ADVERTISING

Advertising is so much more than creating effective, persuasive ads; it’s about developing brands and connecting to people. With a focus on strategy, our students are prepared to make an impact on the ever-evolving industry.

Advertising is a dynamic global industry central to media, corporations, non-profits and government organizations. The advertising major at Kent State teaches students to select the right audience, uncover consumer insights, develop insight-based strategies, conceptualize and create effective messaging, all with a digital-first mindset.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects increasing demand for advertising-related careers through 2026: marketing research analysts (23%), communication managers (10%), sales/membership account managers (8%), advertising/promotions managers (6%) and graphic designers (4%). Median salaries range from $51,000 to $117,000.

Why Advertising?

Collaborative Work and Study SpacesStudents take classes in Franklin Hall, situated on the edge of campus near downtown. Advertising majors work collaboratively in the student media business office and at Ideabase, our student-run agency, where they serve in traditional (copywriter, designer, account manager) and digital (digital media buying, content creation, user experience) advertising roles. They also can conduct research for class projects in our industry-standard focus group room.

When combining classroom experiences, specialized campus jobs, student media and participation in Franklin Advertising, advertising majors can build a professionalportfolio.

REAL EXPERIENCE,

STUDY AWAY

AWARD WINNINGStudents placed second nation-wide in the national Effie Collegiate Competition in 2019 & 2016, working on ad campaigns for well-known brands (Subaru and V8.) They’ve also earned local ADDY Awards.

Part-time jobs relevant to advertising majors: FRANKLINADVERTISING

IDEABASE Design agency serving local businesses

FLASH COMMUNICATIONS Central communications office: writing, web for Kent State news, eventsDEPARTMENTAL Social media, content creation jobs in student life, academicsSTUDENT MEDIA BUSINESS OFFICE Advertising representatives, publication marketing managers, social media, sponsored content

DAY ONE

Choose a communication- based program in Lisbon, Florence or Prague or opt for another destination.

Advertising-focused student group that forms professional connections through agency tours, speaker series (local and national industry leaders) and a trip to NYC for Advertising Week each fall.

ON-CAMPUS JOBS

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

www.kent.edu/jmc/advertising330-672-2572 | jmc@kent.edu

Choose one of the pathways below to refine your skillset, or customize a path.

Our advertising classes cover emerging digital trends, with many incorporating certifications in Google and other platforms.

Some courses listed here are requirements; others are suggested electives.

Find Your Focus

CreativeDiscover how artistic creativity supports advertising strategy and execution through aesthetically pleasing visual and sound elements in ads. Be prepared for careers as:

BusinessLearn how to manage effective advertising processes, development and creative/strategy teams. Focus on:

StrategyLearn how to develop effective advertising by focusing on solving consumer problems and how brands answer their needs. Students are prepared to work in:

GeneralCombine strategy, business and creative while gaining an understanding of the advertising process and industry and these roles:

• Marketing knowledge• Business of advertising

• Creative and strategic thinking

Possible courses: Marketing and business courses, Advertising Media Planning, Advertising and PR Media Tools, Practicum in Advertising and PR

• Research and insights• Advertising strategy

• Account planning and management

• Copywriters• Art directors

• Graphic designers• Video producers

Possible courses: Digital Analytics, Political Advertising, Advertising Media Planning, Advertising and PR Industry Tools, Practicum in Advertising and PR

Possible courses: Advertising Copywriting, Visual Ethics, Graphic Design I & II, Practicum in Advertising and PR

Our Alumni

Possible courses: Advertising Strategy Development, Activation Advertising, Practicum in Ad & PR, Research & Measurement in Ad & PR, Psychology and Sociology courses

• Ad planning and management• Production management

• Creative development• Media planning

Grads of the last decade work for the following:

NATIONALLY COMPETITIVEKent State placed second nationally in the Effie Collegiate Brand Challenge in 2019. Advertising students created a marketing campaign in conjunction with Subaru, aimed at reinventing the car buying process for Millennials and Gen Z and presented in front of senior executives at Subaru’s headquarters.

Kent State also was one of three U.S. universities to earn commendation (out of 1,500 entries) in the international You Can Now creative advertising competition in 2018.

Brianne Kimmel, Advertising (2011)Startup Investor/Advisor, Silicon Valley

Agencies/MediaNationally-Known Organizations ə Nestle ə TTI Floorcare ə Harley Davidson

Dealer Systems, Inc. ə Macy’s ə Nike ə GNC ə Cleveland Clinic ə Talking Rain

Beverage Co. ə KeyBank

ə Brokaw Advertising (Cleveland)

ə Marcus Thomas LLC (Cleveland)

ə Geometry Global (Cleveland, NYC)

ə T3 (Austin, TX) ə StarCom Media

(Chicago) ə MullenLowe (LA) ə Oath/Yahoo

(San Francisco)

@CCIKentState