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.
Boston University is a highly reputable private research university founded in 1839 that offers students over 300 degree programs. Currently, the school has over 33,500 students from 130 countries. Boston University is internationally recognized and has an excellent faculty-to-student ratio of one to 10.
Master’s Degree in Advertising
Boston University's Master’s Degree in Advertising teaches students a variety of essential topics, including strategic brand solutions, marketing communication, and interactive marketing strategies. To qualify for graduation, students must complete 48 credits. Students learn about advertising in the real world through hands-on learning and internships.
Master’s Degree in Advertising Overview
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Tuition: $61,050/year
- Required Credits: 48 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 89%
Master’s Degree in Advertising Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
- Application Fee: $95
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: College transcripts, letters of recommendation, resume, English proficiency test for international students, and personal statement
Applying to Boston University
- Complete the application form.
- Submit online written and video responses through Kira Talent.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit a financial aid application.
- Provide all additional materials.
Clemson University was founded in 1889 and is known for its excellent business, engineering, nursing, and computer science programs. It offers over 130 graduate degrees and currently has 27,341 students enrolled in graduate and undergraduate degree programs. Clemson University has a fantastic student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to one.
Master of Science in Marketing
The Master of Science in Marketing program at Clemson University consists of 30 credits and takes ten months to complete. This marketing degree includes many excellent courses such as marketing research, internal marketing communications, and a seminar in marketing management. After graduating, students will be prepared for a high-paying job in marketing.
Master of Science in Marketing Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition (and fees): $15,558/year (in state); $38,550/year (out of state)
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 10 months
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 85%
Master of Science in Marketing Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: GRE or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) optional
- Application Fee: None
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, resume, and college transcripts
Applying to Clemson University
- Write and submit a personal statement.
- Provide your resume.
- Give two letters of recommendation.
- Submit transcripts.
- Provide a financial certification and English proficiency test (for international students only).
- Submit GRE or GMAT scores.
DePaul University was founded in 1898 and is renowned for its research facilities. It offers over 300 degree programs to its 21,670 students. The College of Communication at DePaul University offers 14 degrees, in which students have access to many internship opportunities.
Master’s in Public Relations and Advertising
This program will prepare students for a job in advertising, public relations, and integrated marketing communications. Students will cover core classwork during their Master’s in Public Relations and Advertising, including advertising foundations, business skills for strategic communication, and a research thesis. To graduate, students need to complete 48 credit hours.
Master’s in Public Relations and Advertising Overview
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $775/credit hour
- Required Credits: 48 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 71%
Master’s in Public Relations and Advertising Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: GRE (for students with GPA smaller than 3.0)
- Application Fee: $40
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Recommendation letters, resume, and personal essay (four essay questions)
Applying to DePaul University
- Complete the application form and pay the application fee.
- Submit college transcripts.
- Submit essay questions and a writing sample.
- Provide two recommendation letters.
- Send in a resume.
- Give your official GRE scores.
Michigan State University is a public research university established in 1855. It offers over 200 degree programs and guarantees good quality learning with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to one. It is rated in the top 100 research universities and currently has 49,695 students enrolled.
Master of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations
The Master of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations at Michigan State University consists of 30 credit hours and includes courses like advertising and public relations theory, introduction to quantitative research methods, and ethical practice in advertising and public relations.
Students will also conduct research for their thesis. After graduating from this advanced degree program, students will be ready for a public relations or advertising job.
Master of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations Overview
- Accreditation: The Higher Learning Commission
- Tuition: $14,710/year (in state); $28,900/year (out of state)
- Required Credits: 30 credits
- Program Length: 2 semesters at 15 credits per semester
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 71%
Master of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.25
- Standardized Tests: GRE
- Application Fee: $65
- Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree or some experience in advertising
- Other Requirements: 3 recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, a personal statement, resume, and college transcripts
Applying to Michigan State University
- Complete an application form.
- Submit all college transcripts.
- Provide any additional materials required.
- Write an English proficiency test if you are an international student.
- Wait for acceptance.
