Advertising and Public Relations Bachelor of Science Degree

To prepare grads for successful careers in two dynamic fields, RIT’s advertising and public relations major 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. 

Advertising and Public Relations Courses

The advertising and public relations major provides you with a foundation of knowledge in core communication courses that cover communication theory, visual communication, public relations, advertising, writing, campaign planning and management, media planning, public speaking, and digital design. 

You will select two professional core courses that provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of marketing, while electives and liberal arts courses provide broad knowledge and round out your curriculum.

Senior Thesis: You will conduct original research on a topic of your choosing. Two faculty members serve as advisors and guide you on how to investigate a topic, select a research method, implement the project, and present your findings. There are opportunities for you to present your research at conferences.

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.

Furthering Your Career in Advertising and Public Relations 

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.

• Advertising and Public Relations BS/Communication MS: In the advertising and public relations BS/communication MS, you will apply tech tools and data analysis to deploy advertising and public relations campaigns that connect with audiences and reach organizational goals. You will then build on this foundation by selecting research areas that focus on your career goals and provide deeper expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) use in communication, social media, visual communication, health communication, and civic engagement. 
• +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.

3+3 Accelerated BS/JD Programs

RIT has partnered with Syracuse University’s College of Law and University at Buffalo School of Law to offer accelerated 3+3 BS/JD options for highly capable students. These programs provide a fast track to law school where you can earn a bachelor’s degree at RIT and a Juris Doctorate degree at Syracuse University or University at Buffalo in six years. Interested students may apply to the option directly, with successful applicants offered admission to RIT and conditional acceptance into either Syracuse University’s College of Law or University at Buffalo School of Law.

RIT's advertising and public relations degree is one of the approved majors for the 3+3 option.

Learn more about Accelerated Law 3+3 Programs.

RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs

Whether your goal is to go into early childhood or elementary education, become a secondary education teacher with a content area specialty at the middle or high school level, or work in the higher education or counseling fields, RIT’s partnership programs with local universities provide a guided pathway to a career in teaching. 

These 4+1 or 3+2 programs enable you to earn your bachelor’s degree at RIT and a master’s degree in education at one of our partner universities. As you progress, you’ll benefit from focused academic advising, career exploration opportunities, and resources for research, learning, and skill development.  

RIT's advertising and public relations degree is eligible for RIT’s Teaching Partnership Programs.