Advertising as a cultural force can have a powerful cultural impact on societies as well as brands. The rise of social media and the informed consumer has allowed advertisers to talk with (not at) consumers. Developing strategies for integrating consumers in branding decisions and developing long-term relationships with consumers are the keys to success. Therefore, the M.A. in advertising program provides training in global, social, cultural and technological sensitivity to give students the understanding needed to engage consumers in brand conversations. Strategic and conceptually rich creative messages are the conversation starters delivered to consumers using paid, earned and owned media. In addition to enhancing their understanding of traditional advertising theory and practice, students will learn about the use of social media, location-based targeting, cause marketing, viral messaging, advergaming, product placement and branded entertainment as means to create meaningful brands for customers.
Individuals graduating from this program will go on to work, either domestically or internationally, in advertising agencies as account executives, art directors, copy writers, media strategists, research analysts or account planners. A graduate of the institute will also be attractive to media organizations, marketing firms, the event management field, branded entertainment, advergaming, motion picture marketing and nonprofit organizations.