Finding the best advertising master’s degrees can help you start the journey to becoming an advertising manager, art director, or market research analyst. A Master’s Degree in Advertising will teach you all about advertising campaigns, strategies for advertising on social media, and the fundamentals of digital marketing.
This article goes into detail about the tuition, length, and core courses of an advertising master’s degree and what advertising master’s degree jobs you can get after graduation. Let’s dive in and help you choose which one of the best advertising master’s degrees is suited for your learning and career goals.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Advertising?
Some of the best schools where you can get a Master’s Degree in Advertising are Boston University, DePaul University, Michigan State University, and the University of Oregon. These excellent schools can help you gain hands-on experience to prepare you for your dream advertising career.
What Schools Offer the Best Advertising Master’s Degrees?
- Boston University
- DePaul University
- Michigan State University
- University of Oregon
- University of Southern California
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Advertising?
The admission requirements for a Master’s Degree in Advertising are an application form, graduate record examination (GRE) scores, transcripts, recommendation letters, a portfolio, a resume, and English proficiency test scores. Each graduate school has different requirements, but these are some of the most common requirements for an advertising master’s degree.
To study for a master’s degree, students need to have a bachelor’s degree. Some schools do not have a minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement but aim for a score of 3.0 or higher for schools with a minimum requirement. Make sure you contact your school of choice directly to find out their specific admission requirements.
Advertising Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Complete an online application form
- GRE scores
- College transcripts
- Recommendation letters
- Portfolio
- Resume
- English proficiency test scores
- Application fee
How to Get an Advertising Master’s Degree
The best way to get a Master’s Degree in Advertising is by fulfilling all the graduation requirements. Although each school has different requirements, many of them overlap. Read below about the typical requirements you need to meet to get an advertising master’s degree.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Advertising?
The number of credits for a Master’s Degree in Advertising you need is 30 to 48. This number is divided between 10 to 12 courses. Each course usually consists of three to four credit hours. Common courses include advertising foundations, marketing management, global marketing communication, and political campaigns.
Advertising Degree Requirements
- 30-45 total credits
- 15-25 general education credits requirements
- 24 elective credits
- Minimum grade point average of 3.0
- Thesis requirement
Best Advertising Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University | Master’s Degree in Advertising | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Clemson University | Master of Science in Marketing | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| DePaul University | Master’s in Public Relations and Advertising program | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Michigan State University | Master of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Syracuse University | Master’s Degree in Advertising | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| The University of Alabama | Master of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| University of Oregon | Master’s Degree in Advertising and Brand Responsibility |
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| University of Pennsylvania | Master’s Degree in Marketing & Operations Management | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Southern California | Master of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| University of Texas at Austin | Master’s in Advertising | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
Best Schools for Advertising: Top Advertising Master’s Degree Programs
The best schools for a Master’s Degree in Advertising help you get one step closer to starting a career in that field. Below we will look at the best advertising master’s degree programs and schools that will help you learn the important technical skills needed for a job in advertising.
What Is an Advertising Master’s Degree?
A Master’s Degree in Advertising is a one to two-year program that teaches students essential knowledge and skills to become a marketing manager or a market research analyst. Students will learn about advertising foundations, marketing management, digital advertising, integrated marketing communications, and consumer behavior.
To complete a Master’s Degree in Advertising, you need to have already completed a bachelor’s degree. Earning a master’s degree will also open up many opportunities. According to Statista, people who have a higher degree level earn a higher salary.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Advertising?
A Master’s Degree in Advertising is very important because students learn about consumer analysis of behavior, improve their networking and communication skills, and learn through hands-on projects and experiences. An advertising master’s degree can open up many new opportunities in the advertising industry, such as a promotions manager or a market research analyst.
What Types of Master’s Degrees Can You Get in Advertising?
You can get different types of master’s degrees in advertising like a Master of Arts, a Master of Science, and a Master of Business Administration in advertising. Before enrolling in a master’s degree in advertising, you should research the different kinds of master’s degrees in advertising and decide which type suits your advertising career goals the best.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Arts or Master of Science in Advertising?
It’s better to get a Master of Science in Advertising than a Master of Arts because careers in science, tech, and business can lead to higher-paying jobs. A Master of Arts in Advertising is theoretical and focuses on the creative aspects of advertising. What kind of master’s degree in advertising you get highly depends on your advertising career goals.
If you are interested in a career working with marketing research and working with the media, then a Master of Science will suit you best. However, if you are more creative and want to work in copywriting and the art aspect of advertising, you should pursue a Master of Arts in advertising.
What Is the Difference Between an Advertising Master’s Degree and an Advertising Certificate?
The main difference between an advertising master’s degree and a certificate in advertising is that a certificate provides students with industry and topic-specific training. A graduate certificate is short, while a master’s degree can take two years.
