Advertising

Major, Minor

Why choose an advertising degree

Businesses continue to use digital platforms more and more to connect with audiences. That means the need for skilled advertisers, marketers and other industry professionals continues to grow! The  U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment in the fields of advertising, promotions and marketing to grow by 8% in the next ten years, twice the average rate of growth for all occupations.

You’ll develop the skills and know-how for careers at advertising agencies, in-house marketing departments, public relations firms and more. On top of that, you’ll study under accomplished faculty with professional experience from around the country.

Develop your specialty

As an advertising degree student, you'll have your choice of three specialties:

• Creative: Practice techniques to craft captivating concepts and creatively interpret strategies for copy, layouts and presentations across print, broadcast and digital media.
• Account Management: Guide the communication between an advertising professionals and clients in a crucial intersection of creativity and strategy.
• Media Buying: Explore the research techniques and interpretive skills that will set you apart in the fast-paced world of marketing communications.

Depending on your path, you’ll create compelling messaging, manage client relationships or learn to effectively promote campaigns.

Highlights of our advertising degree

As an advertising major, you'll:

• Choose a top Michigan program: Our advertising degree is one of only two programs in Michigan nationally accredited by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.
• Learn from the pros: Imagine working side by side with faculty who bring a wealth of industry experience into the classroom. In these close-knit settings, you'll the gain knowledge and the confidence to excel.
• Gain real experience with real companies: Apply what you learn in internships, CMU's campus publications and coursework projects with real clients, like: Huntington Learning Centers, Brilliance Audio, the Great Lake Loons, Bissell Home Care, Peirano Estates Vineyards and more.
• Get paid to work for CMU's campus newspaper: You'll earn experience and a paycheck by working in CM Life's "best-in-the-nation" advertising/business department. 
• Put your project to the test: Participate in CMU’s Ad Club to compete in national ad competitions! This is also a great way to attend industry-related speaking events, agency field trips and networking opportunities.