Program Overview

Introduction to the Advertising and Public Relations Program

The Advertising & Public Relations Program (Ad/PR) of the Media & Communication Arts Department (MCA) at City College offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications to a diverse and highly motivated cohort of students. In addition to providing a rigorous curriculum that explores current theories in integrated marketing, advertising, corporate communications, public relations, and communications management, the Ad/PR Program at City College is dedicated to delivering practical knowledge and immersive, hands-on experiences that students can only get by studying in New York City, the communications capital of the world.

Program Overview

The Ad/PR Program gives students access to global corporations, leading advertising & public relations agencies, and dynamic non-profit organizations, as well as an engaged faculty that includes working professionals. Since its beginning in 1984, the Ad/PR program has been the only undergraduate integrated marketing communications specialization in CUNY. With approximately 200+ declared Ad/PR majors, the program remains true to its mission - to offer a competitive, professional communications education to students with diverse backgrounds, skills, and interests.

Admissions Requirements

• Students must have completed 45 credits.
• Students must have completed MCA 101 Introduction to Media Studies (or have an equivalent transfer credit) OR be enrolled in MCA 101 at the time they intend to declare their major in Communications and begin taking Ad/PR courses.

Admissions Schedule

Students are accepted into the Ad/PR major on a rolling basis, with major courses primarily offered in the Spring and Fall, and select electives offered in the Winter and Summer sessions.

Registration Note

The Advertising/PR Program is primarily a daytime academic program, with some evening courses. For students with daytime jobs, please consider CCNY's Center for Worker Education.

Program Details

The Ad/PR Program is proudly committed to service learning and civic-minded projects, especially those that relate most directly to CCNY students and their communities. Such integrated learning gives students a greater sense of purpose, reinforcing that advertising and public relations can motivate positive social change.

Curriculum

The program provides a rigorous curriculum that explores current theories in integrated marketing, advertising, corporate communications, public relations, and communications management.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete the required courses for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications with a concentration in Advertising and Public Relations.

Courses and Descriptions

The Ad/PR Program offers a variety of courses that provide students with a comprehensive education in advertising and public relations, including:

• MCA 101 Introduction to Media Studies
• Other courses that are part of the Ad/PR curriculum

Industry Opportunities

The program provides students with access to industry opportunities, including:

• Nationally Competitive Internships
• Agency Visits
• Professionals in the Classroom
• Industry Networking
• Internships
• Industry Partners/Scholarships
• Building Bridges
• CO OP Apprentice Program
• Professional Clubs
• Lunch w/Leaders
• Agency Partners
• Guest Lecturers
• On-Site Visits
• Alumni Success In The Workplace

Resources

The program offers various resources to support students, including:

• Press Award-Winning Work
• Newsletters
• Colin Powell Service Learning
• The ONE Club Creative Boot Camp
• Where Are All the Black People?
• George Lois Archives

Conclusion

The Advertising and Public Relations Program at City College provides students with a comprehensive education in advertising and public relations, as well as access to industry opportunities and resources. The program is committed to service learning and civic-minded projects, and provides students with a greater sense of purpose and the skills necessary to succeed in the field.