BS Strategic Communication: Creative Track

The APRD Creative Track

An Education In Creativity

Welcome to the creative track of the Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication within the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Design at CMDI. (Yes, we're the CT of the BSSC within APRD at CMDI... universities love their acronyms.) This track teaches the skills to build a strong portfolio of creative problem-solving, design thinking and storytelling through hands-on, workshop-based courses that prepare students for creative careers.

Creative Track Overview

The creative track teaches students the skills to build a strong portfolio of creative advertising and design thinking—from integrated ad campaigns, to social media content, to logo/brand design, to buzz-worthy PR promotions and more. Our track teaches creative problem-solving skills that can be applied to almost any job within the marketing and entrepreneurial worlds, and specifically prepares students for careers in copywriting, art direction, brand design, interactive design, and content creation.

Check out student portfolios


Our students have gone to work at top ad agencies, design firms, and companies like these:

Apple

TDA_Boulder

Highdive

BBDO

David&Goliath

Edelman

Wieden+Kennedy

Nike

TBWA\Chiat\Day

VF Corp

Pinterest

Goodby Silverstein

Mother

WorkInProgress

Google

FCB

Droga

Mischief

Our Studio Space

Most of your classes will be taught in our APRD Creative Studio.
This space offers a classroom setting with the vibe of a professional studio.

The Creative Track Course Map

(An ideal flow)

Junior Year

Fall

APRD 3001 - Visual Design 1 *
APRD 3102 - Copywriting 1 *
APRD 3400 - Creative Concepting 1 *

Spring

APRD 3501 - Creative Software 2 *
APRD 3011 - Visual Design 2 (designers) +
or...
APRD 3500 - Copywriting 2 (writers) +

Senior Year

Fall

APRD 3504 - Creative Software 3 *
APRD 4600 - Portfolio 1 *
APRD 3402 - Content Creation +

Spring

APRD 4405 - Capstone *
APRD 4601 - Portfolio 2 +

+ = Recommended; * = Required

See courses in the CU catalog for more info:

View Other Tracks

Fun Events

disorientation poster

Creative Track
'Dis-Orientation'

Our fall BBQ that welcomes newcomers and vets alike to the creative track and studio space.

golden nuggets poster

The Golden
Nuggets

Our annual award show at the end of spring, showcasing top student work from the entire year.

feedback fair poster

The Creative
Feedback Fair

Our end-of-year portfolio review. Professionals from top agencies, design firms and companies visit to share feedback on your best work.

The Golden Nuggets 2025
hosts at the Nuggies
more winning students
photo of student winners at Golden Nuggets
even more winning students
golden nugget trophies
golden nuggets on stage

Undergrad Student Portfolios


2025

Julia Goodman
Art Direction, 2025

Cassidy Hill
Copywriting, 2025

Campbell Tsung
Art Direction, 2025

Ian Hagen
Art Direction, 2025

Lauren Remacle
Content/Copy, 2025

Luke Watson
Art Direction, 2025

Grant Bowditch
Art Direction, 2025

Emma Garavaglia
Art Direction, 2025

Emma Thomas
Art Direction, 2025


Recent Graduates

Oliver Pollock
Copywriting, 2024

Dahlia Nin
Art Direction, 2024

Coco Loomis
Art Direction, 2024

Charlotte Garrett
Art Direction, 2024

Mateo Perez-Lara
Art Direction/Design, 2024

Maire McHugh
Art Direction/Design, 2024

Brandon Farler
Copywriting, 2024

Ridge Hutton
Copywriting, 2024

Kelly Haworth
Design/Art Direction, 2024

Carmen Palmblad
Copywriting, 2024

Lauren Arabia
Design, 2024

Interested in the creative track?

Students majoring in Strategic Communication are encouraged to meet with their advisor or email Jeff Gillette.

← Back to APRD: Undergraduate Programs