Advertising/Public Relations B.A.

A major in advertising/public relations from the Nicholson School of Communication and Media will teach you how to plan, create and execute effective advertising campaigns and public relations strategies. Our faculty are award-winning professionals and leaders in communication research who bring expertise on a wide range of communication topic areas ranging from social media to crisis communication and corporate social responsibility.

How to Apply

Advertising/Public Relations is a limited-access major, which means you have to apply to the program to major in it. Applicants are admitted each summer, fall and spring terms. Admission to the advertising-public relations program is competitive and based on a competitive cumulative GPA (your cumulative GPA includes grades from all colleges or universities you’ve attended) and a second-round, proctored essay. The GPA cut-off for admission varies each semester, depending on the applicant pool, but for the previous six admission periods, the GPA averaged 3.4. Students who plan to major in advertising-public relations are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor in the Nicholson Academic Student Services Center, located in NSC 143. It is important for students to meet with an advisor at least once per semester to ensure that they are meeting the requirements for admittance to the program.

Minimum Admission Requirements

• 30 credit hours must be earned prior to applying.
• Prerequisites: Students must have completed or currently be enrolled in Public Relations (PUR 4000) and Principles of Advertising (ADV 3008) and earn a grade of “C” or better in both courses.
• See the program entry in the UCF catalog for complete admission requirements.

Limited-Access Program Application

Internships

Advertising/public relations majors are required to do one, 3-credit hour internship to graduate. Completing an internship provides students with essential hands-on experience to develop real-world skills that they can not get in the classroom. Internships add professional experience to your background and provide unparalleled networking opportunities. There is no better way to find your first job in the field than with practical experience and professional connections. Many of our students intern at advertising and public relations agencies such Massey Communications, Push and Fry Hammond Barr. We strongly encourage students interested in pursuing an internship to read the advertising/public relations internship information packet and to speak with a faculty member.

Internship Packet and Other Resources

Student Organizations

Ad Club

Ad Club is the UCF student chapter of the American Advertising Federation and works closely with the local AAF chapters, the Orlando Advertising Federation and Ad 2 Orlando. While activities are designed for Ad/PR and marketing students, all UCF students are welcome to join, regardless of their major. For more information, visit Ad Club UCF Facebook page or contact Joan McCain<, Ad/PR area coordinator.

Quotes

Quotes is the largest student chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. Active for more than 25 years, Quotes is also the largest chapter of FPRA in the state. The chapter sponsors Intern Pursuit (at which intern employers and students meet in an informal setting) and connects UCF students with professional mentors in the community in both advertising and public relations. For more information, visit http://quotesucf.com/ or contact Joan McCain, Ad/PR area coordinator.