
| Media Buying and Advertising Sales | ||
| Advanced Research Methods for Advertising | ||
| Advanced Business and Advertising Strategy Development | ||
| Social Media Analytics (Minor or Second Major Course or Elective) | ||
| The Business of Account Management | ||
| Advertising Management | ||
| Select 3 credits in one of the following electives: | 3 | |
| Statistical Reasoning for Strategic Communication | ||
| Advanced Graphic Design for Advertising | ||
| Project Management for Advertising | ||
| Social Media Messaging and Strategies | ||
| Digital and Mobile Advertising | ||
| Advertising Internship | ||
| Seminar in Advertising and Society | ||
| Advertising Entrepreneurship | ||
| Public Opinion and Mass Communication | ||
| Integrated Marketing Communication | ||
| Special Topics in Advertising | ||
| AAF National Student Advertising Campaign Competition | ||
| Structured Research and Practice at SoC Consultancy (Orange Umbrella) | ||
| Communication Law and Policy | ||
| Media Industry Trends | ||
| Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategy | ||
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Senior Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Select 3 credits in STC courses with a Strategy & Research, Management or Media Focus | 3 | |
| Media Buying and Advertising Sales | ||
| Advanced Research Methods for Advertising | ||
| Advanced Business and Advertising Strategy Development | ||
| Social Media Analytics | ||
| The Business of Account Management | ||
| Advertising Management | ||
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| STC 434 | Advertising Campaigns | 3 |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Second Major Course or Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Mission
The mission of the advertising program is to introduce students to advertising theory, research, and client services to prepare them for an advertising career. The program prepares students to be critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and globally aware professionals. In addition, in preparation for the ever-evolving advertising industry, students can elect to study general advertising or concentrate their efforts by specializing in advertising management or creative advertising.
Goals
The advertising program aims to prepare students to be critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and globally aware professionals in an ever-changing and ever-evolving industry.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to conduct primary and secondary research, analyze data, interpret the results, and communicate the results using statistical analysis and software for data analysis.
- Students will develop a budget and media plan to meet reach and frequency goals for a given client, meaning that they can identify the appropriate target audience(s) and reach them effectively with strategically selected media within a limited budget.
- Students will be able to create advertisements for a variety of media, applying appropriate design, art direction, and copy writing skills. Students will also be able to develop an effective creative strategy and campaign executions across multiple media to meet client objectives for campaign development.
