Located in New York City, one of the world’s most influential media hubs, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity for hands-on learning, industry connections, and professional growth.
Curriculum Highlights
Our comprehensive curriculum combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, covering key areas such as
- Advertising Strategy and Planning: Understand consumer behavior and learn to develop compelling campaigns.
- Public Relations Campaigns: Master the art of storytelling and publicity to effectively influence public perceptions.
- Digital Communications: Explore the latest digital trends, including social media, content creation, and analytics.
- Creative Development: Cultivate your creative skills in copywriting, graphic design, and multimedia production.
- Degree Type
- BS
- Area of Interest
- Communications, Marketing & Media
- Associated Colleges or Schools
- Required Credit Hours
- 120
Program Contact
My team and I are here to answer any questions you may have about the Advertising Communications and Public Relations program and admission process.
Curriculum
The following tracks are offered in this program:
- Advertising Communications and Public Relations/Account Management/Media
- Advertising Communications and Public Relations/Creative
- Advertising Communications and Public Relations/Publicity and Influence
Advertising Communications and Public Relations
36 Minimum Credits Required
Communications Core Requirements
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
| COM | 1001 | Intro to Mass Communication | 3 |
| COM | 1002 | Storytelling Across Media | 3 |
| COM | 2403 or 2500 | Mgmt in Communication or Visual Aesthectics | 3 |
Advertising and Public Relations Core Requirements
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
| MKTG | 1001 | Principles of Marketing | 3 |
| ADV | 2100 | Intro to Advertising Communications | 3 |
| ADV | 2301 | Copywriting and Concepting | 3 |
| ADV | 3400 | Integrated Advertising Communication | 3 |
| ADV | 4402 | Modern Account Management | 3 |
| PRL | 2100 | Principles of Public Relations | 3 |
| PRL | 2301 | Public Relations Writing | 3 |
| PRL | 3400 | Public Relations Strategies | 3 |
Major Area Electives
3 Credits in ADV or PRL or BLW 1001 or COM 2001 or DMD 1001 or DRM 1200 or ENT 1000 or JOU 1000 or MGT 1001 or SPE 1010 or TVF 1200 or VGD 1002
15 Minimum Credits Required
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
| ADV | 2400 | Creative Strategy and Consumer Research | 3 |
| ADV | 3200 | Advertising Print Production | 3 |
| ADV | 3301 | Copywriting Direct and Digital | 3 |
| ADV | 3500 | History of Advertising and Evolution of Advertising Principles | 3 |
| ADV | 4600 | Advertising Portfolio | 3 |
15 Minimum Credits Required
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
| ADV | 2400 | Creative Strategy and Consumer Research | 3 |
| ADV | 3401 | Advertising Media Planning | 3 |
| ADV | 3403 | Digital and Social Media | 3 |
| ADV | 3500 | History of Advertising and Evolution of Advertising Principles | 3 |
| ADV | 4600 | Advertising Portfolio | 3 |
15 Minimum credits required
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
| PRL | 3402 | Special Event Publicity | 3 |
| PRL | 3403 | Crisis Communication | 3 |
| PRL | 3404 | Special Topics in Public Relations | 3 |
| PRL | 4600 | Seminar in Public Relations Campaigns | 3 |
Plus 3 Credits Chosen from any PRL Course
University Core Curriculum
Experiential Learning
You will engage in real-world projects through internships, collaborative workshops, and partnerships with local businesses and nonprofit organizations. Students in this program attend monthly workshops and networking events with alumni and advertising and public relations executives. Our faculty includes industry professionals who bring valuable insights and mentorship, offering guidance as you build a robust portfolio.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue a variety of roles in advertising agencies, corporate communications, public relations firms, and nonprofit organizations. Career paths include
- Advertising Account Executive
- Brand Strategist
- Media Planner
- Public Relations Executive
- Publicist
- Social Media Manager
Graduates are well-positioned to work in all sectors of communications and media, including
- at advertising and public relations agencies
- in brand management
- in crisis and disaster communication
- in the entertainment and lifestyle industries
- at nonprofit organizations
- in political and government offices
- in publicity and media relations
- in social media
and in many more fields.
Join Us
Prepare to become a leader in the advertising and public relations fields. Apply today to St. John’s Bachelor of Science in Advertising Communications and Public Relations degree program and start your journey in one of the most exciting cities in the world!
