Major in Media Advertising (Bachelor of Science in Media Advertising)

Students on Fall 2026, Spring 2027, or Summer 2027 requirements MEDIAADVBS

Requirements

The major requires at least 60 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.

Introduction to Media. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 101 Media
MSCH-C 101 Media
Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Examines the role media play in our lives-at work, at school, among family members, friends, and lovers-and analyzes pressing issues in media and society today, such as privacy, globalization, and convergence.
- Fall 2026CASE SHcourse
Introduction to Advertising and IMC. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 209 Introduction to Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communication
MSCH-C 209 Introduction to Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communication

Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Examines principles of media advertising and applications across platforms and audiences. Analyzes the advertising industry structures and processes, including the roles of agencies, creative teams, station representatives, and buyers. Topics include the social and individual effects of advertising, ethical issues in advertising, and considerations for advertising in a global marketplace.
Repeatability
Credit given for only one of MSCH, C 209, MSCH-A 300, MSCH-A 320, MSCH-A 337.
Media Law and Ethics. One (1) course:
- MSCH-C 205 Media Law and Ethics
MSCH-C 205 Media Law and Ethics

Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Explores the application of law and ethics to media.
Media Concepts. One (1) course:
- MSCH-A 315 Advertising and Consumer Culture
- MSCH-C 213 Introduction to Media Psychology
- MSCH-C 233 Media and Pluralism
- MSCH-S 312 Politics and the Media
- MSCH-S 315 Media Processes and Effects
- MSCH-S 317 Children and Media
MSCH-A 315 Advertising and Consumer Culture
Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Critical examination of advertising's role in modern societies. Focuses on marketing and consumption as central activities in shaping personal identity and social relations.
- Fall 2026CASE SHcourse
MSCH-C 213 Introduction to Media Psychology
Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Examines the construction of social meaning associated with mediated messages as well as the range of uses of and consequences of exposure to mediated messages in individual groups, organizations, and society.
- Fall 2026CASE SHcourse
MSCH-C 233 Media and Pluralism

Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Explores the intricate relationship between media and representations of pluralism in society, focusing on key areas such as journalism, digital media, film/cinema, and gaming.
MSCH-S 312 Politics and the Media
Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Examines the relationship between media and modern politics. Topics will vary.
Repeatability
Credit given for only one of MSCH-S 312 or TEL-T 312.
- Fall 2026CASE SHcourse
MSCH-S 315 Media Processes and Effects
Credits
3
Prerequisites
A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 213; or consent of instructor
Description
Examination of the effects of the mass media on human cognitions, attitudes, and behaviors, relying on empirical social science research; emphasis on the effects on individuals, although study will include groups, organizations, and social norms.
Repeatability
Credit given for only one of MSCH-S 315 or TEL-T 314.
- Fall 2026CASE SHcourse
MSCH-S 317 Children and Media
Credits
3
Prerequisites
C- or higher in MSCH-C 213, or consent of instructor
Description
Acquaints students with the popular and research literatures on children and media, including television and computers. Students will be expected to identify recurring themes and topics related to children and media and to evaluate their significance in understanding the role of media in children's lives.
- Fall 2026CASE SHcourse
Foundations of Advertising. One (1) course:
- MSCH-A 250 Foundations of Advertising
MSCH-A 250 Foundations of Advertising

Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Introduces the fundamentals of media advertising theory, planning and practice. Explores the techniques, skills and tools necessary for effective brand management and creative development.
Career Development.
1. Media School Career Planning. One (1) course:
  - MSCH-C 150 Media School College and Career Preparation
  MSCH-C 150 Media School College and Career Preparation
  Credits
  1
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Provides information on how to succeed in the Media School and prepare for careers in the media industry. Explores ways to connect academic experiences with internship and job opportunities. Highlights the array of media careers and presents insights on industry expectations for interviewing, portfolios, and resumes.
  Fall 2026CASE CR1course
2. Advertising Career Development. One (1) course:
  - MSCH-A 325 Advertising Career Development
  MSCH-A 325 Advertising Career Development
  Credits
  2
  Prerequisites
  Must be a major in Creative Advertising or Advertising Management & Planning
  Description
  Provides students majoring in media advertising with key insights into career pathways and preparation. Students learn about internship and job structures within media advertising, develop networking connections with alumni and professionals in that area, and craft portfolios and resumes appropriate for their chosen pathways into the industry.
  Grading
  S/F grading.
  Fall 2026CASE CR2course
Advertising Skills and Strategies.
1. Media and Consumer Behavior. One (1) course:
  - MSCH-A 301 Media and Consumer Behavior
  MSCH-A 301 Media and Consumer Behavior
  
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Introduces ways media producers and advertisers conceptualize and measure audiences. Examines strategies and criteria used to evaluate media as advertising delivery vehicles. Covers skills needed to utilize market research and match media with products, services, and behavioral campaign goals.
2. Strategic Content Development. One (1) course:
  - MSCH-A 305 Strategic Content Development
  MSCH-A 305 Strategic Content Development
  
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  A grade of C- or higher in MSCH-C 250 or MSCH-C 226; and in MSCH-A 251; or consent of instructor
  Description
  Introduces the strategic skills needed to develop and execute creative marketing campaigns. Provides practice in integrated communication strategies, concepts, copy writing, and design for print, broadcast, direct, mobile, digital, and social media campaigns.
3. Advertising Management. One (1) course:
  - BUS-M 311 Introduction to Marketing Communication
  BUS-M 311 Introduction to Marketing Communication
  
