Best Advertising Master’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

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

1. Complete the application form.
2. Submit online written and video responses through Kira Talent.
3. Pay the application fee.
4. Submit a financial aid application.
5. 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

1. Write and submit a personal statement.
2. Provide your resume.
3. Give two letters of recommendation.
4. Submit transcripts.
5. Provide a financial certification and English proficiency test (for international students only).
6. 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

1. Complete the application form and pay the application fee.
2. Submit college transcripts.
3. Submit essay questions and a writing sample.
4. Provide two recommendation letters.
5. Send in a resume.
6. 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

1. Complete an application form.
2. Submit all college transcripts.
3. Provide any additional materials required.
4. Write an English proficiency test if you are an international student.
5. 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

1. Complete an application form.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. Write a personal statement.
4. Submit college transcripts.
5. Provide three recommendation letters.
6. 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

1. Fill out the application form.
2. Pay the application fee.
3. Submit a written or video statement of purpose.
4. Send in a resume.
5. Provide three samples of academic or professional work.
6. 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

1. Fill in an application form through UO Graduate School.
2. Upload college transcripts.
3. Write a personal statement.
4. Submit a resume.
5. 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.

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

1. Complete an application form.
2. Submit English proficiency test scores if you are an international student.
3. Send in recommendation letters.
4. Submit a transcript.
5. 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

1. Compile all additional materials.
2. Submit English proficiency test scores if you are an international student.
3. Pay the application fee.
4. Submit your application resume.
5. 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

1. Fill in the application form.
2. Submit TOEFL scores (for international students).
3. Submit official transcripts.
4. Provide any additional materials required.
5. Wait for acceptance.

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