Advertising is one of the fastest growing industries; boosted by technology, growing consumer demands, and globalization. Many corporations use advertising to attract consumers, increase sales, and build brand recognition in highly competitive markets. Television commercials, web page banners, road side billboards, and newspapers ads are just a few of the mediums used to market products and services. Advertising has become a must for survival in today's tough economy. Organizations rely on advertisement and promotional strategies to gain a competitive edge in the market and excel. Students who want to join this challenging and creative field should have a college degree. Advertising degree programs are offered by many prestigious business schools. These programs are designed to prepare students for careers in the dynamic industry of advertising.
Bachelor in Advertising
Bachelor in advertising degree programs are an undergraduate program offered at four-year colleges and universities. A high number of students enroll in bachelor's degree program every year in hopes of preparing for the professional world ahead. The typical time need to complete a bachelor's degree is four years; however, the duration will depend upon a student's academic progress and enrollment status. Bachelor level degrees in advertising are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of advertisement strategies and techniques. Students will learn about the history of the industry, and will learn how consumer trends and tastes are changing. The program will also emphasize skill development, and allow students to polish their creative skills and actively take part in projects. It is necessary for advertisement students to have a well-rounded understanding of how organizations use such strategies to market their products and services. The coursework will entail a number of subjects such as the following:
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Literature
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Advertising Research
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Consumer Psychology
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Economics
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Statistics
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Sociology
The curriculum components will vary slightly from program to program, but the basic aim of these programs is the same. It is also possible to pursue online bachelor's degrees in advertising. Online degree programs are suitable for students who are working full-time and cannot enroll in campus-based classes. By the end of the program, students will be able to create and design concepts for ads, apply best practices for advertising, proficiently use state-of-the-art equipment and tools, work effectively in teams, and understand the industry demands.
Job Prospects
An advertising bachelor's degree will enable students to pursue entry-level careers in the industry. There are many advertisement agencies and media organizations that require the services of skilled undergraduates in this field. There are a number of different occupations that fall under the category of advertisement careers. These include advertising managers, promotions managers, marketing managers, and even project managers. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals made a median annual income of $115,750 in 2012. The growth rate for employees in this sector is high and is expected to grow in the coming few years. Advertisement professionals are required to put their creative skills to use and develop advertisements for all kinds of consumers. Ranging from online advertisement to radio ads, there are all kinds mediums used in this field.
Annual Wages for Advertising Managers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mean annual income of advertising managers have steadily increased from 2010 to 2013. In 2010, advertising managers earned $98,720, while their income in 2013 was $112,870.