The School of Communication’s five-year BA/MS program is for students who are looking for a communication career and want to strive to the global stage. It combines the best of two degrees, the BA in Advertising and Public Relations (Ad/PR) and MS in Global Strategic Communication (GSC), and provides an opportunity for graduates to stand out from their peers and be competitive in the job market.

In this professionally focused, interdisciplinary, non-thesis program, students will gain an understanding of strategic communication professions, including how advertising and public relations put a face on a brand and give an organization its personality, as well as an overview for how to navigate the globalized world through creating culturally relevant and sensitive messages and campaigns to engage a diverse range of stakeholders. Study abroad, including immersion opportunities in China and London, is also a key element of the program.

Only current students majoring in Advertising & Public Relations are eligible to apply.

Like the Ad/PR major, students select to follow advertising, public relations, or integrated focus and complete the undergraduate curriculum as required in their first three years. In their senior year, students begin to take graduate courses as electives and finish the 400-level courses in year five.

Students need to declare the BA/MS Program major by the end of their sophomore or spring of their junior year.

To be eligible to complete the BA/MS Program, students must have and maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA in order to conform to the minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA required to demonstrate good academic standing in a graduate program.

The program will prepare graduates for successful careers in public relations, advertising, digital and social media, corporate communication, marketing and related fields.

Program Benefits

• Learn from industry professionals with experience representing some of the top companies and brands.
• Take classes at our downtown Chicago campus, located on Michigan Ave., near one of the nation’s busiest commercial districts.
• Get on-the-job experience through internship opportunities at top ad firms and client companies.