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Kean University

What You Learn

The BFA Advertising program will prepare you to solve visual communication problems in advertising, calling upon the depth and breadth of a liberal arts education to inform your choices and practices in a global marketplace and connected world.

  • Generate relevant and creative omnichannel ideas based on advertising strategy

  • Be proficient in creative design software

  • Understand the capabilities of all digital channels and platform

  • Construct clear communications to a target (mass or micro/special interest) audience and respond to audience contexts

  • Understand the capabilities of all digital channels and platforms

  • Create an engaging portfolio for career launch

BFA Advertising

From the moment I stepped in I felt the extraordinary passion the professors have for what they teach and their students as well. My professors in the Robert Busch School of Design / Michael Graves College [MGC] became my greatest mentors who want nothing but to share the ways to get ourselves out in the world and success for their students. The incredible experience the professors have helped me realize that my time at MGC is my golden ticket into the wonderful world of advertising and design; all while learning that we AD lovers must understand how humans think and to put them first.

Mara Reyes, BFA Advertising, ‘22
Associate Art Director, Hill Holliday
image of mara reyes

Cougars Climb Higher

Within the Robert Busch School of Design, we believe learning extends far beyond the walls of our labs, lecture rooms, and studios. Which is why we encourage you to get involved in clubs and organizations, attend the many field trips offered, study abroad at our campus in China, and/or take your junior spring semester in Rome, Italy where you can hop over to Paris or London! We also assist you in pursuing internships, entering competitions, and participating in events such as Advertising Week in NY. Reaching beyond the studio classroom through the many opportunities offered will advance your career.

Thinking Creatively Conference

This annual two-day conference for architecture and design students and professionals from across the nation explores contemporary creative challenges and solutions.

Alumnus Max Friedman talks with a design student at the Thinking Creatively Conference.
Thinking Creatively Conference

WE LOVE “SHIPS”!

Our connections to industry-led creative advertising agencies ensure that you get the opportunities to apply for and land amazing junior internships and mentorships.

Advertising students networking
WE LOVE “SHIPS”!

The World Is Our Classroom

We know you aren’t looking for a conventional
classroom experience and neither are we.

Mueseum Visit
The World Is Our Classroom

The Advertising program at MGC taught me to really push my ideas and to create without boundaries. This has helped me so much in my career by allowing me to bring fresh insights and unique approaches that stand out and are appreciated by my agency group and our clients

Ryan Dean, BFA Advertising ‘21
Junior Art Director, Sound Healthcare
ryan dean

Careers

Kean graphic design graduates are working at companies such as Disney, Droga5, Google, Ogilvy, McCann, Grey Worldwide, R/GA, We Are Social, Weber Shandwick, Big Spaceship, Publicis, KBS+P, Brandfirst, Saatchi, Euro RSCG, Havas, Huge, FCB, Neon, Area23, H4B Chelsea, IDEO.org, and many others. Their titles include:

  • Junior Art Director
  • Art Director
  • Design Director
  • UX UI Designer
  • Mobile app designer
  • Front-end Developer
  • Social Media Strategist/Designer
  • Brand Strategist
  • Copywriter
  • Creative Director
  • Branded Content Creator
  • Brand Design

Lower Debt

Kean graduates owe less than the national average

30 Minutes to Internships and Entertainment in NYC

Train station on campus

My experience in the MGC Advertising program has been transformative and a huge steppingstone to my present and future career path as a creative. I’ve learned a range of skills from soft to technical that have helped me prepare to tackle industry briefs, take notes and work collaboratively with others. I graduated with big advertising agency intern experience on my resume which immediately opened doors for me.

Kedemah Reid, BFA Advertising, ‘21
Graphic Designer, Refinery Creative
Kedemah Reid

Student Work

See what our seniors have created for their career launch portfolios visit the Michael Graves College Review.

https://www.michaelgravescollegereview.com/

The MGC advertising program helped me figure out who I truly wanted to be in the creative world: an Art director and someday a Creative Director. It was magical how this advertising program introduced me to the creative skills, the forever friendships, and inspiring mentors I needed to start and succeed in my professional career.

Joshua Dimatulac, BFA Advertising, ‘21
Junior Art Director, Arc Worldwide
~ Joshua Dimatulac
The logo of the National Association of Schools of Art & Design

Accreditation

Founded in 1944, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 352 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for art and design and art/design-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other art/design-related endeavors.

Kean University Academics

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