30 Best Online Advertising Degree Online Programs

If you’re interested in communication, marketing, and sales, you might want to get an advertising degree. You can find online degrees from top colleges with a little research. When you complete an advertising degree online, you qualify for many entry-level jobs. You can land a job in advertising or PR. You can even find work in mass media. But where you start matters. First, you need a bachelor’s degree online that will prepare you for a job right out of college. Read on to find out where you can get an online advertising degree.

1. University of Florida
2. Kennesaw State University
3. Florida International University
4. Appalachian State University
5. University of Maryland Global Campus
6. Indiana University East
7. Bellevue University
8. SUNY College at Oswego
9. The University of Texas
10. Franklin University

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Ranking Online Advertising Degree Programs

To find the best bachelors in advertising and PR degree programs, we looked at 107 accredited schools. We collected data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES College Navigator). Some of the schools offer online programs in:

• Advertising
• Communication
• Marketing
• PR

Others offer a business or communication degree with concentrations in the above subjects. From our original list of schools, we narrowed our selection by the following:

• Accreditation
• Affordability
• Rankings with U.S. News

We then ranked the 30 most affordable schools below.

#30 – Johnson & Wales University

Online BS in Advertising and Marketing Communications Providence, Rhode Island Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $34,736 Johnson & Wales University is a good school for an advertising degree. It offers an online BS in Advertising and Marketing Communications. The online advertising degree helps you gain knowledge and skills needed for a career in:

• Advertising
• Consumer behavior
• Marketing
• PR

You take career-focused courses. You also learn useful skills for jobs in media advertising but without the need for a digital marketing concentration. And you learn how to conduct market research and media planning. The program takes four years to complete. But you can transfer prior college credits if you have them. Online students need at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience. This will help you with your classes when you get to college. It will also do well on your journey toward an online marketing degree. The school is a great online advertising school. It ranks #94 in best regional universities in the North by U.S. News and World Report.

#29 – Point Park University

Online BA in PR and Advertising Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $34,200 Point Park University is a great school for online students wanting a bachelor in advertising degree. It offers combined studies in PR and advertising. You can earn a bachelor’s degree in both. In this online program, you learn about different media advertising careers. Your courses prepare you for jobs like:

• Advertising account executives
• Media buyers
• Public relations specialists
• Social media managers

Your courses also prepare you for graduate studies in a similar subject. The courses you take cover topics in digital marketing. They also teach you about marketing research and creating advertising campaigns. But your real training comes from internships and workshops. Besides its advertising degrees, the school ranks #82 in best regional universities in the North by U.S. News.

#28 – King University

Online Bachelor of Science – Communication Bristol, Tennessee

Undergraduate Tuition: $31,840 King University is a good college for online students interested in degrees in advertising. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Communication degree. The program is for students with prior college experience. You take 13 courses and complete 49 semester credits in your major. But you can transfer credits as long as you complete 30 at King. You take courses that prepare you for jobs in media advertising and median planning. These courses cover topics like:

• Advanced speech communication
• Communication theory and practice
• Integrated marketing communications
• Marketing research

While you don’t earn an advertising degree, you take classes that prepare you for related jobs. These jobs need critical thinking skills and marketing efforts used in media advertising. You learn all this in 16 months. The school ranks #52 in best regional universities in the South by U.S. News.

#27 – Maryville University

Online BA in Communication Saint Louis, Missouri Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $27,166 Maryville University is a good school if you’re interested in communication and advertising. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication. It also offers concentrations like emerging media strategy and social media. It is a great degree if you want to learn about digital marketing and marketing research. The program’s digital marketing concentration and others help online students gain knowledge in communication and advertising. Graduates have gone on to land jobs as a:

• Consumer behavior analyst
• Marketing manager
• Market research analyst
• Media advertising specialist
• Sales manager
• Social media manager

Besides the degrees, the school ranks #202 in best national universities by U.S. News.

#26 – Midway University

Online Bachelor’s Degree – Marketing Communications Midway, Kentucky Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $24,850 Midway University is a ranked school for a specialized communications degree. It offers an online degree in marketing communications. This program offers two concentrations that enhance your degree. You can get a concentration in writing or graphic design. These two areas of study prepare you for careers in:

• Brand management
• Creative design
• Marketing research
• Media advertising
• Public affairs
• Speech writing

The program also helps you get into graduate school. You can also land entry-level jobs as advertising and promotions managers or market research analysts. The school ranks #98 in best regional schools in the South and #25 in top performers on social mobility by U.S. News.

