Advertising Major

Advertising

Advertising is so much more than creating effective, persuasive ads; it’s about developing brands and connecting to people.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising gives students the chance to connect with people through different media forms, by selecting the right audience, uncovering consumer insights and developing strategic and creative messaging, all with a digital-first mindset. Curriculum focuses on the advertising industry and the social responsibilities associated with this exciting form of persuasive media.

With a curriculum focused on strategy, students learn the skills necessary to develop effective communications. Kent State's degree in advertising provides deep instruction on specific skills, culminating with full advertising campaign development. Coursework is supplemented with an internship. Students graduate ready for a career planning, buying and creating materials for digital and traditional outlets.

View Advertising Requirements

Student Experience

Students further develop and hone their skills through their required internship and a variety of extra-curricular opportunities:

  • Franklin Advertising: Advertising-focused student group that forms professional connections through agency tours, speaker series (local and national industry leaders) and a trip to NYC for Advertising Week each fall. 
  • Ideabase: Kent State's fully functional, professional advertising/marketing firm serving local businesses
  • Student Media: Opportunities to serve as advertising representatives to the local community, publication marketing managers for student-run publications and in content creation jobs (social media, sponsored content) 
  • Study Away/Abroad: Communication-based programs offered in Lisbon, Florence and Prague

Career Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects increasing demand for advertising-related careers through 2029: marketing research analysts (18%), public relations specialists (7%), sales/membership account managers (8%) and advertising/promotions managers (6%). Median salaries range from $54,940 to up to $141490. 

 

Advertising graduates of the last decade work for nationally known organizations like:

  • Nestle 
  • TTI Floorcare
  • Harley Davidson Dealer Systems, Inc.
  • Macy's 
  • Nike
  • GNC
  • Cleveland Clinic
  • Talking Rain Beverage Co.
  • KeyBank

They also work at media companies and agencies throughout the country:

  • Brokaw Agency (Cleveland)
  • Marcus Thomas LLC (Cleveland)
  • Geometry Global (Cleveland, New York City)
  • T3 (Austin, Texas)
  • Starcom Media (Chicago)
  • MullenLowe (Los Angeles)
  • Oath/Yahoo (San Francisco)

 

Ellie Plessinger, '17 - Market Research Analyst, Cleveland Clinic

Headshot of Ellie Plessinger
“I’m grateful for all the opportunities the School of Media and Journalism provided me during college. The applicable curriculum, required internship credits, and the variety of organizations co-led by current and previous professionals, gave me clear direction on what I desired in a career and how pursue it.” 

More Alumni

  • Senior Creative, RYOT Studios (NYC)

    Senior Creative, RYOT Studios (NYC)

    Isaac Versaw launched his career in advertising and visual communication design in New York City. At his job at RYOT, an immersive film studio that started by making social impact documentaries, his work is focused on advocacy and action.

    Learn More

  • Partner and Director of Client Leadership, Ketchum

    Partner and Director of Client Leadership, Ketchum

    Partner, Director of Client Development 
    Ketchum, Global PR Firm

    Learn More

National Recognition

Kent State students Noah Lewchenko and Ashley Heilman presented an integrated marketing campaign at Subaru's headquarters and took second place in the national Effie Collegiate competition.

Kent State has placed in the top tier of the Effie Collegiate Brand Challenge from 2019-21 and in 2016. This competition gave students the chance to work with well-known brands like Subaru, Bose and V8. In 2019, advertising students earned second place for creating a marketing campaign that reinvented the car buying process for young consumers. They presented in front of senior executives at Subaru’s headquarters. 

 
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