Advertising, Public Relations and Design

Welcome to the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and 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.

Give to APRD

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 faculty take a selfie at The One Show in Denver, 2022. Photo by Kimberly Coffin, CMCI.


Students and faculty 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.

APRD Activities

Department News

APRD & College Events

Careers in Advertising, Public Relations and Design

Designs visual aspects of ad campaigns and initiatives

Creates the written messaging for advertising

Ensures marketing, products and services resonate with the culture of the brand

Supports existing client accounts acting as liaison between client and the creative team

Maintain positive image and media presence for brands

Uses their extensive knowledge of communications platforms across all media channels to develop strategic plans for advertising and marketing

Utilizes insights and creative thinking along with research to strategize campaign positioning and audience.

Studies consumer preferences, category trends and competition in order to gain insights that can shape advertising

Identifies the right media mix and negotiates the best rates across all media channels for marketing and advertising campaigns

Works closely with the art director and copywriter to execute the final creative materials

Conducts data and statistical analysis within the current market trends either to guide campaign strategy or business strategy for a brand, product or service

Creatively solves user experience challenges with the goal of creating and elegant and seamless experience

 

Advertising, Public Relations and 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 102
1511 University Avenue
Boulder, CO 80309-0478

   303-735-2293