Syracuse University was launched in 1870. This private university is known for its innovation, investments in research, and excellent academic programs. The school has around 21,322 students enrolled and offers 200 degree majors.
Master’s Degree in Advertising
During the Master’s Degree in Advertising at Syracuse University, students will learn about integrated advertising campaigns, digital branding strategies, and graphic design fundamentals. After graduating with 36 credits, students can pursue a job at advertising agencies, social media companies, and corporate departments.
Master’s Degree in Advertising Overview
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $1,800/credit
- Required Credits: 36 credits
- Program Length: 1 year
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 83%
Master’s Degree in Advertising Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: GRE (optional)
- Application Fee: $45
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: College transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, resume, English proficiency test for international students, personal statement, and video interview via Kira Talent
Applying to Syracuse University
- Complete an application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Write a personal statement.
- Submit college transcripts.
- Provide three recommendation letters.
- Attend a video interview via Kira Talent.
The University of Alabama is an excellent public research university established in 1831. It offers almost 200 degree programs and is renowned for its fantastic law school. This school has around 38,320 students and an outstanding faculty.
Master of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations
This program consists of 30 to 36 credit hours and lets students choose one of two concentrations, namely public relations or advertising. This degree will help you gain knowledge of industry trends, and it will teach you how to use research-driven critical thinking.
Throughout this program, students will build an advertising portfolio. The course load for this program consists of core courses, electives, professional work experience, and a capstone course.
Master of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition: $5,390/semester (in state); $15,125/semester (out of state)
- Required Credits: 30 to 33 credits
- Program Length: 1 year
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 72%
Master of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: None
- Application Fee: $65 ($80 for international students)
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree program with 90 credits
- Other Requirements: Resume, letters of recommendation, transcripts from previous schools, English proficiency scores for international students, statement of purpose, three samples of academic or professional work
Applying to The University of Alabama
- Fill out the application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit a written or video statement of purpose.
- Send in a resume.
- Provide three samples of academic or professional work.
- Submit official transcripts.
The University of Oregon is a research-driven university, with 73 percent of students engaging in research activities. The university was founded in 1876 and offers 331 degree programs to its 22,298 students. This public research university has excellent faculty, with one faculty member being a Nobel Prize winner.
Master's Degree in Advertising and Brand Responsibility
The Master's Degree in Advertising and Brand Responsibility is a program that teaches students about essential topics through research-driven activities. This program consists of 46 credits, and the core curriculum includes brand planning essentials, writing design concepts, and strategic communication research.
Master's Degree in Advertising and Brand Responsibility Overview
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Tuition and Fees: $18,495/semester (in state); $31,455/semester (out of state)
- Required Credits: 46 credits
- Program Length: 9 to 15 months
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 74%
Master's Degree in Advertising and Brand Responsibility Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: None
- Application Fee: $70 for US citizens and $90 for international students
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Resume, portfolio, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a personal statement
Applying to University of Oregon
- Fill in an application form through UO Graduate School.
- Upload college transcripts.
- Write a personal statement.
- Submit a resume.
- Provide a portfolio.
The University of Pennsylvania was launched in 1740 and is a research-driven private school. It currently has 28,038 students enrolled and offers more than 99 bachelor's degrees and over 300 graduate degrees.
Master’s Degree in Marketing & Operations Management
This program teaches students the essential skills to become brand managers, leaders of quality management programs, or managers in the service sector. Core coursework includes marketing management, research methods in marketing, and management communication. To graduate, students need to achieve 19 credit hours.
"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"
Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot
Master’s Degree in Marketing & Operations Management Overview
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Tuition: $76,000 for the first year and $74,500 for the second year
- Required Credits: 19 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 96%
Master’s Degree in Marketing & Operations Management Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: None
- Application Fee: None
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Other Requirements: Recommendation letters and English proficiency tests for international students
Applying to University of Pennsylvania
- Complete an application form.
- Submit English proficiency test scores if you are an international student.
- Send in recommendation letters.
- Submit a transcript.
- Wait for admissions to contact you.
The University of Southern California was founded in 1870. The school is known for sustainability and its advanced marketing programs and courses. It offers many graduate and undergraduate degrees to students across its 23 different schools. Currently, this university has a total enrollment of 49,500 students.
