Advertising

The Bachelor of Science in Advertising at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers students a comprehensive education in the dynamic and evolving field of advertising and related communication disciplines. This program is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in the principles of advertising, marketing, and communication strategies, preparing them for successful careers in advertising agencies, corporate marketing departments, media companies, and related industries.Throughout the program, students engage in a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. They explore topics such as advertising research, consumer behavior, strategic planning, creative development, media planning and buying, digital marketing, social media strategies, and brand management. The curriculum emphasizes both traditional advertising methods and emerging digital platforms, ensuring students are well-versed in current industry trends and technologies.Students receive hands-on experience through projects, internships, and collaborations with industry professionals, enabling them to apply their learning in real-world contexts. The program also fosters critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and innovative problem-solving, which are essential qualities for effective advertising practitioners. Faculty members are experts in their fields, bringing valuable industry insights and research-based knowledge into the classroom. The university's strong ties to the advertising industry provide students with opportunities for networking, mentorship, and employment after graduation. Graduates of the Advertising program are well-prepared to pursue careers as advertising account executives, media planners, digital marketing specialists, creative directors, brand managers, and other roles within the marketing and advertising ecosystems. They are equipped to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of communication and to contribute creative and strategic solutions to their future organizations. Overall, the Bachelor of Science in Advertising at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides a robust educational experience that combines academic excellence with practical training, fostering the next generation of innovative advertising professionals ready to make an impact in a competitive global marketplace.

1. Completed application.

2. ACT or SAT I scores

3. TOEFL/IELTS test.

4. Application fee ($75 for international stdents).

ISSS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

ISSS has limited funding available to assist international students who currently attend the University of Illinois and experiencing unexpected short-term or emergency financial hardship. Assistance may take the form of a loan or grant, depending on the nature and severity of your need. The method of payment and processing time will vary depending on the type of funding. Both grants and loans have very specific eligibility requirements, and therefore ISSS advisors must assess each case individually. If you have a situation that you think might qualify for financial assistance, please fill out the e-form (available in iStart, under "Insurance and Finances" ). After submitting your application, an ISSS will contact you regarding your case within a week.

Maria Pia Gratton International Award

This award is intended to enable a female graduate student from outside the United States to have an academic and cultural experience at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Illinois). Preference will be given to a student who has had a limited opportunity to travel outside of her home country. The Gratton Award provides a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend totaling $10,000 for the academic year.

Avery Brundage Scholarship

The UIUC Avery Brundage Scholarship is designed for students who demonstrate excellence both in academic pursuits and in amateur athletic endeavors. Financial need is not a factor. Full-time graduate students in good standing with a "special athletic ability" in an amateur sport are eligible. Previous winners have represented a wide variety of sports from archery and tennis to swimming and wheelchair basketball. 

Matthews Scholars

Requirements: Incoming freshmen
Amount: $2,000 per year
Renewable: Yes, for 4 years, provided you maintain a 3.3 GPA
Number: Variable

University Achievement Scholarship

Requirements: Out-of-state incoming freshmen
Amount: $8,000 to $12,000
Renewable: Yes, for 4 years, provided you maintain a 3.0 GPA
Number: Variable

The Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship

The international Helen Lansdowne Resor (HLR) Scholarship supports and promotes talented female creative advertising students from around the world in honor of the industry’s first female copywriter, Helen Lansdowne Resor. The program will run through 2020. Dating back to the early 1900s, Helen was an industry pioneer, credited with sparking celebrity testimonial campaigns with her use of endorsements from socialites, European royalty, and actresses in her work for Pond’s Cold Cream. Helen Lansdowne Resor’s creative capacity helped to push the barriers and shatter traditional formulas of advertising. Helen was a working mother and ardent feminist who championed the advancement of women’s rights both inside and outside of the agency. During her tenure, J. Walter Thompson was known as the “Women’s Agency,” where bright young talented females were given opportunities that had been traditionally offered exclusively to men. Each year, the HLR Scholarship seeks to award five female creative students scholarships up to $10,000. In addition, each recipient will receive a paid summer internship at a J. Walter Thompson office in her respective region, an offer of a J. Walter Thompson mentor and “first look” placement consideration upon graduation.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a comprehensive Bachelor's degree program in Advertising through the College of Media. This program is designed to prepare students for diverse careers in the advertising industry by providing a solid foundation in advertising principles, creative development, media planning, and digital marketing. Students engage in coursework that covers the history and ethics of advertising, strategic communication, branding, consumer behavior, and market research. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, including portfolio development, real-world projects, and internships, to equip students with practical skills and industry connections.

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for roles in advertising agencies, media companies, corporate marketing departments, and digital marketing firms. The program encourages the development of critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication strategies, vital for succeeding in a rapidly evolving media landscape. With access to state-of-the-art facilities, technology labs, and faculty who are industry experts, students can immerse themselves in the latest advertising trends and tools. Additionally, the program benefits from the university's strong connections with industry professionals, providing valuable networking opportunities and experiential learning.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising typically requires four years of full-time study and includes a combination of required courses, electives, and a capstone project. Students are also encouraged to participate in student organizations, advertising clubs, and competitions to enhance their learning and professional growth. Overall, the Illinois advertising program offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, designed to produce innovative, strategic thinkers and effective communicators ready to meet the challenges of modern advertising landscapes.