May 07, 2025  
2025-2026 University Catalog 
    
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2025-2026 University Catalog

Journalism, Emphasis in Advertising, B.A.

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(Major Code: 06041) (Academic Plan Code: 661108BALS)

Students majoring in advertising learn to understand the basic principles and theories of advertising; write copy and design messages for distribution through multiple media channels; apply appropriate research methods to plan, monitor, and evaluate advertising; develop strategic thinking skills applied to targeting audiences; create and implement advertising campaigns that are responsible to both consumers’ as well as corporate needs; critically analyze issues related to advertising; communicate effectively with diverse audiences; and practice ethical communication.

Advertising graduates are employed in advertising agencies and marketing departments in the areas of media ad sales, sales promotions, research, creative development, account services, sales management, and digital and social media.

To complete the degree, students must fulfill the degree requirements for the major described in the catalog in effect at the time they are accepted into the premajor at SDSU (assuming continuous enrollment). Students must also complete 15 additional units within an Auxiliary Discipline (within one academic unit outside journalism and media studies).

Emphasis in Advertising

JMS curriculum mixes theory with practice, ensuring students develop both the critical thinking and applied skills necessary for a successful career in all media industries.

Impacted Program

Applicants not meeting the minimum requirements may petition for admission to the advertising studies emphasis. See the School of Journalism and Media Studies advising office for further information.

The advertising emphasis is designated as an impacted program. To be admitted to the advertising emphasis, students must meet the following criteria:

Complete with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a grade of C (2.0) or better in each class; These courses cannot be taken for Credit/No Credit (Cr/NC):
JMS 200   
JMS 210   
JMS 220   
JMS 250   

Achieve a passing score on the grammar and spelling assessment (see school for details);

Complete a minimum of 45 baccalaureate level semester units. A maximum of 90 semester units is recommended. (A minimum of 60 units is required for all transfer applicants.);

Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

Preparation for the Major

12 units to include the following courses: 

Some of these courses may also be used to fulfill lower division general education requirements.

These prerequisite courses may not be taken Cr/NC and must be completed with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a grade of C (2.0) or better in each class.

Language Requirement

Competency (successfully completing the third college semester or fifth college quarter) is required in one language other than English to fulfill the graduation requirement. Refer to the section of this catalog on “Graduation Requirements .”

Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement

Complete JMS 310W  and earn a grade of C (2.0) or better. See “Graduation Requirements ” section for a complete listing of requirements.

Major

A minimum of 39 upper division units to include:

And 12 Units of Upper Division Coursework

Twelve units of upper division coursework in journalism and media studies and learning design and technology.

Critical / Cultural Media Courses

At least three units must be taken from the following list of courses.

Skills Courses

At least three units must be taken from the following list of courses.

Auxiliary Discipline

Students selecting the advertising emphasis are required to complete 15 additional units, six units of which must be at the upper division level, within one academic unit outside journalism and media studies. Completion of a minor or a second major will satisfy the Auxiliary Discipline requirement.

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