Welcome to the Department of Advertising, Public Relations, and Retailing at Michigan State University.

The Department is an internationally-recognized leader in preparing both undergraduate and graduate students for careers in these three fields. Our programs provide a unique blend of communication and commerce in an industry-focused environment. The three signature elements of our programs are creativity, technology, and an international orientation.

The Department offers two undergraduate majors, one in Advertising and one in Retailing. These programs are among the largest in the world. In addition, we participate in the undergraduate specialization in Public Relations. For graduate students, we offer a Master of Arts degree in Advertising or Public Relations, a Master of Science degree in Retailing and a Ph.D. degree in Retailing. We are also part of the Media and Information Studies Ph.D. Program, which is an interdepartmental program in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at MSU.

The undergraduate degree programs provide a solid background for our graduates who move into jobs in all areas of promotion and retailing. Our internship programs give students hands-on experience in the professions. The Visiting Advertising Professional (VAP) program puts students into contact with some of the top creative people in the industry. The Department offers three summer Study Abroad programs, one in Italy and France, one in Russia and Poland, and another in Hong Kong and Japan. There is also a semester-long exchange program with a university in the Netherlands for Retailing students.

The Master of Arts programs offer intensive professional training for students interested in careers in advertising or public relations management, research, and media. The course work for both programs integrates advertising, public relations, and sales promotion content with theoretical concepts to prepare graduates for industry leadership positions. The Master of Science in Retailing program provides graduate instruction and research in retailing systems, with opportunities to specialize in consumer behavior, human resource management, or international retailing.

Our award winning faculty combines scholarly research with a real-world orientation and a dedication to high quality teaching. Those who want to compete and excel will find MSU's Department of Advertising, Public Relations, and Retailing an exciting and cutting-edge place to prepare for the future.

Cordially,

Richard T. Cole
Professor and Chairperson

A Half Century of Advertising Education:

The   History   of   APRR   at   MSU

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Advertising, Public Relations & Retailing
309 Communication Arts and Sciences
East Lansing, MI  48824-1212
517-355-2314
Fax:  517-432-2589

Undergraduate Advising
189 Communication Arts and Sciences
517-355-1794