Communication Design

“Our students work with whatever media best solves the design problem. We are always working to understand and quantify the communicative value of our work. This ensures lasting and valuable design.”
— Paul Platosh, Department Chair

The Communication Design department expands the boundaries of traditional graphic design. In this program, students develop the combined skills of conceptual thinking and practical experience to create provocative design solutions that are relevant in the contemporary design environment. This area of study prepares students for the broadest possibilities and most challenging engagements of today’s creative industry.

The curriculum encourages integrated design solutions across media and fosters the development of research, critical thinking, and creative practice skills while being rooted in communication theory. Through both independent and collaborative projects, students acquire the tools for building sustainable communication pathways that connect businesses, technologies, and contemporary culture.

Center 4 Design

To gain real-world experience, you can work on actual client projects via the College’s Center 4 Design. C4D is an on-campus, working student studio where client work is conducted under faculty supervision for college credit. The C4D space features exposed beams, natural light, and an arched wooden ramada structure held in place by tension. Facilities include a top-of-the-line Macintosh computer lab, conference room, offices, and drawing tables placed under large windows.

Jim Hill ‘11 presents “The Dead Don’t Die,” the zombie/horrow/western graphic novel he produced for his thesis, which explores the relationship between digital and print media. Photo by Heather Zinger ‘10.

2012-13 Curriculum Chart

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