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Advertising

College of Media

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What is Advertising?

Draw upon insights from psychology, sociology, history, and anthropology with advertising. In this major, you will learn to promote products, services, and events. You’ll be able to examine consumer behavior and consumer-oriented messages. You will also study the history of advertising and advertising research methods.

Career Options

  • Advertising
  • Communications
  • Copywriting
  • Fundraising
  • Graphic design
  • Market research
  • Marketing
  • Media relations
  • Public relations
  • Publishing
  • Sales

Post-Graduation Success1

89% employed or continuing education

84% employed after graduation

5% attending graduate school

$43,041 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Yelp, Starcom Mediavest Group, Mindshare View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Southern California, University of Michigan View All

Program Resources

College of Media Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Strong English and humanities coursework and performance
  • AP English Language or AP English Literature preferred (if available at high school)
  • Strong math performance
  • Experience in newspaper, yearbook, broadcasting, blogging, or using social media for promotion
  • Interest in consumer behavior versus marketing

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Guide

Graduation & Retention2

3.8 years to degree

94% first-year retention rate

80% four-year graduation rate

89% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $13,492
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,222
  • Total: $36,642

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $32,612
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses:$18,562
  • Total: $56,102

International

  • Tuition: $33,560
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,562
  • Total: $57,050

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1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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