The Advertising Design Minor provides students with the opportunity to explore the world of advertising, focusing on how ideas, people, places, and products are branded, packaged, marketed and sold to specific demographics. Students critically engage the intersections between graphic design and advertising, investigating campaign development, art direction, the role of ad agencies, as well as critical issues of ideation, interaction, and social responsibility. This minor includes studio courses in Advertising, Design, and Typography intended to connect students with the skills and process of creating successful campaigns. An Art History course and further electives contribute to an understanding of Advertising’s place within a larger historical and cultural continuum. Advertising Design minors may participate in the BFA Graphic Design Department's senior show on a case-by-case basis with approval from the Department Chair.

The Advertising Design minor is offered through the BFA Graphic Design Department

Eligibility

The Advertising Design minor is open to all undergraduate majors. Students must be on track in their major and in good academic standing, with fewer than 6 credits behind and a cumulative GPA of 2.0. Advertising Design minors may participate in the BFA Graphic Design Department’s senior show on a case-by-case basis with approval from the Department Chair.

Required Courses

*A limited choice of LAS electives will count towards the Advertising Design minor, as determined each semester by the Interdisciplinary Studies Director, BFA Graphic Design Chair and LAS Chair.
**Advertising electives are for BFA Graphic Design majors ONLY.
***A limited choice of Studio Electives will count towards the Advertising Design minor, as determined each semester by the Interdisciplinary Studies Director and Graphic Design, Creative Action, Digital Media, Fine Arts and Product Design Departments.

Course Descriptions are listed in the Communication Arts section of the Course Catalog.  

Download one of the following PDFs to see how the Advertising Design minor fits into your chosen major
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation Students in 2019-20 (class of 2023):
Advertising Design Minor Academic Plan 19-20
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation Students in 2020-21 (class of 2024):
Advertising Design Minor Academic Plan 20-21
For students who entered Otis College as Foundation Students in 2021-22 (class of 2025):
Advertising Design Minor Academic Plan 21-22

Learn more about Interdisciplinary Studies, eligibility requirements, and the application process.