CS + Advertising

Computer Science + Advertising, BS
for the degree of Bachelor of Science Major in Computer Science + Advertising

Today, anyone can create an advertisement on Facebook or Google. Technology is both radically changing advertising and is supported by advertising dollars. But how are ads selected and audiences chosen, and how is the effectiveness of ads measured?  CS + Advertising allows students to develop computational skills to apply to the arts of persuasion and ad targeting and placement to understand, execute, and analyze modern advertising.

The CS + Advertising blended bachelor's degree is a partnership between the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science in The Grainger College of Engineering and the Department of Advertising in the College of Media. As part of the computing community at Illinois, you will benefit from being part of a top-five-ranked Computer Science program with world-class faculty and research. Learn more about the School's Rankings and Statistics.

Alma Mater statue

Degree Requirements

See requirements and curriculum map.

Course Catalog

Exterior of the College of Media

College of Media

Learn more and how to apply.

Program Page

The metal Grainger Bob statue sits and reads a book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore common questions and answers.

FAQ

Five smiling students in matching grey shirts with arms around each other's shoulders on the Bardeen Quad.

CS Student Life

With 800+ student organizations and many CS Student Groups, there's a community for everyone at Illinois.

Student Organizations

Four women talk and work together.

Undergraduate Research

Participate in high-impact semester, year-round, or summer research, mentorship, and showcase opportunities.

Research Opportunities

People in business clothes stand and talk to potential employers.

Career Services

Explore comprehensive career services supporting internships, job searches, and resume development. 

Career Information

Curriculum Map

The curriculum sequence mapped below is a sample sequence. Students will work with an academic advisor to achieve educational goals specific to their needs and preparation.

  • Course prerequisite chain
  • Immediate prerequisite
  • Credit or concurrent registration required
  • Concurrent registration required
  • Postrequisite course sequence
Computer Science + Advertising Curriculum Map
First YearSecond YearThird YearFourth Year
Fall First YearSpring First YearFall Second YearSpring Second YearFall Third YearSpring Third YearFall Fourth YearSpring Fourth Year

Notes

Before reviewing the links, students should find their effective Academic Catalog Year. When clicking any links referenced below that take students to the Academic Catalog Year pages, they should be mindful of which Academic Catalog year is displayed.

  1. MDIA 100 may be substituted.
  2. Credit is not given toward graduation for ADV 250 and ADV 283
  3. MATH 220 may be substituted. MATH 220 is appropriate for students with no background in calculus.
  4. RHET 105 (or an alternative Composition I sequence) is taken either in the first or second semester of the first year, according to the student's UIN (Spring if UIN is Odd). General Education Elective is taken the other semester. Composition I guidelines can be found at Degree and General Education Requirements under Written Communication Requirement.
  5. Choosing ADV 150 during first semester is strongly encouraged with an addtional elective taken in the 7th semester
  6. General education: Students must complete the Campus General Education requirements including the campus general education language requirement.
  7. MATH 225 may be substituted.
  8. PSYC 100 or SOC 100 may be substituted.
  9. Additional coursework, subject to College of Media, so that there are at least 124 credit hours earned toward the degree.

The code used to present this flowsheet is based on original work shared by the University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.