Communication Design A.B.
Chair: Senior Lecturer Piland
Professor: Makemson
Associate Professors: Hannam, Lackaff, B. Lee, Motley
Assistant Professors: Bagley, Fadaam, Jiang, Moner, Walsh, Zenner
The design of media and communication messages is essential in a visual world. A major in communication design prepares students in the professional design of static, moving and interactive mediated messages for diverse users and audiences by using the language, methods and practices of intentional and ethical design to communicate a product or brand.
Students learn to identify and solve design problems and master the principles and practices used in the design of communication messages. These messages may involve design for print publications, advertising, website and mobile media.
The Communication Design A.B. degree requires 52 semester hours in CDE, COM, CTA, JOU, MEA or STC, plus 8 hours in ART and 2 hours in IDS 115.
(See School of Communications for additional program requirements and course descriptions)
Major Requirements:
Required courses: 51-52 sh
| IDS 115 | PUBLIC SPEAKING | 2 sh |
| COM 100 | COMMUNICATIONS IN A GLOBAL AGE | 4 sh |
| COM 110 | MEDIA WRITING | 4 sh |
| COM 210 | WEB AND MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS | 2 sh |
| COM 220 | CREATING MULTIMEDIA CONTENT | 4 sh |
| CDE 258 | VISUAL COMMUNICATION | 4 sh |
| CDE 318 | WRITING FOR VISUAL MEDIA | 4 sh |
| CDE 350 | WEB AND MOBILE PUBLISHING | 4 sh |
| CDE 358 | DESIGN OF VISUAL IMAGES | 4 sh |
| COM 381 | COMMUNICATIONS INTERNSHIP | 1 or 2 sh |
| COM 400 | MEDIA LAW AND ETHICS | 4 sh |
| CDE 458 | DESIGN STRATEGIES AND SOLUTIONS | 4 sh |
| COM 495 | GREAT IDEAS: ISSUES AND RESEARCH | 4 sh |
Select additional courses to total at least 52 semester hours of courses from COM, CDE, CTA, JOU, MEA, or STC, not including IDS 115.
Additional requirements for the Communication Design A.B.: 8 sh
| ART 112 | FUNDAMENTALS OF DESIGN | 4 sh |
| ART 260 | INTRODUCTION TO INTERMEDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY | 4 sh |
Total Credit Hours: 62
Program Outcomes
Truth, accuracy and fairness: Students will be able to articulate the value of truth, accuracy and fairness; describe the importance of access to information to ensure these values; and apply these values in the discipline and professions.
Freedom of expression: Students will be able to identify and state the importance of the five freedoms in the First Amendment; distinguish expression that is and is not protected; and apply legal principles to media issues.
Ethical ways of reasoning: Students will be able to describe the philosophical underpinnings of ethical decision-making; recognize the symbiosis between law and ethics; and apply ethical principles to professional issues.
History and roles of media, communication professions and sport in society: Students will be able to identify significant individuals and describe important milestones in communications history; and analyze the role and impact of media on U.S. society.
Domestic and global diversity: Students will be able to demonstrate an awareness of diverse peoples and cultures; describe ways to communicate with diverse domestic and global audiences; and understand the consequences of the digital divide.
Write and speak clearly and effectively: Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in grammar, spelling, mechanics and organization; and write with accuracy, clarity and style for different audiences across media platforms.
Employ the tools of today’s technology: Students will be able to describe how technologies shape the way people interact with the world; master communication tools and technologies; and produce print, audio, video, online and mobile content.
Use theory in producing meaningful content: Students will be able to identify and demonstrate communication theories, concepts and aesthetic principles that guide the creation of visual content and the presentation of images and information.
Engage in research and analysis: Students will be able to describe qualitative and quantitative research methods; evaluate primary and secondary sources; and write and present a scholarly paper appropriate for disciplinary professions.
Apply numerical concepts: Students will be able to perform basic numerical computations; interpret statistical data and analyze audiences; and demonstrate the ability to apply these concepts in appropriate communications professions.
Demonstrate creative and critical thinking: Students will be able to explain the creative elements in the work they do; understand the financial aspects of content creation; and draw rational conclusions as they analyze social and communications phenomena.