Strategic Communication Design - Master of Arts (MA)

The Master of Strategic Communication Design (MSCD) is an immersive 39-credit hour program typically completed in a single year. Located in a state-of-the-art studio in the heart of Boulder's entrepreneurial tech community, the MSCD is entirely project-based. With the guidance of industry-driven instructors, our students leverage design's potential as a critical problem-solving tool in a rapidly changing world. This human-centered program evolves students into branding design and entrepreneurial professionals through innovative, intensive and progressive learning experiences.

MSCD graduates have been appointed to leadership design positions in top companies, including Google, Apple, Uber, Saatchi and Saatchi, Twitter and Dropbox—to name just a few.

Program Tracks

Interaction Design

In our Design Track, we focus on UX/UI and brand design; creating human-centered design thinkers who develop the look, feel, and experience of a brand. 

Creative Advertising

In our Ad Track, we focus on copywriting, art direction and content creation; creating brand storytellers who develop the personality, story, and campaigns for a brand.

Requirements

Application Requirements

Applicants to the master’s in strategic communication design must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75. Special accommodations may be made for applicants with ancillary degrees, like pre-law or business.

Because this is a fast-paced, intensive program, applicants are strongly discouraged from working full-time while enrolled. 

How to Apply

A complete application to the program must include the following: 

• A long-form personal statement showcasing your interest in the program or your experience in the design industry.
• A portfolio showcasing your creative vision and potential. Your portfolio should be uploaded as a PDF alongside your application and should demonstrate your genuine passion for art or design. Your portfolio can demonstrate creativity in any media—basic design, photography, ceramics, painting, digital media, etc.
• One letter of recommendation from professionals or professors. Personal recommendations will not be accepted. 
• Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended.
• A nonrefundable application fee of $60 ($80 for international students)
• International students must also demonstrate English proficiency with an acceptable TOEFL (75), IELTS (6.0) or Duolingo (120) score. 

Application Deadlines

This program is kept intentionally small by design, to facilitate close relationships between faculty and students, and among peers. To have the best chance of being accepted, applicants are encouraged to submit a complete application before the April 15 deadline.

Exceptionally qualified candidates who miss the deadline may be eligible to apply to the program, if space allows. Contact our graduate admissions team to learn more.

Program Requirements

The Master of Arts in Strategic Communication Design (MSCD) is an immersive 39-credit hour professional master's degree typically completed in a single calendar year—from August to August—over three semesters: Fall, Spring and Summer Session D. The MSCD is taught through the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Design in the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information.

The MSCD is made up of five required core courses that all students take and two tracks: experience design and creative advertising, each comprising eight courses. Students select one of these tracks upon entry into the degree.

Creative Advertising Track

In the Creative Advertising track, students develop high level skills in Copywriting and Art Direction. Taught by faculty with extensive industry experience, students in the Creative Advertising track will graduate with the knowledge, skills, and a portfolio to be prepared for positions as Copywriters and Art Directors at the best creative agencies in the world.

Experience Design Track

Plan(s) of Study

Creative Advertising

Experience Design 

Learning Outcomes  

By the time students graduate, they will have learned the skills required to become full-stack designers. They will have learned the various elements of completing a design project, from design thinking and usability testing, to brand design and leading design workshops. The learning outcomes for the MSCD program are as follows:

• Demonstrate knowledge of brand design (both degree tracks) and either interaction design or creative advertising (based on the student's individual track) and the industries in which they are used.
• Describe and advocate for their work by communicating creative decisions effectively and emphasizing positive business outcomes.
• Collaborate effectively in diverse teams, fostering an inclusive and productive environment for decision-making.
• Build an industry-ready professional portfolio.