At Loyola, we know that persuasive communication happens in both the advertising and public relations worlds and that's why we've put both under the strategic communication (advertising/public relations) sequence. Students in the Strategic Communication sequence study advertising and public relations with an emphasis on one of the two. Students take a core of courses including strategic contention creation, layout and design, research methods, media planning and a capstone.
Overview of Courses
In addition to six core courses, students choose from discipline-specific electives to personalize the program. Following a track in advertising or public relations, the program truly can be tailored to your interests and goals. Here’s a sample of what you can expect to learn and do:
- Brand Lab
This student run agency offers real-world experience in public relations, design, photography and videography, social media, advertising, event and strategic planning by working with for-profit companies to create communication solutions. - Digital Communication
In this hands-on course students use tools such as Snapchat, Instagram, Wordpress, Avid, Facebook Live and more to create campaigns and tell stories. Students learn critical thinking skills about the technology used to produce mass media messages in modern American society. They are introduced to visual theories as well as elements and principles of design. The digital communication student leaves this course versed in current media technologies with a critical understanding of its use in creating memorable and meaningful communication materials.
Curriculum
Advertising
The advertising track is perfect for students who want to channel their creative energy into dynamic and persuasive campaigns. The program offers a strong foundation in research methods and copywriting as well as giving students hands-on experience with innovative technology. Our advertising graduates are recognized by the industry for their sharp strategic minds and keen eye for design.
Public Relations
Public relations is an excellent track for students who want to develop professional communication skills and the expertise needed to facilitate mutual understanding among groups and institutions. Loyola's program offers a strong foundation in media, internal and external relations. Graduates excel in roles within businesses, government, hospitals, education, nonprofit and religious institutions.
Mass Communication Course Information
Mass communication majors are limited to 40 credit hours in mass communication courses. A grade of C or better is required in all courses that are prerequisites to advanced courses.
Find out more about the mass communication major:
- Curriculum Requirements (See: Department of Strategic Communication)
- Curriculum Requirements By Entering Year
- Course Descriptions
For more information, please contact Dr. Cathy Rogers at crogers@loyno.edu.
Professional Organizations
AD CLUB/AMERICAN ADVERTISING FEDERATION
Loyola’s Ad Club is part of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) and is one of more than 200 chapters across the U.S. AAF provides valuable insights into the worlds of advertising, connections and job opportunities for those interested in an advertising career.
AD TEAM
Loyola’s Ad Team competes each spring in the AAF National Student Advertising Competition, the premier college advertising competition that provides more than 2,000 college students the real-world experience of creating a strategic advertising/marketing/media campaign for a corporate client. Students develop a marketing plan and pitch their work to advertising professionals at the district, semi-final and national levels.
In 2021, the Ad team boasted being district winners, making it to regionals and advancing to the top 8 nationally.
Applications for team membership are accepted each fall. For more information and to apply click here.
PRSSA
The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is the foremost organization for students interested in public relations and communications, with more than 300 chapters across North and South America. The Loyola chapter's faculty adviser is Dr. Cathy Rogers.
BATEMAN TEAM
The Bateman Case Study Competition is PRSSA’s premier national case study competition for PR students, who apply classroom education and internship experiences to create and implement a full PR campaign during the spring semester. Loyola’s Bateman team has won the national competition more than any other university. For more information and to apply click here.
Applications for the six team spots are accepted each fall.