Curriculum: Communication Design

In your first year, you’ll take core studios, including drawing, 2D design, 3D design, digital studio, and a weekly seminar. Drawing studios are team-taught by studio art and communication design faculty. You’ll develop observational and illustrative skills, working mainly with charcoal, graphite, ink, and pastel. In 2D design and digital studio, you’ll build essential skills in composition and communication through manual processes and digital design software. In 3D design, you’ll learn fundamental sculptural and spatial skills, experimenting with new materials and processes, while learning how to use specialized tools and machines.

Every first-year student is mentored by a dedicated academic advisor who guides them in shaping the educational and degree path they desire. This includes course selection and scheduling.

As your education progresses, so will your course flexibility. In your second year and the fall semester of your junior year, you take courses such as Word & Image, Typography, and Interaction Foundations. Starting in the second semester of your junior year, you choose all of your own major courses.

Your studio courses are supplemented by readings and seminars that acquaint you with the field of contemporary art and design and in developing an understanding of where your interests fit in the historical arc. You also take professional practice seminars, taught by our dedicated career development specialist, in which you’ll develop essential skills like writing preparing a portfolio and CV, applying for internships and jobs, and presenting a public lecture on your work.

All studio courses have a low student-to-faculty ratio to ensure personalized attention.