Quinnipiac University

BA in Advertising and Integrated Communications Applied Experiential Learning

Experiential learning at Quinnipiac offers multiple opportunities to apply your knowledge through hands-on work, service and exploration, preparing you for success in 21st-century careers. With an abundance of resources, internship opportunities and career-focused guidance, you'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge that distinguish you to employers and pave the way for long-term success.

A Foundation for Your Future

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180 Internship Locations

The number of locations where communications students interned across the country during the 2019-20 academic year.

#1 in the United States

#1 Best Employment Rate

For the fifth year in a row, the career site Zippia ranked Quinnipiac as the best college in the nation for employment 10 years after graduation.

73% Hands-On Experience

Percentage of seniors who participated in at least one internship during their time at Quinnipiac.

Recent Student Projects

Course projects enable students to learn through a combination of experiences. By applying knowledge and skills from different disciplines, students are able to challenge themselves through learning in a hands-on and creative way. Through self-driven or team projects, students are able to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Learn more about course projects

Experience the Action

We're proud to offer a range of experiential learning opportunities tailored to students interested in joining this exciting field. Become an invaluable member of student-run media groups or professional organizations as you hone your skills for a career in advertising.

  • Live, work and learn in some of the nation's largest cities while you intern at leading companies, network with industry professionals and explore all that the cities have to offer:
  • Our student media organizations provide students with the opportunity to understand the vast world of communications. These groups include:
  • The Quinnipiac Podcast Studio, with limitless opportunities to create media-centered shows.
  • Ability Media addresses the lack of representation of people with different abilities in content and jobs in media.

From Classroom to Career

Students take notes on their computers during a lecture.

Working in Social Media

At Quinnipiac, we recognize that the realm of social media is a dynamic and influential force in today's digital landscape. From internships with leading companies and organizations to real-world projects that put theory into practice, we empower our students to navigate the complex landscape of social media management, content creation and online community engagement.

Explore careers in social media

A Course in Global Perspective

Exploring Communications Abroad (COM 340) introduces students to the worldwide development of communications, including communication practices, infrastructure, environments and specializations. Students conduct primary and secondary research on communications in a specific country or in a cross-cultural context. The topics can range from international cinema though storytelling and global branding to documentary filmmaking depending on the specialty of the instructor. This course includes a short-term study-abroad component directly related to the topic.

Recent sections related to advertising include:

The London Brand is a course that provides a comprehensive overview of the ‘branding’ of London from several perspectives (history, architecture, theater, film, music, English football, the Queen) and specifically as they relate to how branding helps provide a clear, compelling vision for a city. In turn, this vision can be translated into planning and action, and ultimately communicated intelligently to build a positive image in the minds of those who engage (or may want to engage) with the city.

2 female student posing in front of the London Bridge
2 female student posing in front of the London Bridge

Visualizing Greece provides a practical introduction to and exploration of visual communication in the context of specific iconic areas of Greece, such as Ancient Athens and the Greek Islands. Throughout the course, students sketch, design, conceptualize, reflect upon and discuss their ideas on the creative process, all with Greece as their laboratory. Basic perceptual theories are introduced to help students grasp the use of visual elements like color, form, depth and movement in Greece's cultural celebrations. Ultimately, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of historical and contemporary visual imagery in Greece, exploring how it influences our perceptions and how visual culture can be harnessed for advertising and public relations.

Greek flag overlooking Greece
Greek flag overlooking Greece

Locations: Paris, France; Zurich, Switzerland

The Emily in Paris Effect: Luxury and Lifestyle Strategic Communications is a course that introduces students to luxury and lifestyle brand strategic communications by exploring the social, cultural, and professional practices and responsibilities of the industry. Students will learn methods to thoughtfully research and segment stakeholder groups, design appropriate messaging for them, and implement effective and ethical strategies and tactics. Students will learn critical thinking skills and professional roles central to luxury brand work.

Career-Building Resources

Job Market Trends

Quinnipiac students excel as interns, new hires, managers and executives in almost every industry. Gather real-world data about starting salaries, hiring trends and in-demand skills to inform your decision-making and put you on a path to success. 

Explore real-world data and insights

View all tools and resources

Design your career path

With an abundance of career-focused information and resources, the career advisers within the School of Communications support students as they expand their professional networks and attract the attention of prestigious employers.

Learn more about career development

Career and Experiential Learning Lab

iQ, Quinnipiac University’s holistic approach to career development and experiential learning, surrounds every individual with a personalized plan that maximizes their time at Quinnipiac. The powerhouse of iQ, our Career and Experiential Learning Lab is the physical space where students and advisers bridge the gap between college and career. 

Learn more about our Career and Experiential Learning Lab