Curriculum
The following tracks are offered in this program:
- Advertising Communications and Public Relations/Account Management
- Advertising Communications and Public Relations/Creative Production
- Advertising Communications and Public Relations/Publicity and Influence
Internships
The ADPR program has strong connections to many top-tier and boutique agencies. This affords you the opportunity to gain internship experience and grow professionally. You may receive academic credit for qualifying internships. Former students have interned at Authentic Brand Group, CBS, Disney, JMG Public Relations, Madison Square Garden, Ogilvy, Viacom, and many more. *
*St. John’s offers support and guidance to students interested in securing internships and job placement upon graduation. Internships and job placements are not guaranteed and some are secured directly by the student without direct guidance from the University. Some positions may have been held prior to enrollment at the University.
Student Experiences
You are offered a variety of experiences as part of the ADPR program, including frequent trips to Manhattan, NY, to tour top-tier agencies; listen to guest speakers; attend alumni networking events; participate in national and international advertising and public relations competitions; and attend meetings of professional organizations, including the Public Relations Student Society of America and the student-run communications agency Category 5.
Fast-Track Your Master's
Through our Fast-Track programs, eligible undergraduates can take 12–15 graduate credits—depending on their major—that count toward both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. With advisor approval and strong academic standing, students can transition seamlessly into their graduate program after completing their undergraduate studies.
Fast-Track allows qualified undergraduate students to begin earning credits toward their master’s degree while completing their bachelor’s. This accelerated pathway saves time and tuition, helping you advance your career sooner.
Preparing to apply for the Fast-Track program and have questions about the program? Our advisors are here to help you plan, stay on track, and smoothly transition into your graduate program.
Email us at [email protected]
Your future starts now—let’s prepare together.
Take the Next Step Toward Your Master’s, Faster.
Success at St. John's
Alumna Reflects on Nonlinear Academic Path
“Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, step outside of your comfort zone, and create opportunities,” she said. “Get yourself out there and make connections.”
Student Wins Prestigious Scholarship for Public Relations Studies
Daniel Londono, a St. John’s University senior who demonstrates exceptional leadership and academic achievement in the public relations field, has recently been recognized with the Betsy Plank/Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Scholarship for the fall semester.
Public Relations Major Credits St. John’s for Endless Opportunities
During her time at St. John’s University, Public Relations major Katie Flynn has said yes to every opportunity that came her way—and that has made all the difference.
Advertising Icon to St. John’s Students: Remain Committed to Creativity
St. John’s University students, faculty, and advertising aficionados had the opportunity to meet industry icon Jerry Della Femina and learn more about his prolific career during a celebration of his work on April 24 at the University’s Queens, NY, campus.
New Advertising Center Dedicated in Honor of Beloved Professor and Wife
The Deckinger Lab for Integrated Advertising Communications was founded in 2022 in St. Augustine Hall. It is a hub for students studying advertising and/or public relations to meet, create, and collaborate.
A variety of technology and creative lab tools help students’ dreams and designs become a reality. This specialized learning space within The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies is modeled after a typical advertising agency, giving students a preview of careers in the field and invaluable experiential learning opportunities. It features a touch-down computer center (i.e., a series of smaller workstations shared by multiple users) with state-of-the-art Mac stations, Cintiq drawing monitors, format printers, writeable walls, and multiple video display screens.
Advertising Students Gain Valuable Insights at Workshop
Students in the M.S. in Integrated Advertising Communications and B.S. in Advertising Communications and Public Relations degree programs in The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies participated in a workshop, “How to Get Your First Agency Job,” on Saturday, March 22.
Advertising Communications and Public Relations Events
Introducing the annual Ad Legend Series, where each year, a distinguished advertising executive is honored for their exceptional contributions to the industry. Sponsored by The Dr. E. Lawrence Deckinger Family Foundation.
Stay tuned for next year's Ad Legend!
Past Honorees
Spring 2025
Tiffany Rolfe
Global Chair and Global Chief Creative Officer of R/GA
Thursday, April 3, 2025
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Click here to view the flyer
Spring 2024
Jerry Della Femina
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Click here to view the flyer.
Fall 2023
Ammirati & Puris
Thursday, October 19, 2023
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Click here to view the flyer.
Scholarship Information
Top students are selected as seniors and awarded a scholarship.
Admission
For more information about admission to this and other acclaimed undergraduate programs at St. John’s University, please visit the Undergraduate Admission webpage or contact us directly.
Featured Faculty
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From the Blog
A Week in the Life of a Public Relations Major in NYC
In this blog, I take you through a typical week as a public relations major, from classroom learning to networking events, internships, and campus involvement. If you’re curious about what it’s like to study public relations and build a future in the field, this is your inside look!
Interested in Communications, Marketing & Media, but not sure if Advertising Communications and Public Relations, Bachelor of Science is right for you?
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