Advertising & Public Relations

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Your future as a strategist, creator and communicator starts here.

Advertising and Public Relations (Ad & PR) students specialize in creative ideation and strategic planning and are prepared to manage communication programs for brands and organizations. Increased reliance on social and digital media platforms to communicate with consumers continues to drive career growth in Ad & PR with strong workforce demand for skills in strategic writing, content creation and distribution, relationship management, data-driven decision-making, account management, media planning, reputation and crisis management and media relations.

Become an account executive at an advertising or public relations agency, oversee social media and fan response strategies for a national brand or become a media director or community relations specialist for an entertainment venue or sports team. The possibilities are endless.

Bachelor’s in Ad & PR

Unlock the skills and experience needed to be successful in advertising, public relations, digital media and brand communications.

Professional Certificates

Earn certificates in a variety of emphasis areas offering preparation for a wide range of professional positions and career fields - including social media management and sports communications.

Social Media Immersion

Immerse yourself in Social Media Week, bringing together students, educators and industry professionals to provide opportunities for maximizing the power of social media.

Program Highlights

Career and industry-focused courses and programs built by Ad & PR industry professionals.
Nationally and internationally recognized faculty who are industry and academic experts and outstanding in their engagement with students.
Award-winning, nationally affiliated student organizations that offer opportunities for hands-on experience, access to professional networks, and exclusive internships, job listings, and scholarships.
Exciting new courses in social media influencing, social media content development, digital brand strategy, podcasting, and sports and entertainment communications.
The only major university in Kansas to offer an Ad & PR-focused degree.
On-campus and online courses to fit the busy schedules and changing needs of today’s degree seekers.

Careers in Ad & PR

Today more than ever, communities, organizations, and businesses need professionals who can effectively communicate with diverse audiences across a variety of media channels. Ad & PR graduates accept positions as advertising account executives, public relations and communications specialists, brand managers, fundraising and development officers, publicists, social media managers, copywriters, and more. Some will even start their own businesses and consulting agencies.

Exciting Courses

Students will complete a core set of courses in advertising and public relations foundations, writing, strategic planning, brand strategy, media diversity, content development, and campaign building. Students will also tailor their degree through a combination of:

12-credit hour personalized pathway, or niche area of study, including social media, creative design, insight and strategy, brand and corporate messaging, or choose your own pathway to align with your career interests.
Electives in various topics such as social media, global communications, and strategic communications in tourism, public health, sports, and entertainment industries.

Finally, students will put into practice their conceptual knowledge and hands-on learning through internship experience and a campaigns capstone in which students work with a real-world client to solve a business challenge with advertising and public relations strategies and tactics.

Ad & PR Curriculum Guide

Enhanced Student Experiences

Ad & PR students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular experiences to build an impressive personal and professional portfolio of work:

K-State Ad Club and Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) - take part in creative projects for real-world businesses, apply what you’ve learned in national competitions, attend industry conferences, and network with professionals. Learn more
A.Q. Miller School Ambassador - plan student events, design and develop communication materials, and create social media content. Learn more
Student Media Opportunities - produce a lifestyle magazine, host a sports podcast, manage a student housing app, or write for an online college news platform. Learn more

Certificates

Scholarships

Between the amount of extra-curricular activities and professional development opportunities that were available to me, I graduated with the knowledge and skills necessary to seek out the career I wanted for myself.

Grant Thompson, Publicity Assistant at Permanent Press Media

The school provided me with a one stop shop for all the support, resources, and skills to secure my first big girl job. I really appreciated the diverse professional background my professors had.

Bailey Driver, Marketing and Communications Manager at LANE4 Property Group and Owner/Founder of BrandedxBee graphic design

Career & Industry-Focused Experiences

Award-winning, national affiliated student clubs and organizations allow students the opportunity to get hands-on experience, network with professionals and access exclusive internships, job listings and scholarships.

Learn more