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Two students pursuing graphic design degree working on a project in the Sharadin Arts Building.
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Art and Design

310 Sharadin Art Studio
Kutztown, PA 19530

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Communication Design Major

Discover Your Creativity, Make an Impact and Build a Future in Design.

Quick Look

OFFERED AS:

Major

FORMAT:

In-Person

CREDITS REQUIRED:

120

Tuition Cost

Design is everywhere—it shapes how we think, feel, and interact with the world. At Kutztown University, our Communication Design (KUCD) program is built for creative minds ready to turn their passion into a career.

10 Reasons to become a communication design major

Our Communication Design degree fosters a dynamic community of designers who thrive on creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning.

Kutztown University Communication Design students gain experience in all aspects of design, from conceptual thinking to final execution, making them versatile and industry-ready.

  1. Discover your unique creative voice and grow as a designer.

  2. Learn from experienced professors who are successful professionals.

  3. Earn a BFA in Communication Design, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA).

  4. Build a strong portfolio that showcases your creativity, design skills, and professional potential.

  5. Connect with a network of Communication Design alumni to gain insights and establish valuable industry relationships.

  6. Participate in events such as Designathon and work with nonprofit organizations.

  7. Exhibit your work in Kutztown’s Sharadin Arts Building.

  8. Become a member of Kutztown's American Institute of Graphic Arts club.

  9. Access art and computer labs dedicated to visual art students.

  10. Enjoy field trips to art shows and design agencies.

Students within graphic design major collaborating on project in Sharadin Arts Building.

Find your crew within the art community here at Kutztown University.

Communication Design Major Highlights

The Communication Design curriculum blends general education, art foundations, and specialized coursework in four key areas:

  • Graphic Design – Master branding, layout, and visual storytelling.
  • Interactive Design – Explore UI/UX, web design, and creative coding.
  • Advertising Design – Develop compelling campaigns and marketing strategies.
  • Illustration – Create original imagery for books, media, and more.

Students gain experience in image-making, typography, advertising, branding, and digital design, ensuring a well-rounded education. Senior year offers the opportunity to specialize and refine your unique design style.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Communication Design (BFA)
    1. Solve communication problems through research and development.
    2. Describe and respond to the audiences and contexts that shape design decisions.
    3. Create and develop visual form in response to communication problems.
    4. Apply tools and technology through the creation, reproduction, and distribution of visual messages.
    5. Employ professionalism and best business practices through presentation.
Quotation Mark

I cannot stress enough how much Kutztown University Communication Design has helped me prepare for a career in the world of graphic design. I still have wonderful connections with my professors who I update on my career journey and go to them if I ever need any guidance. I graduated with well-rounded skills in all areas of design.

Brianna Wendling ’23, Online Graphic Designer, WebFX

Career Outcomes

Top Internship Locations for Communication Design Majors

Neopangea

Artskills

Crayola

Red Tettemer O'Connell + Partners

Crafted Action

3Seed

Grapevine Visual Concepts

Top Employers for Communication Design Major Graduates

Lilly Pulitzer

Hershey Foods

Crayola

Apple

Lego

Fig Magazine

National Geographic

Sony

The New York Times

Grey

AdWeek

Communication Design Major FAQ

  • What can I do with a communication design degree?

    The communication design major at Kutztown University gives you the ability to pursue a variety of career paths.

    Here is a list of the top job titles graduates pursue and their national salaries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024):

    • Graphic Designer: $61,300
    • Web/App Designer: $74,510
    • Interactive Designer: $97,929
    • Advertising Designer: $59,730
    • Art Director: $111,040

  • Is a portfolio required to be a communication design major?

    Yes, the Communication Design program requires you to submit a portfolio for review in addition to the application to the university.

    For more information, you can check out the portfolio review requirements.

  • Is an internship required for a communication design major?

    Internships are not required to complete your communication design degree, though they are recommended.

    Kutztown University partners with over 30 organizations and design firms to connect students with internship opportunities so that you receive real-world experience you can put on your resume.

  • What real-world design experience will I get at Kutztown University?

    Here at Kutztown University, we take pride in our students’ ability to translate their skills into industry projects and professional environments. Kutztown University communication design students graduate with a portfolio that showcases their talent and readiness for a design career.

    Our unique internship program places qualifying students in successful design studios where they are mentored by designers in the field.

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