Admissions

The B.A. in Advertising (all specializations) can be completed in a minimum of four semesters (one for prerequisites, plus three for major courses), although most students will complete it in five semesters (one for prerequisites, plus four for major courses). Each of the three specializations is a three to four semester (fall and spring terms only) sequence of classes referred to as the Foundation, the Practice, the Application, and Capstone. Students admitted to the B.A. in Advertising (any specialization) must take the required courses in sequence to complete the major in three to four semesters. Click here for a visual of the B.A. in Advertising requirements by semester and specialization.

The application for admission to the B.A. in Advertising is offered once each academic year during the SPRING term only.

For students wishing to pursue a B.A. in Advertising at SMU, admission into the Temerlin Advertising Institute is a two-step process:

STEP ONE: Complete/be completing the prerequisite classes: ADV 1300 plus at least one of ADV 1321, ADV 1331, or ADV 1341 (or MKTG 3340). Preference will be given to students with a combined average of 3.000 or better in all ADV coursework. Students must also be in good academic standing with the University and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000.

Transfer students must have completed equivalent courses and obtained the equivalent cumulative GPA in those courses before they can progress to STEP TWO. Students transferring from other universities that have not yet completed the equivalent introductory courses are encouraged to take them during their first semester at SMU.

STEP TWO: Advertising major candidates that have fulfilled or are fulfilling STEP ONE also must complete the . The application is offered in the spring term only.

2024 Admissions Information

  • Information about the 2024 application, including registration, can be found here.
  • Students that complete the 2024 application will be notified by March 29, 2024 regarding TAI's admission decision.
  • Students admitted to the major in 2024 can complete the requirements for the B.A. in Advertising by December 2025 or May 2026. See B.A. in Advertising by Semester & Specialization for details.

Technology Requirements

Advertising majors are required to have a laptop that meets, at a minimum, these specifications.

Additionally, students admitted to the B.A. in Advertising – Creative Specialization will be required to purchase Adobe Creative Cloud (CC). SMU students can purchase Adobe CC at a discounted rate .

See our FAQs for answers to more common questions about the B.A. in Advertising.

Admissions Requirements by Specialization
B.A. in Advertising – Creative
  • ADV 1300 Survey of Advertising
  • ADV 1321 Introduction to Creativity
B.A. in Advertising – Digital Media Strategy
  • ADV 1300 Survey of Advertising
  • ADV 1331 Digital Media Landscapes
B.A. in Advertising – Strategic Brand Management
  • ADV 1300 Survey of Advertising
  • ADV 1341 (or MKTG 3340) Marketing Principles of Advertising

Questions?

Questions about admission to the Temerlin Advertising Institute can be directed to temerlin@smu.edu.

SMU Admission

Students join the Temerlin Advertising Institute after entering the university. Learn more about admission to SMU.