BS: Strategic Communication

In our classrooms, students put the knowledge and skills they develop into practice through experiential learning opportunities that engage real-world clients. They build community with their peers and network with industry professionals through student-led clubs and organizations. They learn to critically analyze the impact of strategic communication on society. And they consider the ways in which effective communication strategies differ across diverse cultures both within the United States and throughout the world

Our students leave as ethically minded, forward-looking communicators with analytic, strategic, creative, critical thinking and tactical skills necessary to identify and solve problems. And they put those skills to work at top advertising agencies, public relations firms, publishing and design firms, nonprofits, government agencies and start-ups across the globe.

Additional undergraduate opportunity: Global Seminar Paris (Education Abroad)

Department Tracks

Advertising Strategy Creative (beginning fall 2024) Public Relations Media Design (for students prior to fall 2024)
Advertising Strategy

The advertising strategy track prepares students for careers in account management, account planning or media management.

All strategic careers in advertising require knowledge of the fundamental principles of brand-building and audience engagement across media platforms, as well as experience with research design and execution, data analysis and strategy development. 

The creative track teaches you to imagine, design and create the consumer-facing touch points of strategic communication—mass-media advertisements, social media campaigns, buzzworthy promotions and more.

In addition to classes where you'll develop and refine your vision as a creator, you will have opportunities to put your lessons into practice in competitions like Young Ones, an international award show, where our students have won to honors for their original concepts. Graduates of this track work as art directors, copywriters, content creators and interactive designers at both major agencies and innovative startups.

The public relations track will prepare you for a career in one of the nation’s fastest-growing fields. Career opportunities within public relations include—but are not limited to—the roles of publicist, copywriter, event planner, social media manager, and spokesperson.

In this program, you will learn to work closely with news organizations, build relationships with media and other stakeholders, create content for traditional and emerging media platforms—including social media—and manage public relations campaigns.

This track has been discontinued. The information below is only for students who enrolled before fall 2024. New students should consider the 'creative' track instead.

The media design track focuses on design-thinking and best design practices to create the consumer-facing content of strategic communication. From posters and apps to TV commercials and Tik-Tok videos—and everything in between.

Our media design students have been celebrated at the One Show in New York, bringing home bronze, silver and gold pencils for their original designs and innovative concepts. Graduates are employed as designers, art directors, experience designers, interactive designers, social media influencers, video designers, and content creators.

Strategic Communication degree requirements

Looking for specific degree requirements or information about classes? 

 

 

 

Need help or still have questions?

View the advising page for more information on applying, or contact CMCI Advisors via email.

CMCI Advisors
Stadium 110
University of Colorado Boulder
College of Media, Communication and Information
Boulder, CO 80309-0478


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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