#25 – Liberty University

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Business Lynchburg, Virginia Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $21,587 Liberty University is a Christian college that offers an advertising bachelor degree. You can earn a Bachelor of Science in Business with a digital marketing and advertising concentration. This program teaches you how to engage audiences and stakeholders on various platforms and mediums. It also teaches you both the creative and technical sides of marketing strategies. You learn about brand building and awareness. You also learn about market research and media planning. You take courses that include:

• Digital marketing
• Marketing efforts
• Media advertising

The accredited school also ranks with U.S. News.

#24 – Regent University

Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies Virginia Beach, Virginia Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $18,720 Regent University ranks among top online advertising schools. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with a concentration in advertising and PR. This program trains you for work in market research and media advertising. It also teaches you how to blend theory with practice. You learn how to solve advertising problems. When you graduate, you’re qualified for entry-level work. You might find a job in media planning or work in marketing research. Graduates have landed jobs as communication consultants, public relations specialists, and more. The school offers financial aid awards to help with tuition costs. It is also accredited and ranked. Current rankings with U.S. News include #277 in best national schools.

#23 – Grand Canyon University

Online Bachelor of Science – Marketing and Advertising Phoenix, Arizona Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $17,800 Grand Canyon University offers a bachelor degree in advertising. You can earn a BS in Marketing and Advertising degree. This program teaches you how to understand consumer behavior. It also prepares you with skills needed in marketing research and media advertising. You learn how to create campaigns that increase customer loyalty. You also learn how to do these tasks across digital marketing platforms. If you’re interested in a marketing program and online marketing degree that gives you the skills you need for a job, this is a good choice. It is also a good choice for transfer students. GCU ranks #299-#391 in best national schools. It also ranks #78 in top performers on social mobility.

#22 – Pennsylvania State University World Campus

Online Bachelor of Arts – Strategic Communications University Park, Pennsylvania Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $13,988 Penn State University World Campus is a great school for a communications degree. It offers a strategic communications program if you’re seeking an online marketing degree. In this program, you earn a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications. The program teaches you how to look at strategic messaging across different platforms. You can use your skills in advertising, marketing, or public affairs. You might even apply them to corporate communications. The degree has an interdisciplinary focus. You can take courses in:

• Law
• Research
• Statistics

You can also study market research and media advertising. The school ranks #16 in best online undergraduate programs by U.S. News.

#21 – National University

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications La Jolla, California Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $13,320 National University is a great school for a bachelor degree in advertising. It offers a BA in Integrated Marketing Communications. This program teaches you practical skills. You use these skills as a sales manager or market research analyst. You learn how marketing and communications work together. You also learn time-tested marketing and communication processes. While earning your online bachelor’s degree, you use the latest technology in distance learning. And when you graduate, you’re prepared for work in different careers in:

• Advertising campaigns
• Consumer behavior
• Marketing research

You can also land successful careers in different areas of marketing and communications. The school offers financial aid and scholarships to those who qualify. Financial aid awards help lessen tuition costs.

#20 – Southern Illinois University

Online Bachelor of Arts – Applied Communication Studies Edwardsville, Illinois Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $12,219 At Southern Illinois University, there are two kinds of PR degrees. You can earn a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Applied Communication Studies. These bachelor’s degree programs also offer a PR concentration. In these programs, you learn different PR techniques. You build skills in brand development and crisis communications. You also learn how to write for the field. You take courses that explore topics like:

• Advanced public speaking
• Consumer behavior
• Theory and application

Transfer students with an associate’s degree can finish the program in two years. And if you want to pick up a minor, you can. Two possible minors include criminal justice and sociology. SIU ranks #299-#391 in best national schools by U.S. News. It also ranks #156-#209 in top public schools.

#19 – University of Minnesota

Online Bachelor of Science – Communication Crookston, Minnesota Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $12,014 University of Minnesota offers a top-ranked communication program. You can earn a Bachelor of Science in Communication online. The bachelor’s degree programs also has three emphasis areas.

• Communication studies
• Organizational communication and PR
• Social media

In the program, you strengthen your writing skills. You also learn how to give presentations. You work on your interpersonal skills among others. When you graduate, you can work in communication-related careers. These might include editing, journalism, or social media management. You might also qualify for marketing jobs but without an online marketing degree. The school ranks with U.S. News as the 25th best regional college in the Midwest.

#18 – Louisiana State University

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications Baton Rouge, Louisiana Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $11,962 Louisiana State University is a great choice for an online PR degree. It offers a bachelor’s degree in mass comm with a PR concentration. The bachelor’s degree program prepares you to work for professional organizations. You learn how to handle their PR and branding. You also learn how to improve relationships between individuals and businesses. You might work with an organization, an individual, or a constituent. Courses you take include:

• Media ethics
• PR writing and applications
• Strategies for social media

LSU ranks #172 in best national universities with U.S. News. It is also accredited.

