Advertising and Public Relations

Overview

Students in the Advertising and Public Relations program from West Virginia University select an area of emphasis (AOE) in either advertising or public relations to complement their strategic communications coursework. Both majors require creativity and critical thinking.

Students build skills in writing, research, strategy, design, digital and social media, as well as the history and laws that provide a foundation for their field. They may further their expertise through such courses as Martin Hall Agency, crisis communication, International communication, event planning, advocacy communication, visual storytelling, media planning, influencer marketing and study abroad experiences. Students plan and produce promotional and educational campaigns and materials for actual clients, which include local businesses, nonprofits and communities, as well as larger grant-funded projects that impact our state. As a result, students gain real-world experience that can lead to careers in advertising and public relations agencies, corporations, nonprofits, government, education, entertainment, sports, healthcare, and other public-sector fields.

Students who select the advertising AOE within the advertising and public relations major obtain a solid foundation in creative copywriting and design, media planning, audience insights and analysis, and campaigns. Additional courses in interactive marketing, strategic social media and account management are available to round out students’ individual interests. They go on to work at advertising and marketing agencies, within corporate communications offices, as media planners, or as consultants and business owners. The advertising curriculum affords a solid foundation for law or other specialized graduate programs.

Students who select the public relations AOE within the advertising and public relations major take courses in strategic writing and social media, design, audience research and analysis, and campaigns. Other courses that apply to the major include special event planning, crisis communication, multi- and interactive media, international public relations and influencer marketing. Students go on to work at communications agencies, in government, health care organizations, nonprofits, corporations and politics. Those students who wish to go on to graduate school have a solid grounding in writing, research, analysis and communications.

Careers

• Advertising Sales Agents

• Advertising and Promotions Managers

• Art Directors

• General and Operations Managers

• Meeting, Convention and Event Planners