  Description
  This course introduces non-marketing majors to the field of advertising and promotion. You will learn to understand how advertising, promotions, and other forms of marketing communications are developed and managed. Following this class, you should be able to comfortably discuss activities of those in advertising, public relations, and promotion management.
  Additional information
  Credit hour, prerequisite, and other information cannot be displayed for this course. If this is a course outside of the College of Arts and Sciences, please see the appropriate school's bulletin for additional information.
Creative Skills. Three (3) credit hours:
- MSCH-A 360 Media Advertising Topics
- MSCH-C 270 Media Skills Workshop
- MSCH-C 360 Media School Bootcamp
MSCH-A 360 Media Advertising Topics

Credits
1–4 credit hours
Prerequisites
None
Description
Focuses on emerging trends in media advertising, including related social and political issues, content creation and production, and unique trends and events.
Repeatability
May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 18 credit hours.

MSCH-C 270 Media Skills Workshop

Credits
1–4 credit hours
Prerequisites
None
Description
Media skills workshops that cover topics including media software training, camera presence training, media production workflow training, and other forms of skill development in digital and traditional media environments, particularly for those needing to develop technical skills in media.
Repeatability
May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

MSCH-C 360 Media School Bootcamp

Credits
1–3 credit hours
Prerequisites
None
Description
Professionally-oriented media courses taught by media professionals. Topics include hands-on media training, media planning, media analysis and criticism, and media career preparation. Featured instructors include professionals from fields as diverse as television and film production, advertising, public relations, journalism, sports media, game design, and film criticism.
Concentration. One (1) of the Media Advertising concentrations listed below.
Major Hours and Minimum Grade Requirements.
1. Major Residency. At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed in courses taken through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
2. Major Upper Division Courses. At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed at the 300-499 level.
3. Minimum Grade. A grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the major.

Major Area Courses

Unless otherwise noted below, the following courses are considered in the academic program and will count toward academic program requirements as appropriate:
- Any course at the 100–499 level with the MSCH subject area prefix—as well as any other subject areas that are deemed functionally equivalent
- Any course contained on the course lists for the academic program requirements at the time the course is taken—as well as any other courses that are deemed functionally equivalent—except for those listed only under Addenda Requirements
- Any course directed to a non-Addenda requirement through an approved exception

This program of study cannot be combined with the following:

Area Certificate in New Media and Interactive Storytelling [NMISTACRT1]
Major in Cinematic Arts (Bachelor of Fine Arts) [CINEARTBFA]
Major in Game Design (Bachelor of Science) [GAMEDSGNBS]
Major in Global Media (Bachelor of Science) [GLBMEDIABS]
Major in Journalism (Bachelor of Arts in Journalism) [JOURBAJ]
Major in Media (Bachelor of Arts) [MEDIABA]
Major in Public Relations (Bachelor of Science) [PBLCRELNBS]
Major in Sports Media (Bachelor of Science) [SPTMEDIABS]
Minor in Black Cinema and Media Studies [BLKCNMDMIN]
Minor in Cinema and Media Studies [CNMDASTMIN]
Minor in Fashion Media [FAMEDIAMIN]
Minor in Film Production [FILMPRDMIN]
Minor in Game Design [GAMEDSNMIN]
Minor in Global Media [GLVMDIAMIN]
Minor in Media and Diversity [MDIADIVMIN]
Minor in Media Persuasion [MDIAPRSMIN]
Minor in Media, Sex and Gender [MDGNDRMIN]
Minor in Public Relations [PBLCRELMIN]
Minor in Sports Media [SPORTMDMIN]
[Name unavailable] [MDCRADMIN]
[Name unavailable] [MDLWETMIN]

Exceptions to and substitutions for major requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.

The Bachelor of Science degree requires at least 120 credit hours, to include the following:

College of Arts and Sciences Credit Hours. At least 100 credit hours must come from College of Arts and Sciences disciplines.
Upper Division Courses. At least 36 credit hours (of the 120) must be at the 300–499 level.
College Residency. Following completion of the 60th credit hour toward degree, at least 36 credit hours of College of Arts and Sciences coursework must be completed through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
College GPA. A College grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.000 is required.
CASE Requirements. The following College of Arts and Sciences Education (CASE) requirements must be completed:
1. CASE Foundations
  1. English Composition: 1 course
  2. Mathematical Modeling: 1 course
2. CASE Breadth of Inquiry
  1. Arts and Humanities: 3 courses
  2. Natural and Mathematical Sciences: 3 courses
  3. Social and Historical Studies: 3 courses
3. CASE Culture Studies
  1. Diversity in the United States: 1 course
  2. Global Civilizations and Cultures: Not required
4. CASE Foreign Language: Proficiency in a single foreign language through the first semester of the second year of college-level coursework
5. CASE Intensive Writing: 1 course
6. CASE Career Readiness
  1. Career Readiness 1: 1 course
  2. Career Readiness 2: 1 course
Major. Completion of the major as outlined in the Major Requirements section above.

Most students must also successfully complete the Indiana University Bloomington General Education program.

Major in Media Advertising (Bachelor of Science in Media Advertising)

Requirements

Major hours

Major Area Courses

Restrictions on combining this major with other academic programs

Major requirement exceptions and substitutions

Concentrations