Senior advertising major Matthew Lindner isn’t ready to leave SMU when he graduates this May, but now it looks like he may not have to. SMU is launching a new graduate advertising program in August 2009.
“There has always been interest from the greater DFW community for a graduate program in our area,” Dr. Patricia Alvey, distinguished chair and director of the Temerlin Advertising Institute said.
“This is one of the major national markets so it makes perfect sense for students and young professionals to be able to get advanced education in our discipline.” SMU spent 18 months studying 150 advertising programs across the country in order to design an innovative new program that promotes social responsibility and effective campaign strategies for the marketplace. According to Alvey, only those advertising professionals who can balance both the business and creative aspects of the career are prepared for the business environment tomorrow.
Alvey said that the program plans to accept forward-thinking visionaries who want to take the industry to higher levels. Applicants can apply through Feb. 15 for the 36-credit-hour program, which is open to students from all professional levels. Students will study theories of persuasion, problem-solving strategies, and new media strategies, among other subjects. The program focuses on practical, hands-on experience.
“Masters graduates can expect to work professionally, either domestically or internationally, in advertising agencies, media companies and/or corporations as account executives, art directors, copywriters, strategists, media planners or in many other areas of the industry,” Alvey said.
Alvey thinks that the graduate program will appeal to SMU’s undergraduate advertising majors. Lindner is one such student. He plans to apply for the program this year.
“I hope to gain further specialized experience in creative advertising,” Lindner said. “I also hope to continue my education and learn as much as possible before I have to be responsible and find my way in the world.”
He thinks that the graduate program will give him time to perfect his portfolio, and the degree will also enable him to teach. Lindner is especially interested in the study abroad opportunity and the six-month practicum aspects of the program. He hopes the practicum will be an internship that is more like a hired position in an agency. Lindner is excited for the opportunity the program provides.
“The degree will make me more competitive and will better prepare me for the challenges of professional advertising,” he said.
