Advertising Major

About our program

Immerse yourself in the study of brands and culture while you hone your strategic thinking skills, creativity and media expertise. Here, you’ll get lots of hands-on experience — in class and state-of-the-art studios, with local and national companies, through Ad Club activities and more. Plus, you’ll have a supportive alumni network to help open doors to internships and career opportunities.  
 
From production and sound design to scripting stories and building narratives, you'll explore a variety of ways to create media that will captivate an audience. And because everything we do is steeped in our commitment to social justice, you’ll thrive as an advertising leader who knows how to act with integrity and use media to effect positive change.

Johnston Hall, view from Wisconsin Avenue.

Johnston Hall, College of Communication

Benefits you’ll get from Marquette’s College of Communication

At the College of Communication, you'll be immersed in your discipline from your first day on campus, practicing in our studios and stages, connecting with alumni and other professionals, and marrying theory and skill to master changing technology and communication across fields. Get more hands-on experience through an internship—84% of our students do them. 

What can you do with a major in advertising from Marquette?

Most of our advertising graduates go directly into the workforce. Here’s where some of our recent graduates landed.

  • AdForum
  • Baird
  • Baker Tilly
  • Briggs & Stratton
  • BVK
  • Captivate Marketing
  • Energy BBDO
  • GE HealthCare
  • GMR Marketing
  • Hoffman York
  • iHeartMedia
  • Laughlin Constable
  • Make-A-Wish
  • MKE Tech Hub Coalition
  • SC Johnson
  • Trefoil Group 

Collage image of Johnston Hall and students working in a television studio

Hands-on learning for career success

While you’re here at Marquette, preparing you for what’s next will be one of our top priorities. So, expect lots of learning by doing, connecting with others who share your passions, and reflecting on how you can Be The Difference. 

 

Spaces to learn

Learn hands-on in Johnston Hall — home to some of the country’s most cutting-edge technology (and one of the most historic buildings on campus). We’re preparing you to be an agile communicator in a technologically advanced world, so we’re putting you in that world right away. And by right away, we mean starting your first year.

Here's just some of what Johnston Hall offers:

  • Black Box Studio
  • Virtual production studio
  • A/V control center
  • Green screen room
  • Motion capture and animation
  • High-end workstations for design motion graphics and 3D modeling
  • Professional cameras, audio and lighting equipment

Fine Arts minor

Supercharge your creativity, learn more about the arts and follow your artistic inspiration with a minor in Graphic Design or Fine Studio Art. Both programs give you a unique blend of creative conceptualizing, execution, theory and technology. The Fine Arts minor is a collaboration between Marquette and the nearby Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD).

Learn more about our minor. 

Internships

Put communication theory into practice and get real work experience, while exploring the career possibilities in advertising. And graduate with a resume that stands out. 

Here are just a few of the places our students have completed internships recently:

  • Radio and television news stations
  • Independent production companies
  • Plum Media
  • 371 Productions
  • Television Academy Emmys
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • No Studios

Explore our internship experiences.

Diederich Experiences

Through the unique travel opportunities of the Diederich Experiences, you can engage with our amazing alumni from across the country who work in your specific area of interest. These distinctive trips build your network, introduce you to job options, and provide excellent insight and advice that will get you wherever you want to go. Annual experiences include LA, Chicago, New York and Puerto Rico, and cover several of our majors.

Leadership learning

Good leaders communicate. And great communicators lead. Join our C-Lead program sophomore year and you’ll complete a combination of leadership development activities, mentorship and rewarding course work to unleash your leadership potential. You'll make yourself a more competitive candidate and create relationships that will exponentially further your career.

Explore our C-Lead program.

Study abroad

Expand your communication education with a semester abroad. Study program course work at prestigious universities from around the world. Other international opportunities are available for advertising students through core courses, summer study, language study, faculty-led programs or research.

Check out our study abroad programs.

 

What to expect from a Marquette degree

A Marquette education equips students to thrive professionally and personally through overall student support, career preparation and an extended family that can't wait to meet you. But don't just take our word for it. 

#6

#6 Best College in Job Placement /#1 in Wisconsin

Zippia.com

#55

#55 in Student Outcomes

Wall Street Journal

#12

#12 Best Colleges for Internships

The Princeton Review (private universities)

Aerial of campus
 

Take the next step.