The goal of the Communication Design (CD) program is understanding and mastery of communication design principles, theories, and skills. We define communication design in broad terms, ranging from printed work to interactive displays, all in the service of informing, educating, and delighting people. The CD program teaches a problem-solving approach to communication, with a special concern for the people affected by any designed communication. View examples of CD students¡¦ work.

Type, image, and information
We foster a respect for the rich history of book, letterform, and print design, with a curriculum that focuses on typography and imaging as the core of the second and third years of study. A required sequence of studio courses introduces principles of communication with type and image in both static and dynamic forms. The sequence begins with Basic Typography, which explores typographic form in space and time. This is followed by Intermediate Typography, which is concerned with meaning in visual combinations of words and images, and Advanced Typography , which explores the personal voice in visual communication. The final course, Information Design, addresses the problems of communicating complex information in both physical and digital environments.

Elective topics may include digital imaging, journal design, kinetic maps, narrative structures in video, kinetic typography, and interface and interaction design. The design studies sequence of courses covers design history, design and social change, design and perception, and aesthetics. In general, topics will change based on faculty research and the specializations of visiting designers.