Bachelor of Science - Advertising and Public Relations (Co-op)

In RIT's advertising degree students will be prepared to create persuasive messages for a variety of traditional and emerging media platforms, including social media. Analyze audiences, write copy, select media platforms, and manage campaigns. The degree combines courses in communication, advertising, public relations, and marketing to prepare students for the overlapping roles of advertising and public relations professionals.

The fields of advertising and public relations are rapidly changing now that the Internet and mobile devices like smart phones and tablets have influenced the way professionals reach audiences. Unique opportunities and exciting challenges lie ahead in the advertising and public relations field. The major combines advertising, public relations, and marketing to address the overlapping roles of communication professionals.

Students will learn how to create persuasive messages for a variety of traditional and emerging media platforms. They will analyze audiences, write copy, select media, and manage campaigns. The major also features a senior thesis and one semester of cooperative education or internship experience. 

Students develop skills through a core of required communication courses, which cover communication theory, visual communication, public relations, advertising, writing, campaign planning and management, media planning, public speaking, and digital design. A professional core of three marketing courses, chosen by the student, provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of marketing. Electives and liberal arts courses complete the curriculum.