#17 – Wilmington University

Online BS in Communication New Castle, Delaware Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $11,480 Wilmington University is an affordable school for a communication degree. It offers a bachelor’s degree in communication with three concentrations.

• Digital journalism
• PR and strategic communication
• Visual communication

In this program, you learn how to craft stories through communication. You also learn about brand development. Your classes cover various topics you might find in a PR or marketing program like consumer buying behavior. You also learn the business side of communication. The program focuses on applied concepts that teach you practical skills. And with a generous transfer credit policy, you can shorten the time it takes to earn your degree. The accredited college ranks with U.S. News as a top national school.

#16 – Arizona State University

Online Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication Tempe, Arizona Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $11,338 Known for its online education, Arizona State University offers many degree programs. These include a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Media Studies. The program teaches you skills found in a marketing degree program (bachelor’s degree). You also learn about the importance of mass media. Your coursework blends theory and praxis. It covers many different fields, such as:

• Advertising
• Marketing
• Politics
• PR

You learn how to craft effective messages. You also learn how to analyze content creation. U.S. News ranks ASU as a top school. Rankings include #117 in top national universities and #1 in most innovative schools.

#15 – University of West Alabama

Online Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications Livingston, Alabama Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $10,990 The University of West Alabama is a great school for an online marketing degree. It offers both a BS and BA in Integrated Marketing Communications. It also has two concentrations. You can specialize your degree in:

• Graphic design
• Sports communication

This program teaches you how to communicate in different fields and industries. You learn how to write and design graphics. You also learn about social media management. You take many different classes that cover media law and theory. Online students complete 120 credit hours. You can do this in 3-4 years. Transfer students can cut that time by transferring eligible credits. U.S. News ranks UWA #93 in best regional universities in the South.

#14 – University of North Dakota

Online BA in Communications Grand Forks, North Dakota Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $10,276 The University of North Dakota is a great school for a communications degree. The school offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with many specializations. These specializations include:

• Advertising
• Digital journalism
• Social media strategy
• Strategic communication

If you want to learn how to create advertising campaigns or explore topics taught in a marketing program, this degree will help. You learn how theory and practice blend. You also learn how to put theories to the test in and out of the classroom. The accredited school ranks with U.S. News. Its rankings include #249 in best national universities and #123 in top public schools.

#13 – Purdue University Global

Online BS in Communication Indianapolis, Indiana Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $10,167 Purdue University Global is a good school for becoming marketing managers or market research analysts. You can earn a BS in Communication online. This program prepares you for entry-level employment. You can enter fields like advertising, corporate communications, marketing, or PR. You even take classes that help you get into graduate school. Some of the classes you take include:

• Mass media and broadcasting
• Organizational communication
• Tools for the digital age

Courses are short. Each one takes 10 weeks to complete. But the program moves quickly. You can earn your degree in less than four years.

#12 – University of Memphis

Online BA in PR Memphis, Tennessee Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $9,912 The University of Memphis is an affordable school for a PR degree. You can get a BA in PR online. This degree program teaches you how to develop media. It also teaches you communication strategies that you use in the field. You learn how to write communication pieces and manage crisis communications. You also learn about consumer behavior, a topic found in many marketing online programs. Students complete 120 credits. But you can transfer from other online degrees. The school ranks with U.S. News. Its rankings include:

• #249 in best national universities
• #123 in top public schools

#11 – Southern New Hampshire University

Online BA in Communication Manchester, New Hampshire Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $9,650 Southern New Hampshire University is a good school for PR degrees. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a PR concentration. The program teaches you how to develop different kinds of communications. You learn how to use communication tools to spread your message. You also learn the latest in technology so you can execute advertising campaigns. Your online classes teach you about:

• Crisis communication
• Internal communication
• Media relations
• Social media
• Speech writing

SNHU ranks with U.S. News. Its rankings include #131-#171 in best regional schools in the North.

#10 – Franklin University

Online Bachelor’s in PR Columbus, Ohio Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $9,577 Franklin University offers undergraduate PR degrees online. You can earn a BS degree that helps you become a PR specialist or sales manager. In the PR program, you learn skills needed to develop communications for wide audiences. You also learn different PR techniques and strategies. Courses focus on practical career skills. Your course topics include:

• Client engagement
• Media and crisis communication
• Promotional strategy

Students complete 120 credit hours to earn their degree. And with a generous transfer credit policy, you can shorten the time it takes to earn your degree.

