The Tombras School of Advertising & Public Relations offers a variety of options for students seeking to earn an M.S. or PhD through the College of Communication & Information.

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4+1 Program

The new ADPR 4+1 program allows current students and recent graduates to turn their bachelor’s degree into a master’s degree with just one additional year of coursework. This program is for students wanting to work in management or higher-level positions in their field. It offers more applied courses and follows an integrated ADPR approach that gives students an advantage when entering the workforce.

M.S. Concentration

An M.S. graduate degree paves the way for career advancement. This program is for students going back to school after taking time off or for those hoping to pursue a PhD. The ADPR master’s concentrations offer a two-year, on-campus experience that allows students to work closely with faculty members as they hone their skills through research, theory, and practice. Advertising and public relations master’s students may choose to write a thesis or complete an applied project. The thesis option is necessary for those hoping to pursue a PhD. Upon completion of the master’s degree, many students begin advertising and/or public relations careers in agencies, corporations, government, and nonprofit organizations. Others choose to progress to doctoral level studies and academic careers.

PhD Concentration

Our two doctoral concentrations offer students the opportunity to build on a solid core of philosophy, theory, and method to deepen their understanding of advertising or public relations. Most doctoral students are funded for three years to work as graduate teaching and/or research assistants and collaborate with faculty on research projects. Graduates from the PhD program most often work as faculty members who teach and research advertising and/or public relations at colleges and universities.