The Charles H. Sandage Department of Advertising
The Department of Advertising — the first such academic department in the country — was established at the University of Illinois in 1949. The department was created by Charles Sandage, known as the "father of advertising education." Like virtually every other advertising program that rose in its shadow, it reflected the structure and functions of the modern advertising agency.
Find out more about Illinois' advertising history in this article written by Jason Chambers.
Advertising isn't what it used to be. Media have changed dramatically. Consumer engagement with advertising is taking paths that no one could have imagined more than 50 years ago. The Department of Advertising at Illinois has changed right along with the industry, and today it is still pioneering the way consumer communications is taught. In addition to learning the elements of agency creative and account responsibilities, advertising students work toward an understanding of the relationship between consumers, consumption and consumer-oriented messages.
This cutting-edge approach teaches students to think intelligently, not only about advertising but about all of the cultural messages with which they engage.
Advertising students at Illinois are well prepared for fulfilling careers in all facets of the consumer communications industry. It's what makes the program unique. And it's what repeatedly places it among the top-ranked programs in the country:
Top Undergraduate programs as ranked by faculty
1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2. University of Texas
3. University of Florida
Most mentions as a "Top 3" undergraduate program
1. University of Texas
2. Michigan State University
3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Most mentions as a "Top 3" graduate program
1. University of Texas
2. Northwestern University
3. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Michigan State University
Top graduate programs as ranked by U.S. News & World Report
1. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
2. University of Florida
3. Northwestern University
4. University of Texas
SOURCE: University of Texas at Austin Web site.
Student organizations
The Department of Advertising encourages students to get involved in a student organization such as the American Advertising Federation, which offers connections to real-world experiences, competition and advertising professionals.
Faculty expertise
The faculty in the Department of Advertising combine professional experience with wide-ranging scholarly interests in the study of advertising consumer communication.
Networking opportunities & alumni connections
Advertising majors have traveled to Los Angeles, New York, Detroit, Chicago and other cities to visit agencies and network with industry professionals, many of whom are College of Media alumni. Alumni also provide portfolio reviews, professional guidance and updates on industry trends. Each year, the College sponsors a Student/Alumni Interface, at which students can network with alumni working as advertising professionals in the Chicago area.
Career placement
The Department of Advertising offers assistance in acquiring internships and jobs, including an annual career night devoted to connecting students with advertising professionals.