#9 – The University of Texas

Online BA in Media Advertising El Paso, Texas Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $9,450 Looking to build a career in advertising? You can get a BA in media advertising from University of Texas El Paso. The program prepares aspiring market research analysts for entry-level careers through courses and workshops. You learn about communication theory and analysis. You also learn methods of research in communication. Since the program covers many topics and subjects, you graduate prepared to work in many different fields. UTEP ranks #299-#391 in best national universities by U.S. News. It also ranks among top public schools.

#8 – SUNY College at Oswego

Online BA in PR Oswego, New York Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $8,651 SUNY College at Oswego is an affordable school for a PR degree. You can get a Bachelor of Arts in PR. This is a great program for students interested in marketing and advertising. Though not a marketing online program, you learn different marketing concepts. You also learn how to handle crisis communications in public and private sectors. The program also teaches you about graphic design and social media management. These skills are important to potential employers. The school is accredited and ranked. Its rankings include #50 in best northern universities by U.S. News.

#7 – Bellevue University

Online BA in Communication Studies Bellevue, Nebraska Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $7,851 Bellevue University is a great school for a communications degree. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies degree program. It also offers an emphasis in mass media. The program teaches you how to communicate in the digital age. You also learn how to put communication theory to practice. For the mass media concentration, you take classes like:

• Media literacy
• Understanding mass media
• Writing for media

To make it affordable, the school also offers financial aid. Besides financial aid awards, you also get an accredited degree from a ranked school. Bellevue’s rankings with U.S. News include:

• #119-#157 in best regional universities in the Midwest
• #131 in top performers on social mobility

#6 – Indiana University East

Online BA in Communication Studies Richmond, Indiana Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $7,715 Indiana University East is a good school for a communication degree. It offers a BA in Communication Studies with classes in advertising, marketing, and more. The program exposes you to different areas of social sciences and humanities. You learn communication theory. You also learn how to apply those theories to the field. You classes cover topics like:

• Communication research methods
• Communication theories
• Foundation of journalism and mass communication
• Interpersonal communication

The school ranks #112 in best regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News.

#5 – University of Maryland Global Campus

Online BA in Communication Studies Adelphi, Maryland Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $7,560 Prospective students seeking a communications degree and online delivery find UMGC a great choice. The school offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies degree program. It teaches you the foundations of oral communication. You also learn communication theory and PR theory. If you’re interested in mass media, as taught in a marketing degree online program, you can take classes. They include:

• Mass communication and media studies
• Mass media law

Besides online courses, the school offers accreditation. It also ranks with U.S. News. Its rankings include #131-#171 in best regional schools in the North.

#4 – Appalachian State University

Online BS in Communication – Advertising Boone, North Carolina Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $7,410 Appalachian State University is an affordable school for an advertising degree online. It offers a BS in Communication degree with an advertising concentration. In this online program, you learn skills needed for work in advertising, communication, and marketing. Your courses empower you with skills you need to connect with consumers. You also learn how to create and manage media content. There are two emphasis areas. These include:

• Creative advertising
• Strategic advertising

Students complete 120 semester credits no matter which concentration they choose. The school ranks #6 in best Southern universities by U.S. News. It also ranks #2 in best colleges for veterans.

#3 – Florida International University

Online BS in PR, Advertising, and Applied Communications Miami, Florida Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $6,565 Florida International University is an affordable school for a PR and marketing program. It offers a BA in PR, Advertising, and Applied Communications. In this program, you learn about the different aspects of each field. You also learn how they work together through communications. Through classes and workshops, you learn the principles of advertising. You also cover strategic branding and social media. Graduates go on to have successful careers as brand managers and PR consultants. Some work as media buyers. To graduate, you must complete 120 credit hours. FIU ranks with U.S. News. It ranks #187 in best national universities.

#2 – Kennesaw State University

Online BS in PR Kennesaw, Georgia Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $,6,436 Kennesaw State University is a great school for a PR degree. It offers a BS in PR degree program that is career-focused. This program teaches you skills needed to work in the field. It also helps you develop critical thinking skills needed for a job in PR. You take courses in case study analysis. You also explore topics in crisis communication and media strategies in PR. When you graduate, you can qualify for entry-level work in PR agencies and communication firms. Besides offering affordable programs, KSU ranks in several U.S. News categories. These include:

• #298 in best national schools
• #80 in top performers on social mobility

#1 – University of Florida

Online Bachelor of Science in PR Gainesville, Florida Website

Undergraduate Tuition: $6,381 The University of Florida is a great school for students interested in a PR or advertising online degree. You can earn a BS degree in PR. The program provides you with a strong foundation in communication and journalism. You also learn PR techniques and strategies. The program helps you improve your writing and research skills through courses and workshops. After graduation, you can go to work in a variety of jobs.

