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Communication, Advertising (BS)

About

Are you passionate about creating ethical, responsible advertising messages? The Advertising (BS) degree at Appalachian State University will prepare you for careers in advertising agencies, small businesses, the media and internal communication departments of for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. You will learn from expert faculty with professional experience and can choose either a business or creative emphasis for your courses.

Upon completion, you will be career-ready with practical knowledge. The program is designed to assure you acquire the following skills:

  • The knowledge required for critical and strategic thinking in the practice of advertising communications.
  • The comprehension necessary to evaluate and practice advertising communications.
  • The ability to integrate problem-solving skills that allow you to create advertising solutions.
  • The understanding of advertising’s role in a globally integrated society.

The Department of Communication’s advertising major provides practical experience and networking as part of the learning process. Opportunities include annual participation in the American Advertising Federation national student competition, offering the chance to create and compete with your own advertising campaign for national brands, field trips to connect with industry leaders, and a China study abroad.

After Graduation

Employment: Some of our alumni are employed by top agencies in the industry including:

  • Crispin Porter + Bogaski (CP+B)
  • Deutsch
  • Digitas
  • Leo Burnett
  • McGarryBowen
  • MullenLowe
  • Publicis Media
  • TBWA/Chiat/Day

Graduate School: For some students pursuing a career in the creative side of advertising, it makes sense to attend a creative finishing school, such as Virginia Commonwealth University’s Brandcenter.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Alumna Profile: Sarah Mosseller ’10
    Alumna Profile: Sarah Mosseller ’10

    Sarah Mosseller ’10 is an associate creative director at David&Goliath, a Los Angeles creative agency named Ad Age Small Agency of Year. 

  • Student Profile: Mary Junell
    Student Profile: Mary Junell

    U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Mary Junell is on target to graduate in 2021 through App State Online after an undergraduate journey marked with U-turns, war zone deployments and sheer grit. She was named the 2019 Paul D. Savanuck Writer of the Year as part of the Army’s Maj. Gen. Keith L. Ware Communications Awards Competition.

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Shanshan Lou
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Shanshan Lou

    “The advertising industry is constantly changing. It really is an exciting and stimulating field, and you can expect something new every day.”

    – Associate professor Dr. Shanshan Lou, who researches the effects of new media technologies on audiences’ attitudes and behaviors and cross-cultural advertising

  • Alumna Profile: Kenzie Storrier ’19
    Alumna Profile: Kenzie Storrier ’19

    Kenzie Storrier is pursuing her master’s at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Brandcenter — one of the country’s premier creative advertising graduate programs — to become an art director.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Communication Studies (BS)
  • Communication, Electronic Media/Broadcasting (BS)
  • Communication, Journalism (BS)
  • Communication, Public Relations (BS)

Minors

A minor is required.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

  • Second Story Student Agency - a student organization that aspires to meet the communication needs of clients while providing meaningful experiences for student members.
  • The Appalachian - This is the university’s newspaper run by students for students. It features an advertising department where students are paid on commission and learn how to sell advertisement opportunities to local businesses.
  • WASU - Named mtvU’s college radio station of the year in 2012, WASU provides music and talk radio for students and the surrounding area. Students can become involved in the advertising side of the station by taking one credit hour class, completing six observation hours and passing the final exam.
  • AppTV - The department’s cable television station gives students experience in television production and also provides internship opportunities.

Global Learning

Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.

The Department of Communication has study abroad opportunities in Poland, China and Mexico.

Admission Requirements

There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University.

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programs

Degrees

Why Appalachian?

  • It is possible to earn this degree fully online.
  • This degree’s Program of Study allows students to tailor their course list for their individual career goals.
    Example: a student wanting to focus on the creative aspect of advertising can choose classes in art and design, while a student focused on the industry’s business side can take more business classes.
  • Faculty members’ industry experience deepens your connection to the industry and teaches the practical skills that complement theory.
  • The Department of Communication offers an internship coordinator to help students find internship host sites and receive class credit for their work.
  • The department has a strong alumni network that keeps alumni, faculty and current students connected.
  • A specially designed China study abroad program for advertising students in which you will network with international advertising scholars and professionals and learn about global advertising while experiencing a different culture.
  • Field trips where students gain access to industry leaders at corporations such as Lowe’s and Husqvarana as well as major advertising firms such as MullenLowe and Publicis.

Location

On campus or online

Careers

  • Advertising Account Executive
  • Advertising Copywriter
  • Advertising Manager
  • Advertising Media Planner
  • Advertising Salesperson
  • Art Director, Advertising
  • Consumer Products Salesperson
  • Corporate Designer
  • Creative Director
  • Electronic Publication Specialist Export Manager
  • Fundraising Coordinator
  • Graphic Artist
  • Illustrator, Advertising
  • Illustrator, Editorial
  • Print Production Coordinator
  • Promotion Coordinator
  • Sales Representative

View more career opportunities

Contacts

College of Fine and Applied Arts

Department of Communication

Dr. Scott Welsh
Chair
welshsm@appstate.edu
828-262-2221

  • Department of Communication

    One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department of Communication at Appalachian State University focuses on preparing students to succeed in the varied fields within the communication industry. The department offers five majors – advertising, communication studies, electronic media/broadcasting, journalism and public relations – and a minor in communication studies. Graduates work in a wide range of positions in media, corporate, agency, government and nonprofit organizations.

  • College of Fine and Applied Arts

    Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of academic departments including Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance.

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts is characterized by the educational approach of integrating theory and practice, offering students the knowledge and experience for continued education or employment. Programs within the College feature opportunities for hands-on experiential learning, international experiences and interdisciplinary engagement. The College emphasizes undergraduate teaching, while being active in grants and sponsored research. The College of Fine and Applied Arts provides a vibrant educational atmosphere, fostering the very best in teaching and learning.

    We offer:

    • BS, BA, and BFA degrees in 30 academic concentrations or specializations
    • MS degrees in 4 concentrations
    • Army ROTC program

    Community Service:

    Our students and faculty find unique ways to bring community service into the learning experience through experiences such as campus and community workshops, after-school programs for area school children, and work with local non-profits.

    Industry and Community Involvement:

    All departments are highly involved with their industry counterparts and seek opportunities to work with community partners. In addition, each department has an advisory board of industry professionals that assist in program development, internships, job placement and fundraising.

    International Education:

    The College of Fine and Applied Arts wants all students to have the opportunity for international learning experiences and has offered programs in:

    • Austria
    • China
    • Costa Rica
    • Cuba
    • Dominican Republic
    • England
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • Mexico
    • New Zealand
    • Nicaragua
    • Panama
    • Poland
    • Rwanda
    • South Africa
    • Taiwan

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