Smartphones, smart tech, data capturing, social media, and the ever-evolving internet landscape have changed every facet of how an audience can be reached and influenced. Connecting the right message, the right timing, and the right communication channel has never been more complex or more data-informed. For the advertising and public relations leaders of the future, being highly skilled in both the theories of persuasive communication and the tools to support it will be critical to success.
Advertising and Public Relations at RIT: Human-Centered, Tech-Infused
To prepare grads for successful careers in both advertising and public relations, RIT's program builds a broad range of essential skills to:
- Use data and technology to inform advertising strategy and track performance toward goals.
- Apply research methods and data analysis to identify and understand the needs of target audiences.
- Make data-informed decisions to select the right media platforms for reaching the right target audiences.
- Create and deliver messaging that persuades and compels action.
- Plan and manage campaigns to support advertising and public relations goals.
A core of required communication courses sets a foundation with courses in communication theory, visual communication, public relations, advertising, writing, campaign planning and management, media planning, public speaking, and digital design.
A professional core of marketing courses provides a deeper understanding and appreciation of marketing, while electives and liberal arts courses complete the curriculum.
Senior Thesis: Students conduct original research on a subject of their choosing. Two faculty members serve as advisors and guide each student on how to investigate a topic, select a research method, implement the project, and present their findings. Students often present their research at conferences.
Advising: Every student in the School of Communication is assigned a professional academic advisor and a faculty mentor. Professional advisors assist with course planning and registration. Faculty mentors provide advising on career development and planning, including information about research opportunities, graduate school, and jobs. Peer mentors, who are upper-level advertising and public relations students, are also available to answer questions about classes, clubs on campus, student-run activities, and other matters from the student's perspective. For more information, please refer to the college's academic advising page.
Double Majors, Minors, and Immersions for Your Career Goals
Adding a second area of study as a double major, a minor, or immersion can round out your skill set, give you an edge in the job market, and ensure that your education supports your career goals. RIT offers more than 127 minors, 75 immersions, 79 majors, and nearly endless possibilities for combining them so you can customize your path to success in any industry niche. See a complete list of RIT's minor and immersion options.
RIT's Pre-Law Program
Law schools welcome applications from students majoring in a wide range of academic programs. RIT's pre-law program will help you navigate the admission process for law school, explore a range of legal careers, and guide you through course selection to ensure you build the skills and competencies required of competitive law school applicants. The program is open to students in all majors who are interested in pursuing a career in law.
RIT/Syracuse University College of Law 3+3 Option
RIT has partnered with Syracuse University's College of Law to offer an accelerated 3+3 BS/JD option for highly qualified students. This option provides a fast-track pathway to law school where you can earn a bachelor's degree and a Juris Doctorate in six years. You may apply to the 3+3 option directly. Successful applicants are offered admission to RIT and given conditional acceptance into Syracuse University's College of Law.
RIT's advertising and public relations degree is one of the approved majors for the 3+3 option. Learn more about the RIT/Syracuse University College of Law 3+3 Option, including admission requirements and frequently asked questions.
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Today's careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT's Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.
+1 MBA Early Acceptance Pathway: Successful RIT applicants who are offered admission into the BS degree in advertising and public relations as an incoming first-year student may also be offered conditional early acceptance into the +1 MBA Early Acceptance Pathway. This option enables you to earn both your BS degree and an MBA in as little as five years of study. Learn how the +1 MBA Early Acceptance Pathway can help you add a competitive advantage to your studies.
+1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor's degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.
