Areas of Advertising
Our curriculum map breaks down into multicolored sections, each representing a different part of the advertising field. Discover what fits you! Click below or scroll down to explore these different areas at a high level, or jump back to the ADV course map or home page.
Need more help navigating the ad world? here are a few quizzes to help find your way:
- What Ad Agency Position Is Right for You? This ProProfs quiz is short and light, nice place to start
- What Kind of Advertiser Are You? This Outbrain quiz is less about specific areas, more your professional persona
- Creative Career Finder: This Career Ladder resource is part personality quiz, part Advertising wayfinder
Discover what moves people.
If you’re the type that needs to know why, research is your playground. Dive deep into data, explore human behavior, and uncover insights. Blending psychology, sociology, and economics, research turns curiosity into so much more.
If you’re…
- Inquisitive
- Tenacious
- Analytical
- Detail oriented
- A critical thinker
…then Research could be for you!
Job titles include:
- Research Director
- Market Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Intelligence
- Professor
Plan the path forward.
Research finds the why – strategy figures out what’s next. Connect insights to ideas, craft messages that matter, and spark creative work that makes waves. If you want to think for a living, strategy may be where you belong.
If you’re…
- Curious
- Good at problem solving
- Challenging status quo
- Proactive
- Comfortable with uncertainty
…then Strategy could be for you!
Job titles include:
- Strategist
- Account Planner
- Consumer Insights
- Brand Strategist
- Content Strategist
Bring big ideas to life.
Creative is where imagination meets execution. Dive into Big Idea thinking, explore the process that combines writing and art, and build a portfolio to show what you can do. Creative is your chance to think big and craft work that turns heads.
If you’re…
- Imaginative
- Open-minded
- Aesthetic
- Risk-taking
- Experimental
…then Creative could be for you!
Job titles include:
- Copywriter
- Art Director
- Designer
- Content Creator
- Creative Director
Set your message in motion.
Brands connect with people through many channels. Navigate the evolving media landscape, from entertainment to entrepreneurship. Learn communication methods and cultural aspects, and make the most of the latest platforms.
If you’re…
- A strong communicator
- Adaptable
- On top of trends
- Analytical
- Entrepreneurial
…then Media could be for you!
Job titles include:
- Media Planner
- Media Buyer
- Media Coordinator
- Media Analyst
- Content Marketing Manager
Make experiences that click.
Every click tells a story. Jump into a world of technology, data and interactive experiences. Learn the latest in digital strategy, e-commerce, computational advertising and AI, and help to shape the future of our field.
If you’re…
- Innovative
- Excited by what’s new
- Tech savvy
- Iterative
- Data driven
…Digital Advertising may be for you!
Job titles include:
- Digital Marketing
- Digital Strategist
- Growth Marketing
- Digital Brand Manager
- SEO, UX/UI, e-commerce
Influence the feed.
Social media is more than likes and followers. Learn how to use social platforms to shape brands, grow your influence, and craft content that connects. Build new skills, make your mark – and maybe earn a Social Media Certificate along the way!
If you’re…
- A strong communicator
- Socially conscious
- Attuned to trends
- Experimental
- Empathetic
…then Social Media could be for you!
Job titles include:
- Social Media Manager
- Social Media Analyst
- Content Manager
- Influencer
- Community Manager
Shape the story.
Every brand has a story, and public relations helps tell it. Explore strategy, writing, and media relations while learning how to manage reputations and communicate with purpose. Take a class or go all in with a PR Minor to master the art of storytelling!
If you’re…
- Relationship driven
- A strong communicator
- Investigative
- Influential
- Adaptable
…Public Relations could be for you!
Job titles include:
- Public Relations Manager
- Communications Director
- PR Account Coordinator
- Publicist
- Promotions Manager
Pitch with purpose.
Sales is where persuasion gets personal. Whether you’re eyeing account management or learning how to close a deal, here’s a chance sharpen your communication skills, push outside your comfort zone or even earn a Sales Certificate!
If you’re…
- Empathetic
- Determined
- Confident
- Competitive
- A “people person”
…then Sales could be for you!
Job titles include:
- Sales Associate
- Sales Representative
- Media Sales
- Account Director
- Business Development
From concept to launch.
Produce real work for real clients, collaborate with teammates, develop multimedia plans and make your thinking a reality. From brainstorming to the big reveal, turn ideas into action and collect some legendary war stories along the way!
If you’re…
- Hands-on
- Good at multitasking
- Communicative
- Focused under pressure
- Action oriented
…then Campaigns could be for you!
Job titles include:
- Account Director
- Project Manager
- Creative Director
- Producer
- Brand Manager