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Communication, Advertising (BS)

About

Prepare to join the multibillion dollar advertising industry through App State’s unique, multi-track Communication, Advertising (BS) degree program. Whether you are interested in developing advertising strategy or the creative elements of an advertising campaign, the Advertising degree will prepare you for an ever-evolving and fast-paced career.

Program courses provide a foundational understanding of the field of advertising, media publishing, promotional video, social media strategies, research, professional ethics, international advertising and a thorough exploration of advertising campaigns.

As you progress through the program, you can choose either the Strategic Advertising or Creative Advertising emphasis:

  • Strategic Advertising focuses on media planning, client development and services, and consumer insights.
  • Creative Advertising focuses on graphic design, copywriting, video production and developing creative campaigns.

When you’re ready to launch your advertising career, you will be well prepared and equipped with an industry-specific professional portfolio.

More about App State’s Communication, Advertising degree

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. 

  • Alumna Profile: Mary Junell ’21
    Alumna Profile: Mary Junell ’21

    U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Mary Junell graduated 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 for all Communication majors.

View all minors

Engagement Outside the Classroom

  • AppTV offers a full range of original programming, produced by App State students.
  • The Appalachian is App State’s student newspaper. Participation on the newspaper’s staff is open to full-time undergraduate and graduate students.
  • Second Story Media, App State’s student-run communication agency, partners with university and community nonprofit clients to provide communication services.
  • 90.5 WASU-FM — known as “The App” — is dedicated to bringing the best alternative rock music to the High Country and is operated by App State students and volunteer DJs.

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 China, England, Ireland, the Netherlands and Poland.

Admission Requirements

A cumulative 2.5 GPA based on earned semester hours at App State is required prior to declaring the Communication, Advertising major.

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Why Appalachian?

  • Choose from two unique tracks of study: Strategic Advertising and Creative Advertising.
  • Gain real industry experience by being part of Second Story Media, App State’s in-house, student-run communication agency.
  • Participate in professional experiences such as field trips or internships at top companies and major advertising firms.
  • Collaborate with faculty who have industry experience and agency connections.
  • Study abroad — learn about global advertising and network with international advertising scholars and professionals.
  • Connect with a strong and successful alumni network.
  • It is possible to earn this degree fully online.

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. Kelly Davis
Acting Chair
daviskk@appstate.edu
828-262-2403

  • 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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