• Account executive
• Communications specialist
• PR consultant
• Social media coordinator

UCF ranks #30 in best national universities by U.S. News and World Report. It also ranks #6 in top public schools. It is the most affordable school on our list. ______________

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do with a bachelor advertising degree?

From digital marketing to media work in professional organizations. You can do a lot with an advertising degree. Students leave college armed with a bachelor’s degree. They are ready to embark on entry-level roles in:

• Advertising
• Communications
• Education
• Fundraising

Below are different career paths if you have a bachelor degree in advertising.

• Advertising, marketing, and promotions managers

Advertising managers plan programs and drive interest in products and services. They do market research and oversee marketing or PR campaigns. To land a job as a manager, you need a college degree and experience. Your online degree may come from a marketing program. It can also be in PR.

• PR or fundraising managers

These special managers work for nonprofit organizations. They help brand, create, and maintain corporate images for the public. They also raise money and bring in donations. You need work experience and a degree to work in this role.

• PR specialists

PR specialists create and promote business or company brand. They draft news stories and press releases. They also handle media inquiries. Some specialized PR workers write speeches for administration.

What is the outlook for advertising and PR jobs?

Advertising managers will see good job growth over the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 10% increase in jobs through 2030. Each year, about 31,000 new jobs will open for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers. But what drives job growth in this field? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports job growth due to the need to replace workers who retire. When workers exit the labor force, it opens up new positions. Workers also transfer to other jobs, which leads to vacancies. Other reasons that drive job growth in advertising, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, include:

• Brand and positive public image for businesses
• Increase in digital campaigns
• Need to target consumers
• Rise of electronic media

What professional associations can students join?

You don’t have to wait until you graduate to join a professional association in advertising. While you earn your degree, you can enjoy membership benefits. Benefits for students include:

• Conferences
• Job boards and forums
• Mentorships
• Networking opportunities

As a student, you also get reduced membership fees. Read on to find professional associations you can join while earning an online advertising degree.

• Association for Women in Communications

The AWC offers local chapters and online courses that help you become a leader in the field. From job boards to networking, the AWC offers a variety of benefits for students.

• Institute for PR

IPR focuses on research and science in PR. Membership provides access to annual conferences, professional boot camps, and webinars. IPR is a helpful association designed to build relationships in the industry.

• PR Society of America

With over 30,000 members, PRSA offers the most current information and trends in PR. PRSA hosts development opportunities. It also publishes a monthly newsletter and academic journal. The association is open to college students and offers reduced membership fees.

What can you earn after online advertising school?

The short answer to this question is a stable income. At least that’s what the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. With an advertising degree, you can expect average earnings of $62,810/year as a PR specialist. You can earn almost $120,000/year as a PR and fundraising manager. Advertising sales agents earn an average of $52,340/year. But the highest paid workers are advertising, promotions, and marketing managers. They earn about $133,000/year. Certain factors impact your earnings. The more education you have, the higher your wages. You can also earn more if you have more experience. Industry type also matters. Some industries offer higher pay than others. For advertising managers, the top paying industries include:

• Information – $163,000/year
• Management of companies – $130,000/year
• Advertising and PR – $126,000/year

What courses do you take in an online advertising or PR program?

You take many different courses to earn a bachelor’s degree in advertising or PR. Courses topics depend on the program and school. But most programs cover similar topics. Advertising programs blend subjects from related disciplines. It’s not uncommon for a PR program to offer advertising and communication courses. You might find PR classes in a marketing degree online program, for example. Since most programs blend disciplines, there’s a lot of overlap. This means you’re prepared for graduate school when you earn your degree. You can also qualify for many different programs. Some students with an advertising degree earn a master’s degree in PR or communication. Some even get a marketing degree online. Most programs cover course topics like:

• Advertising foundations
• PR principles
• Writing development

Courses focus on both practice and theory. You learn how to put communication theories to practice. You also learn how to write for media outlets. For example, you might learn how to write the following:

• Advertisements
• Digital posts
• News stories
• Press releases

Some programs offer graphic design courses. Graphic design classes emphasize advertising and branding.

Related Resources:

Top 10 Best Majors for Indecisive Students

Top 10 Highest Paying Business Degrees

Ultimate Guide to Business Degrees and Careers

What’s the Best Degree Path to Becoming an Advertising and Promotions Manager?

This concludes our list of the 30 best bachelor’s degree in advertising online programs.