Advertising and Public Relations

The Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Public Relations at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers students a comprehensive education in the dynamic fields of advertising, public relations, and strategic communication. This program is designed to prepare students to become effective communication professionals who can craft compelling messages, develop innovative campaigns, and manage relationships with target audiences across various media platforms. The curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring graduates are well-versed in audience analysis, media planning, digital communication strategies, branding, and crisis management. Students have opportunities to engage in real-world projects through internships, practicum courses, and collaboration with industry partners, fostering valuable experience that enhances employability upon graduation. The program emphasizes ethical communication practices, the importance of cultural awareness, and the integration of new technologies in the ever-evolving advertising and public relations landscapes. Faculty members are experts in their fields, bringing a wealth of industry experience and research knowledge to the classroom. The department also offers resources such as state-of-the-art media labs, professional development workshops, and networking events with industry professionals. Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue careers in advertising agencies, public relations firms, corporate communication departments, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. They are prepared to develop strategic communication plans, manage media relations, create engaging content, and analyze campaign effectiveness. With a strong emphasis on ethical standards and innovative thinking, the Advertising and Public Relations program at Nebraska Lincoln aims to foster graduates who are not only skilled communicators but also responsible and strategic thinkers capable of making a meaningful impact in their chosen careers.

The major is 40 hours in advertising and public relations.

The courses required for a major in advertising and public relations are as follows:

ADPR 151, ADPR 221, ADPR 283, JOMC 100, JOMC 101, JOMC 130, JOMC 131, JOMC 132, JOMC 133, JOMC 134, JOMC 486, and JOMC 487.

Additionally, all ADPR majors take one of the following three capstone courses: ADPR 429, ADPR 439, or ADPR 489, as well as 12 hours from approved electives for the major.

The 12 elective hours may comprise one of five optional areas of emphasis, including account services, creative/interactive, digital communication, public relations or sports communication. Students also may select the elective courses from multiple areas of emphasis to provide a broad background. Among the 12 elective hours, students may select courses from ADPR, BRDC, JOMC or JOUR. At least 9 of the 12 elective hours must be chosen from ADPR elective options numbered 300 or higher. However, for the public relations emphasis JOUR 201, JOUR 202 and ADPR 207 can apply.

The account services emphasis includes the following: ADPR 329, ADPR 339, ADPR 360, ADPR 434, ADPR 481, and ADPR 484.

The creative/interactive emphasis includes the following: ADPR 323, ADPR 329, ADPR 333, ADPR 339, ADPR 433, ADPR 447, ADPR 458, ADPR 459, ADPR 483, and ADPR 484.

The digital communication emphasis includes the following: ADPR 329, ADPR 339, ADPR 360, ADPR 434, ADPR 458, ADPR 459, ADPR 466; JOUR 304 and JOUR 407.

The public relations emphasis includes the following: ADPR 207, ADPR 329, ADPR 339, ADPR 417, ADPR 437, ADPR 450, ADPR 451, ADPR 457, ADPR 466; JOUR 201and JOUR 202.

The sports communication emphasis includes the following: JOMC 150 and at least 3 more hours from Section A (ADPR 464, BRDC 375, JOUR 326 or a sports internship in ADPR, BRDC or JOUR). The remaining 6 hours may be selected from either Section A or Section B (ADPR 151, ADPR 207, ADPR 283, ADPR 450, ADPR 451, JOUR 201 or JOUR 202). NOTE: The 12 hours for the emphasis may not include any course already required for the major.

If approved by the associate dean, all areas of emphasis may further include the following: ADPR X91, BRDC X91, JOUR X91, JOMC X91, ADPR 495, ADPR 496 and ADPR 499H.

Students may complete two majors in the College of Journalism and Mass Communications by completing all requirements for each major. However, the second major in the college will not take the place of a concentration or any of the 72 hours required outside the college.

Graduating seniors also must complete JOMC 98 Senior Assessment. Typically, JOMC 98 (0 credit) is taken in the last semester. However, seniors who have completed all courses for the major may take it in the term preceding graduation.

• There is a $45 application fee payable online with a credit card.
• Secondary school transcript
• Secondary school certificate/diploma
• Non-native English speakers must submit an IELTS or TOEFL score demonstrating proficiency in English.
• In order to be issued an I-20, you must submit a bank statement showing sufficient support for the first year of study.

Scholarships

• GLOBAL LAUREATE SCHOLARSHIP
• GLOBAL EXCELLENCY SCHOLARSHIP
• GLOBAL AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP
• GLOBAL DIPLOMAT SCHOLARSHIP
• GLOBAL DELEGATE SCHOLARSHIP
• GLOBAL CONSUL SCHOLARSHIP

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers a comprehensive program in Advertising and Public Relations designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in communication industries. The program integrates coursework across various disciplines, including marketing, media, communication theory, and strategic communication, to equip students with both the conceptual understanding and practical skills necessary for success. Students learn to craft compelling messages, develop persuasive campaigns, and effectively utilize multiple media channels, including digital platforms, social media, and traditional outlets. The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, offering internships, project-based coursework, and collaborations with industry professionals to provide real-world experience. Graduates of the program are prepared to work in diverse environments such as advertising agencies, public relations firms, corporate communications departments, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. The program also focuses on ethical considerations in communication, audience analysis, branding, and crisis management, ensuring students are well-versed in current industry standards and practices. Faculty members are experienced practitioners and researchers dedicated to mentoring students and fostering innovative thinking. The university supports students through comprehensive advising, career services, and networking opportunities with alumni and industry partners. The program aims to develop versatile communicators capable of adapting to rapidly evolving media landscapes and contributing meaningfully to organizational goals. Overall, the Advertising and Public Relations program at UNL combines academic rigor with practical application to prepare students for a successful career in the competitive fields of advertising, public relations, and strategic communication.