Once upon a time, the “AV person” was an afterthought, someone called when the film got stuck, a microphone stopped working or a slide presentation wouldn’t project.
Today, people with expertise in creating compelling videos, photographs, podcasts, films, graphics and social media campaigns aren’t just supporting the message. They’re often leading the conversation and frequently shaping a company’s image.
Like many professional fields, opportunities to become a leader in creative communication have often been restricted by academic program boundaries. But that’s changing at CSU. A new 21-credit Content Creation minor is officially open for enrollment. Students can sign up now and register for spring 2027 classes. The program is offered through the Department of Journalism and Media Communication but was developed so students who don’t normally have access to these courses can develop professional media skills that will enhance their career options.
‘A leg up’
“CSU students across all majors are doing interesting and creative work for fun and, in many cases, as part of their job,” said Jenny Fischer, the JMC faculty member who suggested creating the program. “Learning how to develop and effectively deliver professional, compelling content will give them a leg up, whether they want to become an entrepreneur, develop a personal brand or see a need to bring those skills to any type of future career.”
The content creation minor combines hands-on multimedia production with strategic communication, preparing graduates to stand out, shape the conversation and take on leadership roles in virtually any profession.
“We want to lead the way in expanding creative media options for CSU,” said JMC Chair Marilee Long. “This program offers courses developed and proven over decades, with professional software and hardware training. The great news is that non-majors now can develop signature skills that amplify their talents and capabilities through creative leadership.”
Content producers needed
The opportunities for media producers have never been greater.
More than 20 million videos are uploaded to YouTube every day, while Vimeo reports another 350,000 daily uploads. Worldwide, social media accounts represent approximately 5.8 billion active user identities. From Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat to Facebook, YouTube and X, visual storytelling has become a universal language connecting generations, communities and industries.
Today’s smartphones can produce remarkably sophisticated video, photography and audio. Affordable editing software, professional cinematic cameras, podcasting equipment, animation tools, lighting systems and emerging artificial intelligence technologies have transformed how individuals and organizations communicate.
The result? Content creation isn’t just a media career anymore. It’s a career advantage.
Skills for all fields
Imagine an environmental scientist producing a documentary, an agricultural specialist promoting innovative farming, an engineer explaining new technology, a musician building an audience or an entrepreneur creating an entire brand.
The possibilities extend across nearly every CSU major.
The minor is built on decades of JMC expertise in classes that include filmmaking, photography, audio production, graphic design, documentary storytelling, strategic communication and branding. It combines hands-on production with social media management, audience analytics and creative strategy.
Students can customize their coursework through electives in video production, podcasting, photography, motion graphics, public relations, design and more, ultimately developing a professional portfolio to showcase their abilities.
Alumni involvement
The program also benefits from JMC’s extensive alumni network, with professionals frequently contributing their expertise to classrooms, student projects and portfolios. JMC graduates pursue careers in journalism, business, law, politics, technology, manufacturing, entertainment and countless other professions.
The minor is designed specifically for students who are not JMC majors. Almost all courses are available both on campus and online, providing flexibility for students.
Enrollment for spring 2027 is available now. Students can explore the requirements in the CSU Content Creation Minor catalog.
For additional information, and to sign up for the minor, contact Dakota Cotner in the Department of Journalism and Media Communication at Dakota.Cotner@colostate.edu.