LUBBOCK, TX:  A record 42,448 students are working toward advertising and public relations degrees in 197 U.S. colleges and universities, according to the data in the 2002 edition of the directory, Where shall I go to study advertising and public relations?  During the past year, universities granted 12,333 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, more than a one percent increase over last year.  Overall, enrollment increased a record 17 percent.

Public relations programs have the largest enrollment (18,088) and had the largest number of graduates (5,121).  Advertising programs conferred the largest number of graduate degrees, 396 master's degrees and 32 doctoral degrees.  There are an additional 7,140 students enrolled in joint advertising and public relations programs.

These data are taken from the 38th annual edition of the research directory edited by Billy I. Ross, Louisiana State University, and Keith F. Johnson, Texas Tech University.  The reporting schools, located in 43 states and Washington, D.C., have degree programs in advertising, public relations or a joint advertising/public relations degree.  The information in the directory is primarily directed to students interested in the fields and their school counselors.  Information about entrance requirements, scholarships, costs of tuition and fees and other information for both students and counselors will be available for the first time on the Internet at <www.mcom.ttu.edu/wsig/>.

In advertising, Michigan State University has the largest undergraduate program with 875 students, Roosevelt University (IL) the most master's students (150), and the University of Texas the most doctoral students (29).  Michigan State also had the most total students (965), and conferred the most degrees (277).  The University of Texas has the largest full-time faculty (16).

In public relations, the University of Florida has the largest undergraduate program with 907 students, Boston University has the most master's students (71), and the University of Maryland the most doctoral students (19).  The University of Florida also has the most total students (931), and confirmed the most degrees (185).

In the joint advertising and public relations programs, the University of South Carolina has the largest undergraduate program with 618 students and Northwestern University (IL) has the most master's students (85).   Pennsylvania State has conferred the most degrees (171).

Information about advertising programs has been compiled annually since 1965, with public relations information added in 1992.