Every aspect of APRD is rooted in creative problem­solving, be it finding consumer insights and developing strategy, generating ideas and producing ads for various platforms or designing social media campaigns. 

The department strives to help students acquire the kind of in­depth expertise in at least one area of strategic communication and design that will enable them to generate ideas and solve problems for a variety of organizations, including but not limited to ad agencies, public­relations firms, publishing and design firms, nonprofits, start­ups and personal ventures. Graduates of the program are forward­-looking and have a deep interest in and knowledge of diverse cultures both within the United States and throughout the world.