Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations

The Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations develops knowledge and skills in advertising and public relations and a practical understanding of these fields' role within contemporary integrated communications.

This dual-track program exposes students to research-based strategic planning, development of creative materials for multiple communications platforms, and innovative uses of media for promotion, all grounded in persuasive practice ethical and moral principles. The advertising track further examines advertising's influence on society, both within national and international contexts. In contrast, the public relations track emphasizes writing and presentational skills aimed at internal and external audiences.

Students take courses that prepare them for the world's job market, including advertising and public relations planning, creative design, research, and promotion. In addition, our location in the Miami area allows students to explore unique internship opportunities within the region's numerous advertising and public relations agencies, private corporations, and non-profit groups.

Upon graduation, students will be prepared to:

Develop effective advertising and public relations campaigns,

Understand how research, strategy, and positioning interact in the context of professional communication efforts,

Craft original and creative promotional materials,

Communicate effectively with clear writing and presentational skills,

Plan effective media strategies that employ complex promotions across media platforms, and

Apply sound ethical principles in the practice of advertising and public relations, including sensitivity to the social impact of these fields in differing cultural and global contexts.

Your studies in advertising and public relations will conclude in a large capstone project where you produce a complete campaign that utilizes the knowledge acquired in all classes in your major. The campaign exposes you to real-life situations such as client meetings, strategic brainstorming, and creative design sessions.

Suppose you are interested in art and are drawn to the creative aspects of advertising and public relations. In that case, you can also further develop your production skills with interdisciplinary coursework in graphic design.

Furthermore, the Advertising and Public Relations major also offers you the chance to gain practical experience in these fields. Students in the program are encouraged to pursue internships as part of their studies. Students gain credit in their major while pursuing valuable real work experience before entering the job market.

At Barry University College of Arts and Sciences, learning is an important part of university life, emphasizing student research, internships, and service-learning. With this kind of education, you are prepared for whatever path you choose to pursue in life.

Whether you love the arts, the humanities, or the sciences, our 10 departments offer you stimulating academic programs that prepare you to meet future challenges with confidence and knowledge. As an undergraduate student, you can choose from majors within 10 departments in the College of Arts and Sciences: Biology, Communication, English and Foreign Languages, Fine Arts, History and Political Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, Physical Sciences, Psychology, Sociology and Criminology, and Theology and Philosophy.

Whether you are looking to build a career, enhance your current prospects, or broaden your perspective, our graduate programs will give you the education you need. You'll learn from faculty experienced in their fields and who are authors and editors of respected journals and scholarly books, officers in professional organizations, and recipients of professional awards. You can choose from post-baccalaureate programs within 3 departments in the College of Arts and Sciences: Fine Arts, Psychology, and Theology and Philosophy.

Our professors choose to come to Barry because teaching is important to them. Even though they are active in research, scholarship, and creative/performance activities, Barry's faculty focuses on your learning first. They will guide you to put what you learn in the classroom into practice through a wide variety of learning activities.

Our students know they can expect to turn to their professors to understand their areas of interest and life in general. Our students have published their research alongside our faculty, presented at conferences, won prizes for their work, received highly competitive awards, and been accepted at top graduate schools.

You will have many opportunities to make a difference in the world. From assisting Haitian youth in building literacy and life skills, bridging the digital divide in a Liberty City neighborhood, and fighting against domestic violence, our students are changing the world for the better.