Department of Advertising
Master of Science degree in Advertising
Overview
The Department of Advertising's goal is to prepare critical thinkers with strategic skills to navigate the consumer communications industry and academy now and in the future. The Department educates future leaders in the advertising industry and in business, government, non-profit and academic organizations.
Unlike some other graduate programs, Illinois does not offer specialized "tracks" in functional areas of advertising. Instead, the program of study offers a flexible approach so that students can work with the graduate adviser to select courses that best fit their particular career goals. There are currently no thesis or special project requirements, although many students elect to conduct their own primary research or strategic communications projects under the supervision of a faculty member.
Courses provide an interdisciplinary approach to advertising, media and consumer culture. The faculty's educational background and research interests reflect that approach with doctorate degrees in history, psychology, rhetoric, sociology and communications. Many of the Department's professors also bring years of experience in the consumer communications industry to their teaching and research. The program of study, as a whole, presents a balance of theory and concepts along with strategic applications for understanding, analyzing and managing consumer communications and behavior.
Contact us
Department Head: Dr. Janet Slater, slaterj@illinois.edu
Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Michelle R. Nelson, nelsonmr@illinois.edu
Graduate Adviser: Cinda Cornstubble, ccornstu@illinois.edu
Department Secretary: Robin Price, rlprice@illinois.edu
Office location: 103 Gregory Hall, 810 S. Wright St., Urbana, IL
Phone: 217-333-1602
Fax: 217-244-3348
Additional information on the Master of Science degree in Advertising: