Advertising Management at Portland State University: Where creativity meets business strategy
Portland State University’s Advertising Management degree is one of the few in the U.S. offered through a nationally ranked School of Business—giving students a competitive edge by combining creative thinking with real-world business strategy.
- A Strategic, Results-Driven Advertising Degree: Unlike programs housed in communication or arts departments, PSU’s advertising program focuses on using advertising as a business tool. You’ll learn how to develop and execute campaigns that align with organizational goals, solve business problems, and drive long-term results.
- Multi-Platform Expertise: From traditional TV, radio, and print to cutting-edge digital, social media, and mobile platforms, you gain experience in every major advertising format. PSU’s curriculum equips you to plan and manage integrated campaigns that deliver measurable impact.
- Real-World Experience in a Thriving Creative Hub: Located in the heart of Portland, Oregon—a city known for its dynamic advertising and design scene—PSU offers unmatched access to internships, networking, and client-based projects. You’ll gain hands-on experience, build a standout portfolio, and graduate ready to thrive in agency, in-house, or entrepreneurial settings.
Advertising minors complement any major
Portland State University offers a general Advertising minor open to all students, along with specialized minors for Communication and Graphic Design majors. These programs give you a well-rounded foundation in advertising strategy, campaign development, brand promotion, and media planning—equipping you with the versatile skills needed to succeed in today’s dynamic marketing and advertising industry. We also offer a Design Management minor for Advertising majors.
- In the Advertising Minor you’ll learn every piece of the business—strategy, promotion, campaign development and more—to be more prepared for the ever-changing world of advertising and marketing, and poised for work in private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
- The Business Minor in Advertising for Communication Majors provides communication, advertising, and media skills, as well as work with real clients, to understand consumer behavior, develop campaigns, and execute message and media strategies that connect consumers to brands in relevant and creative ways.
- The Business Minor in Advertising for Graphic Design Majors prepares students to leverage their design skills with coursework in advertising and creative strategy, as well as experience working directly with real clients, in order to develop integrated brand promotion campaigns, launch a freelance design business.
At Portland State University’s School of Business, the Advertising Management degree blends creativity with business strategy to prepare you for a successful, high-impact career in advertising, marketing, and brand management.
- Business-Focused, Career-Driven: Unlike traditional programs housed in communications or art departments, PSU’s advertising degree is rooted in business. You’ll develop creative talent and business acumen—gaining strategic thinking, budgeting, client management, and analytical skills that make you stand out in today’s job market.
- Powerful Industry Connections and Internship Opportunities: Benefit from PSU’s downtown Portland location and deep ties to the advertising industry. Intern at top agencies, participate in the exclusive Portfolio Workshop, and build real-world experience through Student Work, our independent, student-run advertising agency. You’ll build a network, gain exposure, and get noticed by professionals before you graduate.
- Learn from Faculty with Real-World Advertising Experience: Nearly all of PSU’s advertising faculty are seasoned industry professionals—many still working in the field. They bring current insights, case studies, and connections directly into the classroom, offering students a practical, career-ready education.
- Stay Ahead with the Latest Tools and Trends: The advertising landscape evolves fast—and so does our curriculum. You’ll learn cutting-edge tools, digital platforms, and strategies used by today’s top creative agencies. From data-driven marketing to brand storytelling and content strategy, our program stays at the forefront of industry innovation.
- High Job Placement and Marketable Skills: Portland State advertising graduates are highly sought after. With a strong portfolio, real client work, and a business foundation, you’ll be prepared for roles at global ad agencies, corporate marketing departments, boutique creative shops, and mission-driven nonprofits.
Advertising Program Highlights
Discover exceptional opportunities for aspiring advertising professionals at Portland State University, located in the heart of downtown Portland — a thriving hub for creative industries and internship experiences.
- Real-World Experience with Local Brands: Students gain hands-on experience through Student Work, PSU’s independent, student-run advertising agency. Collaborate directly with Portland-based companies to build campaigns and portfolios that stand out.
- Industry-Level Feedback and Portfolio Development: Participate in exclusive weekend-long Portfolio Workshops, where students receive personalized critiques from top professionals in the advertising and marketing industry.
- Proven Career Success: Our graduates consistently secure positions at leading advertising agencies, design firms, and marketing departments, demonstrating strong job placement rates and career advancement.
- Diverse, Career-Ready Student Community: PSU’s advertising students reflect the diversity of today's workforce and bring fresh perspectives that align with the evolving needs of employers and global markets.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with peers and faculty across disciplines such as marketing, communications, business, and graphic design — building the teamwork skills essential to agency life.
- National Recognition and Accreditation: Portland State University has been ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Most Innovative Universities for four consecutive years. The School of Business holds prestigious dual AACSB accreditation, a distinction earned by fewer than 5% of business schools worldwide.
Advertising Management Degree Curriculum
PSU’s advertising management degree curriculum places extra emphasis on strategic thinking. We provide a holistic view of business, markets, consumer behavior, and economic trends, making you more valuable in the job market and on the job. You’ll be equipped to advance quickly into decision-making roles and leadership positions.
The advertising management degree includes courses in:
- Advertising
- Consumer Behavior and Customer Satisfaction
- Media Strategy
- Creative Strategy
- Advertising Campaigns
- Marketing Research
- Marketing Analytics
- Account Management
- Portfolio Workshop
- FIR Advertising Agency Workshop
- Digital Media Planning and Design
Download the appropriate sequence sheet for additional details about prerequisites, requirements, credits, and suggested sequences:
Advertising job opportunities are growing rapidly, particularly in digital media. PSU’s advertising management program has an outstanding reputation among employers. Recruiters and hiring executives regularly scout our campus, participate in campus programs, and conduct on-campus interviews. You can find advertising career opportunities in areas such as:
- Digital advertising
- Content strategy
- Account management
- Communications strategy
- Content development and production
- Media buying
- Creative direction
- Brand development
- Graphic design
ACCREDITATION & RANKINGS
Portland State University’s School of Business is proud to be among fewer than 200 business schools globally—placing us in the top 1% worldwide—to hold dual accreditation in both business and accounting from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
Best Undergraduate Business Programs, U.S. News & World Report