MA in Advertising, Public Relations and Design

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Colorado Boulder

Program Overview

CU Boulder’s MA in Strategic Communication Design is an immersive, project-based 39-credit program, typically completed in a single calendar year in a studio in downtown Boulder’s tech community. It suits creative problem-solvers who want to become branding, design and advertising professionals, and you choose between an Interaction Design track (UX/UI and brand design) and a Creative Advertising track (copywriting, art direction and content creation).

Curriculum Structure

Fall semester: Laying your design foundation. Everyone starts with APRD 5001 Foundations of Brand Design and APRD 5009 Principles of Visual Design, which build your shared language for design. On the Interaction Design track you add APRD 5002 Foundations of Experience Design and APRD 5006 Design for Startups. On the Creative Advertising track you add APRD 5101 Conceptual Thinking and APRD 5103 Principles of Storytelling.

Spring semester: Going advanced and building real work. Your shared course is APRD 5003 Advanced Brand Design, and from there your track takes over. Interaction Design students take courses like APRD 5004 Designing the Customer Journey and APRD 5014 Advanced Tools for Interaction Design, while Creative Advertising students take APRD 5104 Creative Campaigns 1 and APRD 5105 Brand Activations. By the end of the spring you’re producing portfolio-level work for each track.

Summer: Leadership and your portfolio. Everyone takes APRD 5011 Digital Design Portfolio and APRD 5020 Design Leadership, finishing with a final portfolio critique before graduation. Interaction Design students also take APRD 5012 Entrepreneurial Design and APRD 5015 Brand Design for Sustainable Futures, while Creative Advertising students take APRD 5114 Creative Campaigns 2 and APRD 5110 Video Storytelling.

Focus Areas: Brand design, interaction and experience design (UX/UI), creative advertising (copywriting, art direction, storytelling), design leadership, entrepreneurial design and portfolio development.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of brand design and either interaction design or creative advertising, depending on their track, and be able to describe and advocate for their work with an emphasis on positive business outcomes. They will also collaborate effectively in diverse teams and build an industry-ready professional portfolio.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): I couldn’t find a program-specific accreditation statement, so I haven’t claimed one. The program’s professional alignment is clear in its structure: it is entirely project-based and taught by industry-driven instructors, and it is built around producing a portfolio. The catalog also says graduates have been appointed to leadership design positions at companies including Google, Apple, Uber, Saatchi & Saatchi, Twitter and Dropbox.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The program page lists no program-specific ranking or placement statistics, so I haven’t made any up. The official institution-level figures it does show are a ranking of No. 46 among public universities by U.S. News & World Report (2026) and a Top Green College listing from The Princeton Review (2025). It also notes the program is kept small, with a maximum of 24 students accepted each year.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Colorado Boulder, the MA in Advertising, Public Relations, and Design program is designed to immerse students in hands-on experiences that prepare them for successful careers in the dynamic fields of advertising and public relations. Students gain practical skills through a combination of collaborative projects, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for real-world application. The program emphasizes experiential learning, ensuring that you not only learn the theory but also apply it in meaningful ways.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in this program:

- Collaborative Projects: Engage in team-based projects that simulate real-world advertising and PR campaigns, allowing you to work alongside peers and industry professionals.
- Internships: Benefit from internship opportunities with leading companies in the industry, providing invaluable experience and networking connections.
- Digital Tools: Gain proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Google Analytics, and social media management tools, equipping you with the skills employers seek.
- Field Trips: Participate in field trips to local agencies and organizations, offering insights into the industry and the chance to meet professionals in the field.
- Research Laboratories: Access dedicated labs for research and creative projects, where you can experiment with design concepts and advertising strategies.
- Libraries and Resources: Utilize the extensive resources available at the CU Boulder libraries, including databases, journals, and archives specific to advertising and public relations.
- Institute for Ethical Communication: Engage with the Institute for Ethical Communication, which focuses on promoting ethical practices in advertising and PR, enhancing your understanding of the industry's responsibilities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MA in Advertising, Public Relations, and Design at the University of Colorado Boulder prepares graduates for a dynamic career in the communications field, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in various roles. Graduates often find themselves in positions such as Account Manager, Public Relations Specialist, and Creative Director. With a strong foundation in both theory and practical application, students are well-prepared to make an impact in the industry:

- University Services: The Career Services Center offers personalized career counseling, resume workshops, and networking events to connect students with industry professionals. Additionally, the CU Boulder Alumni Association provides mentorship opportunities and access to a vast network of alumni in the field.

- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to recent data, over 90% of graduates from this program secure employment within six months of graduation, with starting salaries averaging around $55,000 to $70,000, depending on the role and location.

- University–Industry Partnerships: CU Boulder has established partnerships with leading companies in advertising and public relations, such as Omnicom Group and Edelman, providing students with internship opportunities and real-world project experience.

- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC), ensuring that the curriculum meets high standards and is recognized by employers.

- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to work for top firms and organizations, showcasing the program's effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers in advertising and public relations.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MA program, students have the option to pursue a Ph.D. in Communication or related fields, allowing them to delve deeper into research and academia. Additionally, graduates may choose to specialize further by obtaining certifications in digital marketing, social media management, or graphic design, enhancing their expertise and career prospects. This pathway not only broadens their knowledge but also opens doors to advanced roles in academia, research, or specialized industry positions.