Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design

Welcome to the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design.

We believe in preparing our students to shape the world around them through the practice of strategic communication.

Our students work to solve problems for people and organizations, launch campaigns and start movements. They tell stories and build relationships, understand audiences and adapt to new technologies.

Above all, they learn to lead in a rapidly changing media world.

Undergraduate Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication allows students to develop an area of expertise in one of three program sub-plans:

Learn to work collaboratively across these areas in core and capstone courses.

  Learn more: BS Degree

Students and babyÖ±²¥app take a selfie at The One Show in Denver, 2022. Photo by Kimberly Coffin, CMCI.

Students and babyÖ±²¥app take a selfie at The One Show in Denver, 2022.

 

Graduate Programs

We offer graduate degrees for students interested in furthering their professional careers and for students who wish to expand the frontiers of knowledge in our discipline by producing scholarship and research at the highest level.

For Prospective Students

Department News

APRD & College Events

Careers in Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design

  • Art Director Designs visual aspects of ad campaigns and initiatives
  • Copywriter Creates the written messaging for advertising
  • Brand Manager Ensures marketing, products and services resonate with the culture of the brand
  • Account Executive Supports existing client accounts acting as liaison between client and the creative team
  • Public Relations Maintain positive image and media presence for brands
  • Media Planner Uses their extensive knowledge of communications platforms across all media channels to develop strategic plans for advertising and marketing
  • Account Planner Utilizes insights and creative thinking along with research to strategize campaign positioning and audience.
  • Research Analyst Studies consumer preferences, category trends and competition in order to gain insights that can shape advertising
  • Media Buyer Identifies the right media mix and negotiates the best rates across all media channels for marketing and advertising campaigns
  • Production Artist Works closely with the art director and copywriter to execute the final creative materials
  • Market Research Conducts data and statistical analysis within the current market trends either to guide campaign strategy or business strategy for a brand, product or service
  • UI/UX Designer Creatively solves user experience challenges with the goal of creating and elegant and seamless experience

Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design Alumni

  • Eric Thompson ('93)
    Head of brand experience, Uber

  • Jonathan Byrne ('02)
    Creative director, DDB California

  • Jessica Clifton-Czarny ('03)
    Executive vice president and digital group head, Edelman

  • Juan Reyes ('04)
    Brand communication director, Nike

Contact the Department

   Email

  CU Boulder, Armory 102D
1511 University Avenue
Boulder, CO 80309-0478

   303-735-2293

The PRNews Education A-List named the department as one of the best institutions in higher education for public relations and marketing. The PRNews Group is a leading information resource and professional development hub for the industry. Each year, it awards national recognition to high-achieving, accredited public relations and marketing programs that continue to evolve alongside the changing field of communication and offer the best career advancement opportunities for their students.

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