Graduate programs in fast-growing fields of advertising and public relations to launch this fall
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University will launch new master’s degree and graduate certificate programs in advertising and public relations with classes beginning this fall, Provost W. Craig Bledsoe recently announced.
The public relations and advertising fields are projected to continue to grow over the next few years providing a number of new jobs as well as opportunities for growth industry professionals. Lipscomb’s Master of Arts in Advertising and Master of Arts in Public Relations programs and graduate certificate programs are designed for professionals in those communication fields as well as those wanting a career change.
Both programs are designed to fit the deadline-filled busy schedules of communication professionals and working adults by offering the convenience of a hybrid program structure combining on-campus meetings with online coursework through which students complete the program at their own pace. Courses will be taught by distinguished national leaders and seasoned professionals in the communication field. Each program offers a 36-hour Master of Arts as well as a 15-hour certificate track. Both Master of Arts programs have an optional thesis track and may be completed in one year. In addition, students applying for either program are not required to take the GRE.
Graduate Advertising Program
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 advertising field influences and is influenced by popular culture trend cascades, changing market preferences and complex consumer behaviors and affects individuals around the globe.
Lipscomb’s program will cover a complex variety of channels, including traditional media as well as digital media. The goal of the program is to equip ethical, professional practitioners. Students will gain insight into how professional advertising fits in the contemporary communication setting, the mechanics of running ad campaigns as well as the psychology and communication theory that underlies effective messaging. Course topics include advertising functions and strategies, campaign management, communication theory, consumer behavior, ethical advertising, mass communication, and persuasion and influence. Combining courses, experiential learning, applied research and independent study, a wide range of specializations are also available.
Graduate Public Relations Program
In our media-saturated world, public relations professionals must have the ability to manage the many strategies, tactics, tools and channels available for messaging to their various audiences. However, the chief aim of public relations remains strategic communication that builds mutually beneficial relationships between clients and/or organizations and their various “publics” or constituents. Lipscomb’s graduate program in public relations focuses on building and maintaining these relationships while exploring current best practices in professional communication.
Students will engage in experiential learning and practical application of communication skills based on theory, research and professional best practices; gain insight into how public relations fits in the contemporary communication setting, ethical frameworks, international communication in a globalized economy and cross-culturally diverse world; and explore key components shaping the current models and practices of public relations. Students will hone skills and knowledge in critical areas including campaign management, communication theories, mass communication, measurement and assessment of effectiveness, messaging strategies, persuasion and influence, public relations functions and social media and new media. Combining courses, experiential learning, applied research and independent study, a wide range of specializations are also available.
Both programs are housed in Lipscomb’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Learn more about graduate programs in advertising and graduate programs in public relations contact Bob Chandler, visiting professor of communication, at 615.966.1757 or bob.chandler [at] lipscomb.edu (subject: Graduate%20communication%20programs, body: I%20would%20like%20more%20information%20about%20Lipscomb%20University%27s%20Graduate%20Programs%20in%20Advertising%20and%20Public%20Relations.%20) .