Best Advertising Schools: The Top Colleges and Universities for Advertising Programs

Cornell University was founded as a land-grant university in 1865. It is now a part of the Ivy League and is one of the most prominent universities in New York. Cornell currently has over 25,000 students enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Cornell University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 11%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, graduate certificate
• US News Ranking:17
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 22

Best Cornell University Advertising Programs

• Product Marketing Certificate. This marketing certificate focuses on value creation, profitability, and pricing strategies. It is a two-month program and is offered completely online.
• Digital Marketing Certificate. The Digital Marketing Certificate focuses on implementing digital marketing and advertising plans and understanding the entire landscape of the field.
• Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics and Management: Marketing. Students of this undergraduate program learn foundational marketing and business analytics skills in the marketing concentration. This program also offers job placement assistance.
• Master of Professional Studies in Applied Economics and Management : Marketing . This one-year graduate program teaches students about industry-specific behavioral marketing concepts and strategies. It is an in-person program.
• PhD in Management: Marketing. The PhD in Management is an interdisciplinary, immersive program that focuses on brand management and services marketing. This program is fully funded and caters to students that wish to teach at the university level.

Cornell University Advertising Key Takeaway

Cornell offers multiple marketing degrees and certificates that allow you to break into the advertising and marketing industry.

Duke University is a private research institution that was initially founded in Trinity, North Carolina, in 1838. In 1892 the university moved to Durham, where it remains today. Duke has over 16,000 students enrolled in more than 200 programs and is known for its competitive admissions and excellent study abroad opportunities.

Duke University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 8%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Degrees Offered: Master’s, PhD, graduate certificate
• US News Ranking: 9
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 23

Best Duke University Advertising Programs

• Digital Marketing Certificate. This digital marketing professional certificate teaches students how to create Google and Facebook Ads and excel at personal branding. The program is entirely online and features self-paced courses.
• Cross Continent MBA. This Master of Business program focuses on marketing with a global and international business lens.
• Daytime MBA. In the Daytime MBA program, students learn how to manage brand equity and products and learn relevant skills in all of the major functional areas of marketing.
• PhD in Marketing. The PhD in Marketing program provides students with training and research skills in a wide range of areas, including advertising testing methods, marketing, and consumer choice concepts.

Duke University Advertising Key Takeaway

Duke University offers online and in-person certificates and graduate programs that are flexible to fit your needs.

Georgetown University is a private Catholic research university that was founded in 1789 as Georgetown College. Georgetown is currently home to over 20,000 students and is known for its renowned public policy college and impressive alumni network.

Georgetown University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 17%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certificate
• US News Ranking: 23
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 130

Best Georgetown University Advertising Programs

• Digital Marketing Strategy Bootcamp. This digital marketing bootcamp is an online, 12-week course that trains students in developing a multi-channel marketing campaign.
• Social Media Management Certificate. This social media management certificate focuses on developing strategies and creating content for social media, an important medium for distributing advertising and marketing content.
• Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Advertising students in this undergraduate program will learn about consumer behavior, brand management, and strategy analytics.
• Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Marketing Communications. This graduate program allows students to study direct marketing, advertising, and social media and is offered online and in person.

Georgetown University Advertising Key Takeaway

The advertising programs at Georgetown University provide students with fundamental techniques in marketing and advertising in a wide range of learning formats.

Michigan State University is a public university founded in 1855. In 1862, MSU served as a model of the Morrill Act, which offered land grants to the state for colleges that specialized in mechanical arts and agriculture. The university now enrolls more than 50,000 students annually.

Michigan State University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 76%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 83
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 93

Best Michigan State University Advertising Programs

• MSU Digital Marketing Bootcamp. This comprehensive bootcamp is an 18-week online program that focuses on digital advertising and campaign analysis. Students will receive a certificate of completion after finishing the program that can be used to improve their resumes.
• Bachelor of Science in Advertising Management. In this highly-ranked bachelor's program, students learn about media planning and client services to understand and gain fundamental skills in advertising.
• Master of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations. In the master's program, students learn about content creation, theoretical and practical strategies of advertising, and research training.
• PhD in Communications. Doctoral advertising students will learn about social media analysis and how persuasion and social influence affect mass communication. The research skills gained in this program can be used in the broader field of advertising.

Michigan State University Advertising Key Takeaway

Michigan State University offers highly-ranked advertising-specific majors and degrees.

