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UofM Global offers opportunities for learners balancing education alongside work and life. Students benefit from an active online community and extensive support services, including career advising and 24/7 tutoring.
Same Diploma. On Your Time.
Earning your Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Media with an Advertising concentration from the University of Memphis gives you access to a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for careers in today’s fast-evolving advertising and media industries. Through the Department of Journalism and Strategic Media, students receive hands-on training in advertising strategy, campaign development, audience analytics, branding, and creative communication within a dynamic and professionally focused learning environment.
The Advertising concentration builds a strong foundation in ad copywriting, branding, media planning, account management, social media strategy, and campaign research and evaluation. The curriculum emphasizes creative and analytical skill development along with communication, research, strategic thinking, and ethical media practices in a digital and global marketplace.
Graduates are prepared for careers in agency, corporate, nonprofit, and freelance settings, including roles such as account executive, account planner, brand manager, copywriter, media buyer, media planner, researcher, and social media manager. Students also graduate with Google Analytics and social media analytics certifications, and complete internship or practicum experiences that provide valuable real-world industry preparation.
The Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Media with an Advertising concentration at the University of Memphis includes general education courses, journalism and strategic media core requirements, marketing coursework, and upper-division advertising classes. Students develop skills in advertising strategy, branding, analytics, media planning, and campaign development while completing internship or practicum experiences that support professional growth and career preparation.
University General Education Requirements (41 credit hours)
Students must complete the University General Education Program.
College & B.A. Requirements
Journalism and Strategic Media Core
Required Courses:
- JRSM 1700 - Intro to Media ** Credit Hours: (3)
- JRSM 1750 - Media Writing I Credit Hours: (3)
- JRSM 2121 - Media Writing II Credit Hours: (3)
- JRSM 4700 - Media Law ** Credit Hours: (3)
- JRSM 4950 - Professional Development** Credit Hours: 1
Internship or Practicum
Select one of the following (3 hours):
- JRSM 4930 - Media Internship ** Credit Hours: (3)
- JRSM 4940 - Student Media Practicum Credit Hours: (1-3)
Strategic Media Major Core
- STRM 3200 - Intro to Strategic Media Credit Hours: 3
- STRM 3210 - Intro to Strategic Writing** Credit Hours: (3)
- STRM 3250 - Audience & Analytics Credit Hours: 3
- STRM 4290 - Campaign Research & Planning** Credit Hours: 3
- STRM 4295 - Campaigns Implementation & Evaluation** Credit Hours: 3
- JRSM 3905 - Graphics for Strategic Media Credit Hours: (3)
- JRSM 4710 - Social Media & Society** Credit Hours: (3)
Marketing Requirements (9 hours)
Select three of the following (9 hours):
- MKTG 3010 - Principles of Marketing ** Credit Hours: (3)
- MKTG 3140 - Integrated Marketing Communications Credit Hours: (3)
- MKTG 3340 - Principles of Social Media Marketing ** Credit Hours: (3)
- MKTG 4630 - Social Media Strategies and Analytics Credit Hours: (3)
Advertising Concentration
Required Courses:
- STRM 3211 - Ad Copywriting Credit Hours: (3)
- STRM 4220 - Branding & Strategic Media** Credit Hours: (3)
- STRM 4221 - Ad Creative Strategy Credit Hours: (3)
- STRM 4222 - Account Planning & Management** Credit Hours: (3)
Select one of the following: 3 hours
- JRSM 4702 - Media, Diversity & Society ** Credit Hours: (3)
- JRSM 4704 - Issues in Sport and Media Credit Hours: (3)
- JRSM 4708 - Media Ethics Credit Hours: (3)
- JRSM 4716 - Media History Credit Hours: (3)
- JRSM 4720 - Presidents and the Press Credit Hours: (3)
Frequently Asked Questions for the Online B.A. in Advertising
Program Structure and Requirements
What courses are required for the B.A. in Strategic Media – Advertising concentration? The degree includes general education coursework, journalism and strategic media core requirements, marketing courses, and upper-division advertising classes focused on branding, copywriting, analytics, campaign strategy, and media planning.
How many total credit hours are needed to complete the degree?
The program requires approximately 120 credit hours for graduation.
Does the program include internship or hands-on learning opportunities?
Yes. Students complete either a media internship or practicum experience to gain real-world industry experience and professional development.
Can I transfer previously earned college credits into this program?
Eligible transfer credits may be applied toward degree requirements, helping students reduce the time needed to complete the degree.
Online Learning Experience
Is the Strategic Media – Advertising degree offered fully online?
Yes. Students can complete the degree fully online through the University of Memphis Global.
Do online students take the same classes as on-campus students?
Online students complete the same curriculum taught by University of Memphis faculty and earn the same degree as on-campus students.
How flexible is the online format?
The online format is designed to provide flexibility for working adults and busy students, allowing coursework to be completed around personal and professional schedules.
Admissions and Enrollment
What are the admission requirements for the Strategic Media – Advertising program?
Applicants must meet University of Memphis undergraduate admission requirements, while transfer students may need to satisfy additional criteria.
When can I start the program?
Students may apply for enrollment in the fall, spring, or summer terms offered throughout the academic year.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
What careers can I pursue with a degree in Advertising?
Graduates are prepared for careers such as account executive, account planner, brand manager, copywriter, media buyer, media planner, researcher, and social media manager.
Will the program help me build professional communication and creative skills?
Yes. The curriculum emphasizes strategic communication, writing, branding, audience research, creative strategy, and ethical media practices.
Will I receive support with career preparation?
Students have access to advising, professional development resources, internships, and university career services designed to support career readiness and job preparation.
Cost and Financial Aid
Is financial aid available for online students?
UofM Global offers competitive tuition rates for fully online undergraduate students, along with a variety of financial aid opportunities for eligible students, including federal aid, scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial assistance.
Follow the link below to learn more about tuition and cost-saving options available to help make your education more affordable.
Start or Advance Your Career
The Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Media – Advertising concentration at the University of Memphis prepares students for careers in advertising, branding, digital marketing, social media management, media planning, and strategic communications. Students develop skills in campaign strategy, audience analytics, ad copywriting, branding, and digital media while gaining hands-on experience through internships and industry certifications, including Google Analytics and social media analytics. Graduates are prepared for careers in agencies, corporations, nonprofits, media organizations, and freelance creative industries, as well as future graduate study.
See Full Outlook From The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics
Employment Outlook
Employment in media and communication occupations is projected to grow from 2024 to 2034, with about 104,800 openings each year on average. Most opportunities will come from the need to replace workers who leave the field. This steady demand continues to create strong entry points for new professionals.
Earning Potential
Media and communication careers offer strong earning potential across a wide range of roles. In May 2024, media and communication workers earned a median annual wage of $70,300, above the median for all occupations. Media and communication equipment workers earned a median annual wage of $56,480, also above the overall median.
Roles Related To This Degree
- Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Manager
- Market Research Analyst
- Public Relations Specialist
- Copywriter
- Art Director
- Media Planner or Buyer
Amplify Your Academic Experience