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.

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 STCM is a 39-hour professional masters degree program to be completed within a single calendar year—from August to August—over four semesters: Fall, Spring, Maymester and Summer Session D. We follow the CU Boulder calendar and, in doing so, are guided by a year-long arc from Foundations (fall semester) to Variations and Explorations (spring semester), to Solutions (Maymester and Summer Session D).

The master's degree is awarded for successful completion of 39 credits over four contiguo­­us semesters. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and fulfill all requirements in a timely manner.

Plan of Study