Welcome to the Advertising Program at the University of San Francisco.

Our vibrant, multidisciplinary program was designed in consultation with advertising industry professionals. Our faculty include a number seasoned global advertising industry professionals, and our graduates go on to work at top agencies like Ogilvy, Havas, and BBDO, and for companies like Google, Marvel, Sephora, and Nike.Ê

We'll train you with all theÊtheory, tools, and practical applicationsÊneeded to make a success of your prospective career in advertising.
   Your major consists of three parts:
* first, foundational courses to introduce you to criticalÊtheory,
* then, a choice between track electives, equipping you with the necessaryÊtoolsÊto specialize in an area of advertising,
* and lastly, your capstone experience, giving you a year ofÊpracticeÊbefore graduation.ÊÊ

TakeÊFundamentals of Creative StrategyÊin your first semester, ideally withÊRhetoric and Consumer CultureÊif you start with us in the Fall orÊAdvertising and PersuasionÊif you start with us in the Spring. Once you pass the "Creative Strategy" course, you can move on to theÊFundamentals of Creative Development and then onto our capstones.

You may be curious about the track electives. There are three tracks available. All students will be automatically registered in the general track when they elect advertising as their major. But you may switch to a different track of your choice.

The general trackÊbest suits those pursuing an account planning- or service career, brand communication-related jobs, or marketing nonagency roles.

The creative trackÊgears you up to become a copywriter, art director, graphic designer, or digital creative. To take the creative track, you must declare a Design Minor. Choosing this in your first or second year is best, as the Design Minor takes four semesters to complete.

The strategic planning and research trackÊis for students keen on working in strategy in an advertising-, media- or brand agency, a consumer research company, or to consult.

You may also wonder about our capstones. There's a choice of two. The first is completing a year-long internship. The second option is called Campaign Project, where you compete in the annual American Advertising Federation's National Student Advertising Competition, working on a real-live client brief.

How many courses should you take per semester? The answer is, ideally, four. Usually, our courses count for four credits each. That works out to 16 credits per semester.  Taking 16 units every semester for four years will give you exactly the 128 units required for graduation. Taking 18 credits per semester is possible if necessary.
      
Throughout your time at USF, youÕll work closely with your academic major adviser each semester to choose your classes and map out your path to graduation.

What should you take in your first semester?

We'd recommend the following:
1. ADVT 101 Rhetoric of Consumer Culture (or 102 Advertising and Persuasion if you are starting in spring term)
2. ADVT 201 Fundamentals of Creative Strategy
3. Begin your Core A2 Rhetoric and Composition writing requirement
4. Another Core class. We recommend First Year Seminars or Transfer Year Seminars, or perhaps a second or foreign language course.

Let's briefly discuss the Core A2ÊRhetoric and CompositionÊcourse and the foreign language requirement.

There are many different courses and pathways to fulfill your Core A2 (Rhetoric and Composition) requirement. Simply Google "USFCA Placement Tests" and click on ÒDirected Self-Placement (for Rhetoric).Ó Then, complete the self-placement test and make your choice.ÊNote that nearly all students will take two or more courses to complete Core A2: you may be starting with RHET 106 or RHET 110, or take another course.

As an advertising major, you must reach third-semester proficiency in another language. If you want to continue with a language that you may have already studied (or speak as a native language), take the online placement test to find your appropriate level. On the USFCA Placement Tests selection list, click ÒForeign Language Placement TestÓ to take the test.

A great idea to take in your first semester is USF 101, a one-credit course. This orientation- and university- "life coaching course," as some may call it, settles you into USF university life and covers everything from study and time-management techniques to academic planning and exploring career paths.

If you need any help, don't hesitate to contact us. Once you have completed the quiz, and after completing the placement tests, we mentioned in this brief tutorial, you will be "cleared" and eligible to sign up for classes.Ê

When registration opens at new student orientation, you will have the opportunity to meet your faculty. We will review the courses you have selected for this semester and answer any questions you may have.Ê

Welcome to USF. We look forward to meeting you soon.