Program Overview
Advertising is a multi-trillion-dollar economic engine at the center of the global economy and a primary means of advocacy, influence, and social issue persuasion. The professional communication field of advertising is at the forefront of innovation in individual behavior, technology, and society. Advertising strategies and tactics influence, and are influenced, by popular culture trend cascades, changing market preferences, social norms, and complex consumer behaviors.
State of the art Advertising practices utilize a complex variety of strategies, techniques, theories, methods, channels, modalities, methods, and techniques for a wide variety of applications ranging from selling products and services, political candidates, risk, safety, and health behaviors, advocacy of social causes, spiritual and religious messaging. Whether promoting a brand, product, or service in the local, national, or global marketplace, creating support for a good cause, or shaping public opinion professionals need the advanced training and expertise to become a knowledgeable professional who can be effective. Lipscomb University created the graduate programs in advertising to equip ethical, professional practitioners to advance their careers and success.
With the convenience of an online program structure combining synchronous and asynchronous online coursework, you will master theory and best practices for successful applications. Gain insight into how professional advertising fits in the contemporary communication setting. Explore ethical frameworks, international communication in a globalized economy and cross-culturally diverse world, and discover the key components shaping the current practices of advertising. Our expert faculty will guide you through the higher-level insights of the field, as well as the underlying psychology and communication theories that underlie effective messaging. Whether increasing awareness of a cause or persuading consumers to act, you will graduate better prepared to succeed and advance your career as an advertiser.
The Advertising graduate program is offered in an online hybrid format through our locations in Nashville, Tennessee, and Austin, Texas.
*Completing the program in one year requires full-time study (12 hours) for three consecutive semesters including summer.
Admissions Requirements
Ready to apply? Let’s get started. We’re here to help at every step. Applicants to the program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and submit the following for admission review and enrollment:
- Completed and submitted online application
- $50 non-refundable application fee
- Official college transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities (including graduate, if applicable)
- Two letters of reference
- Résumé
- Goals statement describing career aspirations
- Interview with faculty (on campus, virtually or by phone)
For transcripts, electronic copies can be emailed directly from your undergraduate institution to gradadmissions@lipscomb.edu.
If you are having a hard copy mailed, have it sent to:
Lipscomb University
Graduate Admissions
One University Park Drive
Nashville, TN 37204
Prior coursework and experience in communication, including advertising, public relations, mass communication or communication social sciences are desirable but not required.
Application Deadlines
Priority deadline for Fall 2021: June 1 with decisions released on June 10
Final deadline for Fall 2021: August 1
Please note: You may submit your application and required materials prior to the priority deadline, and interviews are conducted on a rolling basis.
Courses
Core Courses (9 hours)
CO 6113 - Pro Seminar in Communication and Communication Theory
MC 6003 - Mass Communication Messages and Effects
MC 6013 - Persuasion in Mass Communication
Advertising Core Requirements (12 hours)
ADV 6013 - Multimedia, Web and Visual Communication
ADV 6023 - Consumer Behavior/Audience Analytics
ADV 6033 - Account Management and Advertising Campaigns
ADV 6313 - Seminar in Advertising
Electives Requirements (9 hours)
Select three courses (9 credit hours) from the following list, or complete additional experiential learning units with the consent of your graduate advisor. Some of these elective courses may only be offered infrequently or based upon sufficient student demand.
ADV 6043 - Layout, Copy and Design Efficacy Variables
ADV 6123 - Integrating Data Analysis and Creative Practices
ADV 6143 - Advertising Regulations and Ethics
ADV 6213 - Advertising Innovations and Creativity
ADV 6Xn3 - Special Topics in Advertising (may be repeated with different topic)
ADV 6813 - Independent Study (may be repeated)
CO 6203 - Corporate and Organizational Communication
CO 6313 - Seminar in Health Communication
CO 6323 - Seminar in Intercultural Communication
Required Experiential (3 hours)
Complete 3 credit hours of applied and experiential learning selected with the consent of your graduate advisor. Any of these courses may be repeated for 3 additional hours toward the electives requirement.
ADV 6233 - Applied Communication Research in Advertising
ADV 6903 - Graduate Project in Advertising
ADV 6913 - Graduate Internship in Advertising
ADV 6923 - Graduate Externship in Advertising
Required Matriculation (3 hours)
Choose one option below with the consent of your graduate advisor.
M.A. Thesis and Oral Defense Option
CO 6593 - Thesis: Communication Research Methods
Non-Thesis Option
Select one additional course (3 credit hour units) from the above electives list.
Graduate Certificate in Advertising
Required Courses (12 hours)
ADV 6013 - Multimedia, Web and Visual Communication
ADV 6023 - Consumer Behavior/Audience Analytics
ADV 6033 - Account Management and Advertising Campaigns
ADV 6313 - Seminar in Advertising
Select one additional course (3 credit hours) from the following list:
ADV 6043 - Layout, Copy and Design Efficacy Variables
ADV 6123 - Integrating Data Analysis and Creative Practices
ADV 6213 - Advertising Innovations and Creativity
Tuition & Aid
Whether you take classes through Nashville or Austin, program tuition is $1,030* per credit hour.
*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.