If you are searching for a short-term learning option to fine-tune some industry-specific skills, you should pursue an advertising graduate certificate. However, if you would like to broaden your horizons in the field of advertising and earn a higher salary, you should pursue an advertising master’s degree.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Advertising?
A Master’s Degree in Advertising costs $12,171, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Tuition costs differ depending on the school you attend and the degree program. There may also be other costs to consider, such as housing, fees, books, and travel. Visit the school’s official website to find out more specific information on the price of a degree.
The tuition for a master’s degree is often remarkably high. If you cannot afford these prices, you should consider applying for financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships. Most schools offer students financial aid, so research financial aid options or contact your school directly to find out about the options available.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Advertising Master’s Degree?
It takes approximately two years to get a Master’s Degree in Advertising, although some can be completed in less time. Most advertising master’s degree programs require students to complete 30 to 48 credit hours to qualify for graduation. If you break down the number of courses and credits by semester, each student should complete twelve credit hours each semester.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Advertising?
A Master’s Degree in Advertising is hard to get because a master’s degree program is much more complicated than an undergraduate degree. A master’s degree with a thesis is more difficult because it involves a lot of independent research and writing. If you decide to complete a master’s degree without a thesis, it will be much easier.
If you are committed to your program and enjoy the topic you are learning about, then your master’s degree will be much easier. Before you enroll in an advertising program, you should carefully read all the requirements and coursework of a program to make sure it is the right program for you.
Why Should You Get an Advertising Master’s Degree?
You should get an advertising master’s degree if you are interested in marketing and advertising and are looking for more opportunities, want to take on a leadership role, and if you want to earn a higher salary in the advertising industry.
The benefits of a Master’s Degree in Advertising also include learning skills that are essential to the field, such as consumer insights, consumer behavior, and marketing analytics. The curriculum also covers hard skills such as data analysis, advertising and marketing communication, and project management during an advertising degree. These are essential skills that can help you land high-paying jobs.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Advertising?
The Master’s Degree in Advertising course list includes strategic social media, digital branding strategy, and models for marketing strategy. Below is a list of five courses that may be included in your degree program and a breakdown of what you might learn.
Strategic Social Media
During the strategic social media course, students will learn about the history, theory, and practice of social media. This course will help students better understand this medium and enable them to analyze consumer behavior and learn about advertising on social media.
Graphic Design Fundamentals
This course will teach students the basics of graphic design and visual communication fundamentals. Students will learn about layout, typography, image editing, and conceptualization. This is a beneficial course to take because graphic design is a huge part of advertising.
Digital Branding and Strategy
The digital branding and strategy course will help students learn about the role of digital media in the advertising industry. Students will learn about consumer behavior, how people are reached on digital platforms such as blogs and social networks, and how they interpret messages on these digital platforms.
Integrated Advertising Campaign
Students will use the knowledge they have learned to create an advertising campaign and work on a professional project for a real client during the integrated advertising campaign course. Students will reinforce the knowledge they have learned through hands-on experience.
Advanced Digital Marketing
The advanced digital marketing course teaches students how to create and observe digital marketing campaigns through analytical, practical, and theoretical knowledge and skills. This course is workshop-based and encourages students to develop their creative problem-solving skills.
Continuing Education Paths for Advertising Master’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take after an advertising master’s degree is to pursue a second master’s degree or a doctorate degree. Master’s degrees are usually specialized degrees, so after a Master’s Degree in Advertising, you could pursue a specialized Master’s Degree in Marketing or another aspect of advertising or marketing.
If you are not interested in completing another two to four-year degree, you can complete a graduate certificate program that will train you in a specific field. An advertising bootcamp is another option that will teach you industry-specific knowledge in a short period of time. Bootcamps are highly reputable and intensive.
Related Advertising Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Advertising Master’s Degree Programs
Essential things to look for in a program for a Master’s Degree in Advertising are tuition cost, student-to-faculty ratio, faculty credentials, graduation rate, and career services. To help you choose an advertising master’s degree program, we have compiled a list of essential criteria to consider when looking for a school that offers this qualification.
Cost and Financial Aid
You will need to find a Master’s Degree in Advertising that has tuition costs in your price range. It is also essential to research what financial aid options are available before enrolling in a program. Financial aid like grants and scholarships will help you pay for your degree program if you cannot afford it.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
You should try to find a school with an excellent student-to-faculty ratio to ensure that you get time to work with a professor or faculty member. Working with the faculty and asking for input will help you succeed with your degree program. If the school has too many students and not enough faculty, you will get less guidance and might struggle to find your way.
Faculty Credentials
When looking for an advertising master’s degree, you should look through the information available about the faculty. Most schools have information on the faculty members on their website and degree program pages. You can see whether they have the credentials to be able to support you throughout your master’s degree.
Graduation Rate
If you look at the school’s graduation rate, it can give you a good indication of the quality of its education. If you attend a school with a high graduation rate, you can be sure that your education is of excellent quality, and you have a high chance of succeeding. If the school has an alumni network, you can also reach out to find out what the degree program is like.
