Undergraduate Education in Advertising

Undergraduate Education in Advertising

Next spring I will be receiving a bachelor of arts in journalism at the University of Arkansas from the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. My focus in journalism is in advertising and public relations. Most schools separate the advertising and public relations departments and some schools even place them in the business school. My degree in the journalism department has benefited me because my education seems to be more well-rounded than most college degrees. What criteria should be placed on a degree in advertising and public relations? By comparing my undergraduate education at the U of A to the same degree at the University of Texas at Austin (the previous school that I’ve attended), the approach behind two different curriculums can be compared.

To students who are on the path to receive a degree in advertising or are thinking about it, a solid comparison of the degrees will give you a better idea of what you are getting from your college education. Evaluating your education will allow you to see why you need certain courses, what skills you'll need as a prospect looking for a job once you graduate, and what knowledge you’ll gain from a college education that will benefit you for the rest of your life.

Advertising is part of the American culture. For example, who wouldn't recognize these slogans:

“Just do it!” –Nike

“It’s finger lickin’ good.” –KFC

“M-m-good” -Campbells Soup

“It’s the real thing” -Coca Cola

Advertising agencies realize how influential advertisements are on people. They are responsible for the catchy slogans and jingles that are forever stuck in our minds. These creativ...

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...nd limited to a certain number of students.

Both schools will give you a well-balanced education in order to get the most out of your college degree. The main thing that I have received from my education is a better understanding of the world around me. I have become more open to different opinions and attitudes and have seen many sides of diversity. A well-rounded education has allowed me to learn about many other subjects that I wouldn’t have if I would’ve followed my first idea to get a business degree. I opted for the advertising/public relations route because it was more interesting to me, but mainly because I enjoyed all of the classes that I would be taking with this degree. I have also received good specialized training that will help me in the business world. So overall, I feel that my education at the U of A has been a very positive experience.