Kean University is offering a bachelor of fine arts advertising degree through its Michael Graves College, the university announced earlier in October.

The new program expands on the school’s graphic design major, giving students a new pathway to develop skills and build careers in the creative field.

“Kean’s advertising program has produced many successful advertising professionals who are working at major advertising agencies and international media companies,” said Kean President Lamont Repollet in a statement. “The new BFA program further enhances an already outstanding program and reaffirms Kean’s place as a leader in the field of advertising education.”

“Current students in the graphic design degree program can change their major to the new BFA Advertising and intensify their studies. In doing so, they enrich their career launch portfolio to the highest level possible,” said Professor Robin Landa, chair of the advertising program. “The BFA is the nationally acknowledged, professional-level degree. Grads now will be recognized and validated as aspiring art directors, with the degree and commensurate education needed to immediately launch careers at top agencies.”

Rose Gonnella, associate dean of Michael Graves College, said the new program will put Kean University at the forefront in the New York metro area.

“We have the only BFA Advertising program in New Jersey. We are it,” she said. “Our students are excelling. We have so many students with careers already established, but with the new degree they will be playing in even bigger leagues.”