Communication Design

Communication designers impact our lives nearly every hour of every day. Their creative work influences our morning coffee purchases determines our social media memes, facilitates our online browsing, and even sways our political perceptions.

If you’re visually creative and you enjoy engaging in real-world strategic problem-solving, Communication Design can prepare you for a fulfilling career. At KU you’ll join a community of designers and faculty who are passionate about what they create. We empower you to evoke meaningful change, develop your strengths and celebrate the future of design—all through individual development and visual expression. Here, you will embark on a journey to discover the power of your voice and grow, not into someone new, but to become your most creative yourself.

Your coursework will explore the creative process, communications theory, design history, and project management; as well as illustration, photography, typography, and production processes. Kutztown University's degree in Communication Design (CD) is a Bachelor of Fine Arts program, the preferred degree as stipulated by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The KU program is both Middle States and NASAD accredited.

Curriculum

As freshmen, KUCD students take the foundations: drawing, design and digital skills. Sophomores study the foundations of design: typography, visual thinking, illustration techniques, and more digital skills courses, along with Historical Survey of Graphic Design and studio classes in digital photography or life drawing. As juniors, KUCD students learn the all aspects of design as required by the industry: Graphic Design, Advertising Design, Interactive Design, and Illustration. Then, as they get closer to graduation, Seniors they hone their skills in design specialization areas they love. They can also choose an internship (if qualified) or a variety of fine art studios or minor courses complement the Communication Design major. Courses in professional practices and portfolio development ensure that students are prepared when the real-world comes knocking.

Visit the CD Department website's curriculum page for course-by-course and semester-by-semester preview of the CD program. 

Internships
Students with a departmental GPA of 3.0 and a concentration in Graphic Design, Advertising Design or Interactive Design have the option of taking an internship to gain experience beyond the classroom during their senior year. Internships are conducted at design, advertising or media firms approved by the department. Some 35 organizations and communication design firms are active participants in this program. This real-world training provides a practical arena to refine your skills, make connections and enhance your resume. 

Sample Career Options

Student Learning Outcomes