Northwestern University is a private university that was founded in 1851. It is the oldest chartered university in the state of Illinois. Today, Northwestern has over 20,000 students enrolled in more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Northwestern University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Master’s, PhD, graduate certificate
• US News Ranking: 9
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 24

Best Northwestern University Advertising Programs

• Integrated Marketing Communication Certificate. This five-course certificate focuses on the strategies used to market and communicate ideas to engage customers effectively. It is open to undergraduate students, and those who complete the program can obtain a master’s degree in four quarters instead of the required five.
• Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communication. In this STEM-designated graduate program, students learn how to understand consumer insights and analytics. The average length of this degree is 15 months.
• PhD in Marketing. The marketing PhD program at Northwestern focuses on important advertising concepts like consumer identity and behavior, quantitative marketing, and brand management.

Northwestern University Advertising Key Takeaway

The integrated marketing programs at Northwestern University are STEM-designated and train students in quantitative and qualitative approaches to the advertising and marketing fields.

Pennsylvania State University is a large public university that was founded in 1855 as the Farmer’s High School of Pennsylvania. In 1863, it became The Penn State University. Penn State is now home to over 88,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offers more than 275 majors in its degree programs.

Pennsylvania State University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 78%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certificate
• US News Ranking: 63
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 119

Best Pennsylvania State University Advertising Programs

• Advertising Certificate. This advertising certificate focuses on media writing and creative advertising methods . It is ideal for communication and business majors or professionals who want to improve their advertising skills.
• Bachelor of Arts in Advertising/Public Relations. This bachelor’s degree program provides a foundational framework to evaluate and understand supporters and critics of strategic communication practices.
• Master of Arts in Communication. This communication MA degree features an interdisciplinary curriculum and focuses on both theory and practice. Students of this program will work with faculty to develop an advertising-related thesis project.
• Master of Arts in Media Studies. In this master's program, students learn important theoretical and practical concepts associated with systems, networks, and mass media. The program also offers dual degrees in both MA and BA or JD and MA options.

Pennsylvania State University Advertising Key Takeaway

Penn State aims to advance students' advertising careers with flexible in-person and online classes and degree programs.

Pepperdine University is a private university that was founded in 1937 and is religiously affiliated with the Church of Christ. Pepperdine is known for its beautiful campuses in Malibu and Los Angeles and boasts more than 7,000 students in 82 different graduate and undergraduate programs.

Pepperdine University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 42%
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s
• US News Ranking: 49
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 175

Best Pepperdine University Advertising Programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Advertising. In this advertising degree program, undergraduate students focus on campaign management, core theory, copywriting, and digital strategy.
• Master of Business Administration - Marketing (online). The 52-credit online marketing master’s program focuses on organizational behavior and global marketing techniques.
• Master of Business Administration - Marketing (in-person). The in-person marketing master’s program focuses on advertising, marketing research, and product development. The program’s curriculum can be completed in 12, 15, or 20-month formats.

Pepperdine University Advertising Key Takeaway

Pepperdine University offers flexible MBA options and an in-depth bachelor's program to advertising students.

Syracuse University is a private research institution that was founded as a seminary school in upstate New York in 1831. By 1870, the university expanded its curricula and became an independent college. Today, Syracuse hosts more than 21,000 students in over 200 different degree programs.

Syracuse University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 69%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 59
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 351

Best Syracuse University Advertising Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Advertising. This BS advertising degree program focuses on advertising in a diverse society and creative thinking in media planning.
• Master of Science in Advertising. Advertising students in this 36-credit master's program are trained in graphic design, strategic advertising principles, and digital branding strategies.
• PhD in Mass Communications. PhD candidates at Syracuse will focus on specialized advertising concepts that include the influence on consumer behavior and theory in media content.

Syracuse University Advertising Key Takeaway

The Newhouse School at Syracuse University features intensive advertising programs that train students in creative advertising and communication skills.

The 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature founded the University of Arizona in 1835 as the first university in the Arizona Territory. Today, the public university offers more than 300 majors in different degree programs to over 47,000 students.

University of Arizona Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 85%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking:103
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 150

Best University of Arizona Advertising Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Marketing. In this marketing concentration, undergraduate students learn about advertising, promotional strategies, and buyer behavior.
• Master of Science in Marketing. This 30-credit marketing program highlights advertising concepts like integrated marketing communication, pricing strategies, and relationship marketing.
• PhD in Marketing. In the four-year PhD program, students learn marketing and advertising techniques from management, psychology, and sociology viewpoints. In the final two years, students will conduct research and write a dissertation in an area of interest of their choice.

University of Arizona Advertising Key Takeaway

At the University of Arizona, you can complete all levels of your advertising degree within a comprehensive, interdisciplinary curriculum.

The University of Texas at Austin is a public university that was founded in 1883 and serves as the oldest and largest flagship institution of the University of Texas System. It is home to the renowned Moody College of Communication. Today, more than 50,000 students are enrolled in its numerous undergraduate and graduate programs.

