Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, and for Australian students interested in media and marketing, the U.S. offers a wealth of opportunities in Media, MarTech & Marketing that are difficult to match in Australia.
With globally recognised institutions and access to the heart of the media and marketing industry, studying in the US can provide Australian students with an invaluable edge.
We asked Phil Ohren from Intender Media, a performance media agency, for their thoughts on US Marketing & Media degrees. Here is Phil’s point of view on some of the top American universities for media and marketing studies and why they stand out for Aussies seeking an international education.
1. New York University (NYU) – New York, NY
- Top Courses: Media, Culture, and Communication; Marketing Analytics; Integrated Marketing
- Why NYU? Situated in New York City, NYU provides students with direct access to one of the largest media markets in the world. The university’s Stern School of Business is renowned for its marketing programs, while the Steinhardt School’s Media, Culture, and Communication department offers specialised courses that delve into media theory, digital production, and global communication.
Potential benefits for Australians: NYU offers students unmatched networking opportunities in a city where countless marketing, advertising, and media companies operate. Internships at global giants like NBC, Vogue, and Warner Music give students real-world experience that can be challenging to find in Australia.
The curriculum at NYU also emphasises international perspectives and emerging trends, which is invaluable for Australian students wanting a career with a global reach.
2. University of Southern California (USC) – Los Angeles, CA
- Top Courses: Strategic Public Relations, Cinematic Arts and Media, Marketing
- Why USC? USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and its Marshall School of Business offer cutting-edge programs that integrate media theory, storytelling, and strategic marketing. The university’s location in Los Angeles – the media capital of the world – means students have front-row seats to the latest developments in entertainment, media, and marketing.
Potential benefits for Australians:: Australia has a robust media industry, but it lacks the sheer scale of Los Angeles’ entertainment and media ecosystem. USC’s programs provide Australian students with first-hand insights into Hollywood and digital media innovation.
Networking opportunities are second to none, with industry leaders frequently hosting workshops and talks on campus. The exposure to such an extensive industry network can be pivotal for students interested in careers in film marketing, media production, or strategic communications.
3. Northwestern University – Evanston, IL
- Top Courses: Integrated Marketing Communications, Media Management, Digital Strategy
- Why Northwestern? Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) is renowned for its focus on data-driven marketing and storytelling.
This program combines traditional media knowledge with modern-day digital strategies, helping students develop a solid understanding of how to reach and influence audiences effectively.
Potential benefits for Australians:: While Australian universities offer marketing programs, few provide as intense a focus on integrated marketing communications as Medill.
The IMC program combines quantitative skills with creative thinking, providing Australian students with a broader and more versatile skill set. Additionally, Northwestern’s partnerships with industry leaders allow for substantial research and internship opportunities that enrich the academic experience beyond what is typically available in Australia.
4. University of Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, PA
- Top Courses: Digital Media Design, Marketing and Operations Management, Consumer Psychology
- Why UPenn? The Wharton School at UPenn is globally respected for its marketing and consumer behaviour programs.
The school offers courses that cover everything from digital marketing to consumer psychology, equipping students with a deep understanding of what drives consumer actions.
Potential benefits for Australians:: Australia offers excellent marketing programs, but Wharton’s approach is uniquely rigorous, blending psychology, data analytics, and technology.
For Australian students looking to stand out in the competitive field of digital marketing, UPenn provides an advanced education that can be leveraged in both US and international markets. Moreover, Wharton’s reputation and alumni network open doors globally, helping students build connections that can fuel their careers for years to come.
5. Syracuse University – Syracuse, NY
- Top Courses: Advertising, Broadcast and Digital Journalism, Public Relations (PR)
- Why Syracuse? Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications is among the best in the world for journalism and advertising.
The school offers a blend of traditional and modern media courses, focusing on everything from advertising and brand management to digital journalism and broadcast.
Potential benefits for Australians: While Australian universities offer journalism and media studies, Newhouse’s program stands out for its comprehensive and hands-on approach.
Students at Newhouse are trained using industry-standard facilities, including fully equipped newsrooms and production studios. The faculty includes leading media professionals, and students often gain experience with live projects. This practical exposure, coupled with rigorous coursework, gives Australians a head start in an increasingly globalised media industry.
6. Columbia University – New York, NY
- Top Courses: Media and Communication, Marketing Strategy, Public Policy and Media
- Why Columbia? Columbia’s School of Journalism and its Business School are highly prestigious, offering programs that integrate media studies with public policy and marketing.
Columbia is particularly strong for students interested in investigative journalism, public relations, and media ethics.
Potential benefits for Australians: Columbia offers Australian students access to one of the best journalism schools worldwide, with a strong emphasis on ethical and investigative reporting.
For those pursuing marketing, the program’s location in NYC, coupled with Columbia’s extensive alumni network, provides ample opportunities to engage with major media companies, making it easier to build a career that crosses international borders.
Why Choose the US for international study?
While Australia offers robust programs in marketing and media, studying in the US offers several key advantages:
- Access to Global Media Markets: Many of the world’s largest media companies are based in the US, offering students exposure and internship opportunities that would be challenging to find in Australia.
- Industry Connections and Networking: American universities tend to have extensive alumni networks and close ties with industry leaders, which can give Australian students a career boost.
- Innovative Curriculum and Facilities: The US has some of the most cutting-edge facilities, from digital newsrooms to fully equipped production studios, which provide hands-on experience crucial for a career in media.
- Focus on Emerging Trends: With specialised courses in digital strategy, consumer psychology, and data analytics, US universities often cover advanced topics and emerging trends, preparing students for the future of media and marketing.
