Advertising Degrees
An advertising degree may sometimes be confused with a marketing degree, but there are differences between advertising and marketing degrees. While marketing focuses more on anticipating or predicting demand for a product, advertising focuses on creating interest in a product through commercial advertising.
Advertising programs teach students how to make products and services appeal to a targeted audience. While some entry-level advertising jobs do not require a degree, a bachelor's degree is usually preferred for most positions. Read on to learn more about the types of advertising degrees available.
The Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Advertising
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The University of Texas at Austin | $10824 | 32% | 86% | 67% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | San Jose State University | $7852 | 64% | 64% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 3 | Iowa State University | $9320 | 92% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 4 | Fashion Institute of Technology | $7990 | 54% | 80% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 5 | Florida State University | $6517 | 36% | 83% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 6 | Washington State University | $11841 | 76% | 60% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 7 | Michigan State University | $15555 | 71% | 81% | 70% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 8 | University of Georgia | $12080 | 45% | 87% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | University of Florida | $6381 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | Rowan University | $14000 | 74% | 73% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 11 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $9366 | 78% | 66% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 12 | Minnesota State University Moorhead | $8954 | 65% | 53% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $9063 | 80% | 70% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | $9619 | 94% | 60% | 90% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 15 | Ball State University | $10020 | 77% | 67% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 16 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | $13264 | 79% | 72% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | University of Central Florida | $6368 | 44% | 72% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | Temple University | $16970 | 60% | 74% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | $12688 | 69% | 77% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 20 | Grand Valley State University | $13180 | 83% | 67% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | Texas Tech University | $9300 | 69% | 61% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 22 | University of Oregon | $12720 | 82% | 74% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | Appalachian State University | $7409 | 77% | 73% | 70% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | Kent State University at Kent | $10602 | 86% | 62% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 25 | Florida International University | $6565 | 58% | 63% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | Central Michigan University | $12833 | 70% | 61% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 27 | The University of Alabama | $10780 | 83% | 71% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 28 | Marquette University | $43930 | 83% | 82% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 29 | Western Michigan University | $13017 | 80% | 57% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 30 | CUNY Queens College | $7538 | 49% | 56% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | Endicott College | $34154 | 69% | 74% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 32 | Texas State University | $10581 | 81% | 54% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 33 | Bradley University | $34610 | 70% | 77% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 34 | Drake University | $42840 | 68% | 81% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 35 | Quinnipiac University | $49280 | 70% | 77% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | South Dakota State University | $9114 | 90% | 56% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 37 | Weber State University | $5986 | No Available Data (2019-2020) | 34% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 38 | Bowling Green State University-Main Campus | $11316 | 72% | 61% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 39 | University of Colorado Boulder | $12500 | 78% | 69% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 40 | Pepperdine University | $55892 | 32% | 86% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.
Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
What Kinds of Advertising Degrees Are There?
Advertising degrees are most common at the bachelor's and master's levels, but suitable degrees for a career in advertising can be found from associate to doctoral levels. These degrees instruct students in a variety of areas pertaining to business, advertising, finance, media, and marketing.
Associate Degrees in Advertising
An associate's degree specifically in advertising is uncommon. Instead, students may choose to study business or another closely related field such as marketing. These programs are titled as Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Marketing. Students may take courses in accounting, business, business law, and marketing. This can prepare them to transfer to an advertising bachelor's degree, where there are more options. Associate degrees require around 60 credits and can take 2 years to complete.
Bachelor's Degrees in Advertising
A bachelor's degree in advertising is usually titled as a Bachelor of Science degree. Advertising degrees are typically offered through a university's school of communications, so in some cases, advertising is offered as a concentration within a communications degree.
Bachelor's degree programs in advertising instruct students in various topics related to advertising and marketing, specifically on how to create advertisements that appeal to a specific audience. Some programs require students to complete an internship and develop a portfolio that shows advertisements the student has created.
Master's Degrees in Advertising
Master's degree programs in advertising are commonly titled as Master of Science (MS) or Master of Arts (MA) degrees. Students study advertising at a more advanced level and may take courses that teach them management skills in addition to advertising.
Many programs either require or encourage an internship for practical experience. Students also spend their time working on a portfolio and thesis paper or research project. Course credits can vary by school, but most programs require 36-60 credits, and study can take up to 2 years to complete.
Doctoral Degrees in Advertising
Doctoral programs in advertising aren't as common as marketing programs, but they do exist. A Ph.D. in Advertising focuses on research and theory, with students exploring how society uses advertising and how it contributes to society. Students spend a great deal of time researching a topic of their choice and writing a dissertation about it. The time it takes to complete a Ph.D. depends on the student, but 4 years is average.
Certificates in Advertising
Certificates in advertising may be offered as stand-alone courses of study or as an undergraduate or graduate certificate taken alongside a degree program. Either way, certificates are non-degree programs and do not grant the same credentials as a degree. However, they do help individuals build knowledge and skills in a particular subject that can benefit their career.
Advertising certificates cover the basics of advertising such as strategy, copywriting, design, and communication. Some certificates may focus more on the design aspect and less on other topics.
