Online Advertising and Commercial Design Degree Programs

If you are creative, driven to succeed, and good with oral and written communication, the field of advertising may be for you. A sometimes-glamorous job, one in five advertising firms house themselves in California or New York. An advertising degree can give you the know-how to succeed in a world driven by advertising in its many forms, from television commercials to billboard and radio ads. Since most businesses do not have the staff or resources to create advertising on their own, many businesses meet with advertising agencies and choose one who will help them sell a product. Ad agencies employ account managers who oversee client accounts, creative workers who design marketing campaigns, experts who advise clients on media, and research specialists who evaluate consumer trends.

Degrees in Advertising

Seventy-four percent of advertising and public relations employees are between 25 and 54 years of age, which speaks to the education needed to be in this field. Most entry-level advertising positions require a bachelor's degree. An exception to this is the position of assistant art director, which often requires a two-year degree and assistant copywriter positions, which require excellent communication skills, but not a degree. In order to work in the creative department, however, or to become a media planner or media buyer, a bachelor's degree in advertising is generally necessary. Most advertising degree programs combine the creative and practical sides of business, such as advertising theory, marketing strategies, campaign methods, media management, and business management. For research positions, many in advertising have a master's degree, with an emphasis in marketing and statistics. If you are drawn to advertising, but lack the required credentials, online degree programs are available in advertising and commercial design.

Career Training in Advertising

Landing an internship while working on your bachelor's degree can give you practical experience, and internships are becoming increasingly important in this competitive industry. Successful students who graduate with their bachelor's degrees in advertising usually begin their careers in entry-level positions in account management or media, and sometimes in market research or creative departments. Advancement in advertising depends on your achievements during the course of your career.

Economic Outlook for Advertising

Advertising jobs are expected to grow 14 percent within the next ten years. With client competition high, advertising positions are subject to layoffs, as accounts move from one firm or agency to another. Non-superivisory positions in advertising earned $724 a week, which is 22 percent higher than nonsupervisory workers in all other industries. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, advertising majors began their careers with an average salary of $33,831 in 2007. Although a competitive industry, the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reports that 57,100 people were employed as advertising and promotions managers alone. Median annual incomes vary from $46,710 as a designer, to $78,250 for marketing management positions. If you are competitive, creative, and want to help businesses succeed by influencing consumer choices, an advertising degree may be for you.

• Art
• Graphic Design