Communication Arts: Advertising and Public Relations

Our comprehensive program will teach you to think on a multidimensional level. You'll learn strategic planning, integrated marketing and tactical execution techniques used in the advertising, public relations and special events industries. You'll be prepared for a career in these and other fields and will benefit from hands-on training in our computer labs, media production suites and from serving in leadership positions on the University's newspaper, The Wood Word.

The department also offers students a number of opportunities to enhance their education. These include professional internships, independent studies, and membership in professional and student-based organizations, such as the AAF and PRSSA. 

Specifically, the program includes the following objectives:

1. To teach the student advertising and public relations communication skills.
2. To introduce the student to the characteristics of information and persuasion in the various mass media.
3. To acquaint the student with demographic concepts and skills.
4. To develop student skills in written and oral communication.
5. To develop student skills in communication graphics, desktop publishing and PC-based presentation.
6. To emphasize practical applications in advertising and public relations through integrated hands-on skills training as well as in-class and extracurricular activities.
7. To explore integrated media concepts and their practical applications.