Advertising Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
Depending on the school, concentrations may be available in an advertising degree. Students typically still take some core advertising courses, but a concentration can equip them with special knowledge and skills that can be used. These are mostly available in undergraduate programs. A few concentrations can include:
- Copywriting
- Design
- Account Management
- Brand Strategy
- Art Direction
- Media Planning
- Digital Media
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Advertising
The curriculum for a bachelor's degree in advertising typically starts out with foundational courses in business and communications. Students may learn the basics of business operations and how to communicate with potential customers through advertisements. The curriculum usually gets more specific and advanced the farther along a student is in the program. A few common courses can include:
- Introduction to Advertising
- Advertising/Marketing Research Methods
- Communications
- Media Writing
- Campaign Strategies
- Statistics
- Mass Media/Communications
How to Choose an Advertising School and Bachelor's Program
There are many schools for advertising and marketing to choose from. Students may want to consider their interests and career goals when making a decision. Advertising encompasses a mix of analytical, strategy, business, and creative skills. Making sure your interests and goals align with these skills and this type of work is an important step.
Students should consider the extracurriculars a particular school or program has to offer for advertising students. Internships, advertising/marketing/business clubs and organizations, and study abroad opportunities can shape a student's experience and provide them with potential professional contacts. In-class requirements, such as a portfolio and available electives, should also be taken into consideration.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Advertising?
Bachelor's programs typically require 120 credits of coursework, which are usually divided between 4 academic years. Students may be able to shorten the amount of time it takes to earn their degree by taking online and summer courses. If transferring to a 4-year program from a 2-year program, the time to completion may be shortened if a school has a generous transfer credit policy.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Advertising Degrees
Accreditation is an important thing to look for when deciding what school to attend. It ensures that a school is meeting academic and industry standards, giving students the best quality of education. Schools may receive regional or national accreditation, and they may be accredited as a whole or individual programs.
Common accreditation agencies for schools that have advertising degree programs include the New England Commission on Higher Education, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the Higher Learning Commission.
Advertising Licensure & Certification
Licensure and certification are not required for careers in advertising, and there aren't any industry-wide certifications that can advance one's career. Instead, career advancement may need to be achieved through extensive work experience or getting an advanced degree.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Advertising?
There are several career options for those with a bachelor's degree in advertising. Some, such as advertising sales agents, are suitable for those who are beginning their careers in advertising, while others, such as advertising managers, are suitable for professionals who want to advance their careers.
How to Become an Advertising Sales Agent
An advertising sales agent, also known as an advertising sales representative, sells advertising space to individuals and businesses. Their day may consist of tasks such as meeting clients, preparing and delivering sales presentations, and recommending the best type of advertising for a client. For example, they may advise a client on using print, television, or online ads for their business, and then sell them an ad package based on what the client chooses.
Advertising sales agents are not strictly required to have a degree, but a bachelor's degree with courses in marketing, communications, advertising, and business is commonly preferred, especially when working with large companies. Some on-the-job training is provided, particularly with entry-level positions, but strong skills in communication and sales are important. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for advertising sales agents as of 2019 is $53,310. Employment in the profession is expected to decline 6 percent from 2019-2029.
How to Become an Advertising Manager
An advertising manager is in charge of developing advertising campaigns for clients and companies. These professionals take on a more supervisory position by overseeing the staff members who create the campaigns.
A few tasks may include acting as the liaison between the client and ad agency, negotiating contracts, budgets, and plans, and hiring staff members. Some advertising managers work as advertising account executives, where they primarily manage clients' accounts and do not oversee the creation of the advertising campaign.
Advertising managers need a bachelor's degree in advertising or other related course of study as well as relevant work experience, such as sales. The BLS states that the annual median wage for advertising and promotions managers as of 2019 is $125,510. Advertising and promotions managers can expect the job outlook to decline by 1 percent from 2019-2029.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Advertising Degrees
The first step to receiving financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see which federal loans and grants you qualify for. A few requirements for FAFSA include a social security number, legal citizenship or non-citizen status, and enrollment or plan to enroll in an accredited postsecondary institution. Schools also tend to offer scholarships to students through their own programs.
Several scholarships are available specifically to students who are studying advertising or who plan to go into the advertising field. A few include:
- the American Advertising Federation-New Mexico Scholarship of $1,400 to any student in New Mexico with a marketing internship who are planning a career in advertising
- the AAF-Greater Evansville Scholarship, awarded to graduating high school students and current college students in certain counties in Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana who are majoring in advertising
- the Wongdoody Creative Black Womxn to Watch Scholarship, offered by the Wongdoody advertising company, open to Black females and womxn-identifying individuals who are enrolled in undergraduate or graduate school in advertising
Career Advancement in Advertising
Communication, organizational, creative, interpersonal, and decision-making skills are important in advertising careers of all levels. Individuals who want to advance to a higher position may want to build these skills through earning a master's or doctoral degree or by gaining first-hand experience in their current position.
For example, an ad sales representative may advance to a higher position by having a strong sales record. Higher positions in advertising, such as advertising managers, heavily rely on managerial, supervisory, and communication skills, so these skills may be the ones to focus on. Master's degrees in particular focus on the managerial aspects of advertising.