University of Texas at Austin Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 32%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 38
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 47

Best University of Texas at Austin Advertising Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Advertising. The advertising bachelor's degree program offers numerous electives to allow students to tailor their degrees. Students can also choose to earn college credit while completing internships.
• Master of Arts in Advertising. The Master of Arts degree focuses on insight, analytics, and immersive and creative content creation. In addition, it aims to help students build their portfolios.
• PhD in Advertising. The PhD degree is a four-year program that offers flexibility in its curriculum. The University of Texas is one of the only schools in the world to offer a PhD in Advertising, and students can take advantage of numerous funding opportunities, such as assistantships and fellowships.

University of Texas at Austin Advertising Key Takeaway

The Stan Richards School of Advertising at the University of Texas offers one of the only doctoral advertising programs in the world. The college features flexible ways for students to be trained in advertising fundamentals.

Getting a community college certificate in advertising is an excellent way to gain a foothold in advertising and marketing. Many of these certificates focus on career-related skills, such as digital marketing and social media. Community college certificates are typically completed in one year or less.

An advertising associate degree is a degree offered by community colleges and focuses on foundational coursework that prepares students for a bachelor’s degree curriculum or entry-level positions. Students must complete between 60 to 69 coursework credits. Full time, this credit amount takes about two years to complete. Students who opt for part-time study may take three years to finish the program.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Advertising and Marketing is an undergraduate degree program that trains students in the skills required to pursue careers in roles such as marketing managers , research analysts, or sales managers. Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts, which focuses on humanities, or a Bachelor of Science, which focuses on science and quantitative methods.

A bachelor's degree takes approximately four years of study to complete for full-time students. Students only attending a part-time program may take up to six years to complete the degree. Those transferring into a bachelor’s program with an associate degree may be able to cut the required time to two to three years, depending on their transferable credits.

A Master of Art advertising degree is a graduate degree program that focuses more on the creative side of advertising. For those more interested in the analytical side of ad campaigns, a Master of Science may be a better fit. In either degree path, students gain knowledge and practical skills necessary to advance their careers.

Master's degree programs take between a year and two years for full-time students to complete. Part-time students may take four years to acquire the 60 to 70 required credit hours required to finish the degree. Accelerated programs allow students to complete additional graduate courses while earning a bachelor's degree.

An advertising graduate certificate is a short course that typically lasts no more than 18 months. These programs generally require candidates to have a bachelor's degree. Certificates usually focus on one specific area, like digital or social media advertising, and are often pursued by advertising professionals who want to upskill or improve in a certain area of the field.

An advertising or marketing doctoral degree is a complex, intensive graduate degree program. It requires comprehensive study in a chosen subject followed by research and a dissertation or thesis before graduation.

Doctorate programs typically take about four years to complete. However, they can take as long as six years, depending on enrollment type and thesis project. Obtaining a PhD or doctorate makes degree holders experts in the field, and it is the highest educational qualification a student can pursue.

The best advertising associate degree jobs include advertising sales representatives, digital marketers, and social media specialists. These jobs are all entry-level careers in advertising and marketing. They are a great way to get started after two years of associate-level education.

Top Advertising Careers With an Associate Degree

• Advertising sales agent: $52,340
• Digital marketer: $50,911
• Social media specialist: $46,632

The best advertising bachelor's degree jobs include art director, marketing manager, and account director positions. These jobs require candidates to know a bit more than just the fundamentals of the field, and a bachelor’s degree is the typical educational requirement.

Top Advertising Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree

• User experience director: $140,124
• Art director: $100,890
• Advertising account director: $98,949

The best advertising master's degree jobs include marketing manager, public relations manager, and market research analyst roles. While some jobs don’t list a master’s degree as a minimum requirement, they require relevant management experience or certifications, which are typically earned in an MBA degree program.

Top Advertising Careers With a Master’s Degree

• Marketing manager: $133,380
• Public relations manager: $119,860
• Market research analyst: $63,920

The best advertising doctorate jobs include advertising and promotions managers, senior product managers, and professors. Having a doctorate in advertising makes you an expert in the field, and these positions require candidates to be highly skilled in both practical and theoretical concepts of advertising.

Top Advertising Careers With a PhD

• Advertising and promotions manager: $142,860
• Senior product manager: $128,156
• Professor: $79,640

The best internships for advertising students help them gain the experience needed to build a career in the industry. Marketing analyst and social media content positions are two of the primary internships available in the field. You can search on job boards and send out your resume to companies that interest you to increase your chances of being hired.

Top Advertising Internships

• MP&F Strategic Communications Marketing and Data Analytics Intern: $33K-42K
• CMS Mortgage Solutions Marketing Intern: $20 to $45 hourly
• Bay Area Muralist Social Media Content Creator Intern: $18 to $25 hourly