Drive the big ideas. Shape what’s next.
From viral digital trends to seismic cultural shifts, advertisers don’t just keep up with the conversation—they direct it. Great campaigns do more than sell products; they unearth unmet human needs, challenge industry standards, and shift global behavior.
At Boston University’s College of Communication (COM), you’ll learn how to turn data insights into creative breakthroughs. Combining vast industry connections, a powerhouse alumni network, and world-class client opportunities, BU COM is consistently recognized as one of the top-ranked advertising schools in the nation. Whether you’re launching your career or looking to lead an agency, our programs build the portfolio you need to command the room.
Why BU COM for Advertising?
Home of AdLab—Work inside the world’s longest-running and largest student-run advertising agency, building actual campaigns for real global brands.
Faculty working in advertising—Learn from active creative directors, strategic planners, and researchers who direct campaigns for companies like P&G, Home Depot, GM, and top-tier Super Bowl slots.
Top-Tier Global Rankings—Regularly ranked in the top 3 spots nationally for advertising and marketing education by major industry publications.
Driven by Industry Experts
At BU COM, you don’t just learn advertising from academics—you learn it from the architects of the industry. Our award-winning faculty balance cutting-edge consumer research with active, high-stakes creative careers.
These are the professionals with the vision behind the media you consume every day, directing massive global campaigns for brands like Procter & Gamble, Home Depot, General Motors, and Samuel Adams, as well as charting top-performing spots on the Super Bowl. They bring their fresh client strategies, active agency connections, and real-time market insights from the boardroom to your classroom.
- No. 1: Best Schools for Public Relations & Advertising in the U.S., College Factual
- No. 1: Best Colleges for Advertising in the U.S., CollegeRaptor
- No. 2: Best Colleges with Advertising Degrees in America, Niche
- No. 3: Best Colleges for Advertising, College Transitions
Advertising Degree Programs
Classwork casts a wide net to include writing, design, branding, strategy, analytics, UX, and account management. Our multifaceted coursework bridges the entire industry pipeline, including persuasive writing, brand strategy, data analytics, visual design, user experience (UX), and account management. Explore every facet of the discipline to find your perfect professional path.
The Ultimate Proof: Award-Winning Student Work
Our standing as a premier advertising program is continually proven by the creative work of our students, who consistently sweep major national and international creative competitions:
- Top 5 Global Ranking in the prestigious One Show Student Awards.
- 37 Young Ones Awards captured within the past five years.
- Annual D&AD (London) Awards recognition.
- Unrivaled Regional Excellence: Winning 28 out of 30 student Hatch Awards in 2023, and 16 out of 21 in 2024.
Where a BU COM Advertising Degree Takes You
Our alumni don’t just find jobs—they reshape the media landscape. BU COM graduates launch careers as copywriters, art directors, brand strategists, content creators, media planners, consumer insight analysts, and creative producers.
They drive strategy at global agencies like MullenLowe, R/GA, Ogilvy, and Digitas—or build what’s next on the client side at tech and media giants like TikTok, Paramount, and Apple.
OUTCOME DATA
97%
of BS in Advertising alumni are employed, in school, or in another chosen activity.
Beyond the Classroom: Immersive Experiences
AdLab
AdLab is the nation’s longest-running student-run agency. You won’t just analyze case studies—you will build end-to-end campaigns for clients like Under Armour and Celebrity Cruises, alongside cutting-edge tech startups.
Spring Break NYC Ad Tour
Gain access to iconic global agencies. Tour top-tier agencies like Droga5, Saatchi & Saatchi, Amazon Ads, and Giant Spoon. Meet executive decision-makers, get insider portfolio critiques, and attend high-value BU advertising alumni mixers.
Internships in London, LA & DC
In addition to our deep network of Boston-based corporate partners, you can choose to study and intern inside major domestic and international hotspots for the media and entertainment industry.
Creative Cafe
Pitch your work directly to creative directors, art directors, and copywriters from agencies like MullenLowe, Digitas, and Arnold Worldwide. Get unfiltered professional feedback and make the network connections that spark job offers.
