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 society, technology and culture. It both influences and is influenced by popular culture trend cascades, changing market preferences and complex consumer behaviors, and affects everyone on the planet in (sometimes profound) ways.
Advertising today encompasses a complex variety of channels, including traditional media, such as radio, television, billboard and print, as well as digital media, such as social media, display and retargeting ads. To navigate a crowded marketplace, you need the training and expertise to become a knowledgeable advertising pro who can cut through the clutter. That’s why Lipscomb University created graduate programs in advertising to equip ethical, professional practitioners.
With the convenience of a hybrid program structure combining on-campus meetings with online coursework, you’ll master theory and best practices in advertising for successful application in your work. 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 mechanics of running ad campaigns as well as the psychology and communication theory that underlies effective messaging. Whether increasing awareness or persuading consumers to act, you’ll graduate prepared to face the challenges of an exciting field and advance your career as an advertiser.
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 2020: June 1 with decisions released on June 10
Final deadline for Fall 2020: 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
Program tuition is $1,030 per credit hour.
Our Faculty
Career Paths
Agency
Work with multiple clients as a professional in an advertising or communication agency in account management and servicing roles as well as integrated media planning and campaign oversight. Help clients strategize, conduct consumer behavior research, plan, design, create, deliver and assess 21st century advertising messages in multiple media formats. Effectively work with clients and media outlets to create, buy media to place, implement and assess advertising efforts and ad campaigns.
Corporate
Oversee the products and services advertising for a company or business as a communication manager working as part of an “in-house” advertising team. Help your organization strategize, conduct consumer behavior research, plan, design, create, deliver and assess the advertising messages in multiple media formats. Effectively work with external partners and media outlets to create, buy media to place, implement and assess advertising efforts and ad campaigns of your company.
Not-for-profit
Oversee the issues persuasion, attitude and behavioral action, and advocacy advertising for a not-for-profit organization as a communication manager working as part of an “in-house” advertising team. Help your charitable, service, religious, educational, professional association, political or social issue organization strategize, conduct consumer behavior research, plan, design, create, deliver and assess the advertising messages in multiple media formats. Effectively work with external partners and media outlets to create, buy media or place public service advertising, implement and assess advertising efforts and ad campaigns of your organization.