Career Services
Many universities and colleges help students find a job through career services. These career services usually include preparation for your job interview, tips on creating a good resume, and one-on-one counseling sessions with expert career coaches. Find a university that offers career services so that you can get a job quicker.
What Is the Most Affordable Advertising Master’s Degree?
The most affordable Master’s Degree in Advertising is the Master of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations offered by The University of Alabama. This degree program costs $5,390 for residents and $15,125 for non-residents for every 15 credit hours. The website does not mention any other fees, so you will have to contact the school for more information about specific fees.
The total cost of this degree program over two years for 33 credits is $12,748 for residents and $33,274 for non-residents. This master’s degree at The University of Alabama can give you all the essential skills to have a successful career in advertising.
Salary and Job Outlook for Advertising Master’s Degree Graduates
An advertising master’s degree will give you all the essential skills needed, such as marketing communications, to succeed in a high-paying advertising master’s degree job. Now that we’ve reviewed the best schools and programs, we will discuss the best advertising master’s degree jobs, the average salary for each career path, and job descriptions.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Advertising Master’s Degree?
It isn’t difficult to get a job with a Master’s Degree in Advertising. The best advertising master’s degrees will prepare students for an advertising career and will teach them about market research, digital marketing, digital branding strategies, and how to create successful advertising campaigns. Students will complete real-world projects for real clients.
Graduates have a high probability of getting a job because most universities and colleges offer excellent quality career services to students. These career services help students write a resume, meet with potential employers, have one-on-one career coaching sessions, and prepare for interview questions.
What’s the Average Advertising Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for someone with a Master’s Degree in Advertising is $73,000 per year, as mentioned by PayScale. There are many different career paths for advertising master’s degree graduates, and each job has a different salary. Your annual salary also depends on various factors, including experience, location, and job type.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With an Advertising Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can get with an advertising master’s degree include brand manager, creative director, and public relations strategist. With a Master’s Degree in Advertising, you can get several good-paying jobs in many industries.
Advertising master’s degree graduates work in industries such as entertainment, retail, and telecommunications. Some of the top companies that hire advertising master’s degree holders include Google, Starbucks, Apple Inc, and DoorDash.
Advertising Degree Jobs
- Brand Manager
- Creative Director
- Media Planner
- Marketing Analyst
- Public Relations Strategist
Potential Careers With an Advertising Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Advertising?
You can make between $63,920 and $133,380 per year with a Master’s Degree in Advertising. However, your average yearly salary will depend on many different factors such as location, degree level, experience, and work performance. A master’s degree is higher than a bachelor’s degree and will ensure a higher salary than a bachelor’s degree graduate.
Continue reading below about five of the highest-paying advertising master’s degree jobs. We go into detail about each job description, job growth from 2022 to 2030, average annual salary, the number of jobs available, and the highest-paying states for advertising master’s degree graduates.
Highest-Paying Advertising Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Advertising Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Advertising and Promotions Manager | $133,380 |
| Sales Manager | $127,490 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Manager | $119,860 |
| Art Director | $100,890 |
| Market Research Analyst | $63,920 |
Best Jobs for Advertising Master’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for advertising master’s degree grads are advertising and promotions manager, sales manager, and public relations and fundraising manager. Read below to find out the annual salary of the best advertising master’s degree jobs.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Master’s Degree in Advertising Worth It?
Yes, a Master’s Degree in Advertising is worth it if you want to learn valuable hard and soft skills needed to work in the advertising industry. Some of these skills include digital marketing, graphic design, advertising fundamentals, and digital branding strategies that are taught through hands-on learning experiences.
You can complete your Master’s Degree in Advertising in two years and be ready for a job as an art director, sales manager, or market research analyst, earning a highly favorable salary. Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Advertising at an excellent school will ensure that you have access to career services that can help you find an advertising internship and job.
Additional Reading About Advertising
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Advertising Master’s Degree FAQ
Yes, there are many remote jobs for advertising master’s degree graduates. An Internet search will help you find work-from-home advertising jobs to help you start your advertising career at home and earn a highly favorable salary while in the comfort of your own space.
Yes, you can do an online advertising master’s degree. Many reputable schools offer advertising master’s degrees. An online master’s degree is a perfect fit for you if you need a flexible study schedule, you want to be able to work while studying, or simply enjoy traveling.
Yes, you can get a job in advertising without a master’s degree. Usually, you need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent to start a career in advertising, but even an associate degree can get you entry-level jobs. However, If you’re highly committed, you can find career opportunities without a master’s degree. A Master’s Degree in Advertising will ensure a higher salary and help you fine-tune essential industry-specific skills.
Yes, many schools offer accelerated master’s degree programs that enable students to complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a shorter time than if you do them after each other. An accelerated master’s degree has specific requirements, so carefully research the degree program before you enroll.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