Master of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising
During the 36-credit Master of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising, students will learn fundamental skills to enter the advertising and public relations industry. Students will complete courses including multimedia content creation for brand storytelling, writing for strategic public relations, and storytelling with data intelligence. Each student must either complete a thesis or a capstone.
Master of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising Overview
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Tuition: $2,035/unit
- Required Credits: 36 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School California Graduation Rate: 92%
Master of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising Admission Requirements
- GPA: No minimum requirement
- Standardized Tests: GRE (suspended for 2022)
- Application Fee: $90
- Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
- Other Requirements: Resume, official college transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statement, a writing sample, and English proficiency test if you are an international student
Applying to University of Southern California
- Compile all additional materials.
- Submit English proficiency test scores if you are an international student.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your application resume.
- Wait for acceptance.
The University of Texas at Austin is a research institution founded in 1883. It is a public school that offers 156 undergraduate and 139 graduate academic programs to 51,991 students.
Master's in Advertising
The Master's in Advertising at the University of Texas at Austin consists of 36 credits and takes two years to complete. Core curriculum courses include media management and theories of persuasive communication. You can do this program with a thesis and without a thesis.
Master's in Advertising Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Tuition (and Fees): $5,795/15 credits (in state); $11,327/15 credits (out of state)
- Required Credits: 36 credits
- Program Length: 2 years
- Learning Format: In-person
- NCES School Graduation Rate: 88%
Master's in Advertising Admission Requirements
- GPA: 3.0
- Standardized Tests: GRE (waived for fall 2022)
- Application Fee: None
- Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree, a basic marketing course, and a statistics course
- Other Requirements: Letter of recommendation, resume, statement of purpose, personal statement, and English proficiency test scores for international students
Applying to the University of Texas at Austin
- Fill in the application form.
- Submit TOEFL scores (for international students).
- Submit official transcripts.
- Provide any additional materials required.
- Wait for acceptance.
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
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-associate-degrees
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
[query_class_embed] how-to-become-a-*profession
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.
Advertising and promotions managers are responsible for creating advertising campaigns that attract buyers for a service or a product. They also work on increasing sales through advertising using campaign management and incentives like discounts, gifts, and coupons. These professionals use the Internet, newspapers, and in-store displays to do their job.
- Average Salary: $133,380
- Job Outlook: 10% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 31,800
- Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, New York, and Colorado
Sales managers work closely with the organization of distributing products and services. They set goals for the sales team, train team members, assign sales regions, as well as recruit and train new sales staff. You should learn sales because sales managers earn a favorable median salary and work closely with people and products.
- Average Salary: $127,490
- Job Outlook: 7% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 27,900
- Highest-Paying States: New York, Delaware, and New Jersey
Public relations and fundraising managers create an appropriate image for clients or organizations. They determine the target audience and determine the best way to reach them through advertising and promotion programs. They manage fundraising strategies, set fundraising goals, and ensure that they are achieved.
- Average Salary: $119,860
- Job Outlook: 13% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 11,300
- Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York.
Art directors work in the film, television, video game, advertisement, and live performance industries. They work with artists to create illustrations, graphs, charts, and photographs. The art director explains a vision to an artist and decides what will be communicated visually with each piece of art. They manage art projects according to vision, budget, and time.
- Average Salary: $100,890
- Job Outlook: 11% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 10,800
- Highest-Paying States: California, New York, and New Jersey
If you decide to become a market research analyst, you will be responsible for gathering data through polls, surveys, and interviews and determine consumer needs, habits, buyer behavior, and preferences. This marketing research helps these professionals determine pricing strategies, product and service demand, and potential target markets.
- Average Salary: $63,920
- Job Outlook: 22% job growth from 2020 to 2030
- Number of Jobs: 163,600
- Highest-Paying States: Washington, Delaware, New York
Best Jobs According to Your Major
[query_class_embed] jobs-for-*subject-majors
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
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/digital-marketing-masters-degrees/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-major-for-digital-marketing/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/online-marketing-degree/
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.
