This studio course involves inquiry into the nature of the graphic design and interactive fields. Topics introduced in this course are color theory for print and the screen, file types, design terminology, project workflow, aesthetics, visual concepts, typography and software fundamentals. The course also introduces students to oral and written communication for design practices, presentation techniques and the client-designer relationship. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course involves inquiry into the nature of the graphic design and interactive fields. Topics introduced in this course are color theory for print and the screen, file types, design terminology, project workflow, aesthetics, visual concepts, typography and Adobe software fundamentals. The course also introduces students to oral and written communication for design practices, presentation techniques and the client-designer relationship. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course explores raster image-making in the digital platform while creating historical and practical connections between technology and creative problem solving. Topics introduced in this course are the Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom interfaces, photo manipulation, historical perspectives in digital imaging, digital painting, digital darkroom techniques and preparation of digital images for various media. Additionally, students engage in written and verbal communication for ideation and presentation. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course explores illustration in the digital platform while creating historical and practical connections between technology and creative problem solving. Topics introduced in this course are the Adobe Illustrator interface, illustration tools and techniques, color, photo-realism, historical perspectives in digital illustration and challenges within the digital interface. Additionally, students engage in written and verbal communication for ideation and presentation. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course examines the fundamental practices of art making. Students will analyze the Principles of Art, Elements of Design, and Color Theory. Students will explore varied drawing styles, techniques, and instruments. This course will introduce students to critique etiquette and the vocabulary of fine art.

This studio course examines typography from historical and practical perspectives while creating connections between type as a communication tool and type as visual expression. Topics introduced in this course are the history of type, type anatomy, classifications, terminology, type setting for the screen versus print, rules of typography, hierarchy and formalism. Additionally, students engage in written and verbal communication for ideation and presentation. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course examines the history of graphic design from 15,000 B.C. through the invention of writing to present day composition and strictly follows Meggs’ History of Graphic Design. Students will explore various movements in graphic design history and create design works that reflect these periods. Parallels between fine art history will be drawn. Students are expected to produce written projects in this course displaying content knowledge.

Transfer coursework: Digital Design

This studio course examines semiotics and identity (logo) design from historical and practical perspectives. Topics introduced in this course are the study of signs and symbols and the fundamentals of branding with a specific focus on identity (logo) design. Various types of logos will be analyzed and identified and the elements that make them iconic and memorable will be studied. With this knowledge, students will use the entire design process to create logos, symbols and app icons. Additionally, students will engage in written and verbal communication for ideation and presentation. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course explores the field of User Experience Design through analysis and user research. Students will discuss business goals, evaluate interactive products, define research strategies, and develop a validated concept for a digital design solution to an identified problem. Learners practice design thinking, essential discovery skills, qualitative research synthesis while building prototypes, and developing user advocacy skills through effective communication, visual storytelling, and presentation strategy.

This studio course investigates historical perspectives and emerging technological developments in the field of user-experience and user-interface design highlighting techniques to develop online interactive content that builds on previously established visual design principles and practices. Topics introduced in this course are image and type for the web, information architecture and webpage anatomy, grid layouts, atomic design systems, and essential usability testing. Learners will development a high-fidelity interactive design prototype using industry standard software.

This studio course will explore the history of digital photography in the context of digital design and put into practice photographic compositions and image editing. The digital camera will be used to create compelling visual compositions based on a concept, explore product photography, green screen photography and lighting scenarios. Practice and experimentation with digital image manipulation and compositional techniques is also included in this course.

This online course introduces students to the fundamentals of advertising copywriting. Lectures, readings, and online resources explore how to begin an assignment, find a brand voice, connect with and influence an audience, and develop concise, meaningful copy for traditional and digital media. Students will work alone and in pairs to research, concept, and write ads and campaigns for mock clients and service-learning projects. They will also analyze and critique their own and others' writing through written assignments and in-class discussion. Class meets synchronously once each week.

This course provides students the opportunity to master skills within lower- level coursework as determined by faculty advisors. Students may take this course with permission by the program directors.

Students in the Digital Design program undergo two reviews during their matriculation: Lower-Level Review and Upper-Level Review. Students must complete both reviews at the appropriate time as it relates to their specific major/concentration and matriculation. These reviews are also used to assess the DDSN program and are tied to the program learning outcomes. A score of 70 or higher constitutes passing the review, which means that the student is ready to proceed in the program. Students who do not pass may resubmit their portfolios the following semester incorporating feedback from their rubric. Both reviews are to ensure mastery of skills and are intended to ensure that students will succeed in upper-level coursework.

This studio course utilizes multi-page layout software to explore long-format design challenges. Topics introduced in this course include advanced InDesign software techniques, design for publication, and file preparation for long-format printing. Students will create concept-driven works for mock clients. Printing and production techniques for long-format design will be employed.

This studio course explores development of printed branding materials within the Adobe interface. Students will create concept-driven projects exploring execution via various media to communicate an event, promotion or series. Students will work with mock clients to create professional written and verbal presentations for portfolio-ready printed works.

This studio course focuses on rapid prototyping and comprehensive user testing methods to extensively evaluate and improve interactive designs to compete in the UX/UI design industry as it evolves with emerging technology. Learners will be challenged to build upon previous knowledge to create responsive designs for mobile, display, desktop and other service-based interactive solutions. Students collaborate and co-create designs, explore data-visualization strategies, and communicate ideas via written and verbal reporting and presentation.

This course explores the art and craft of digital storytelling across various media platforms, with a particular focus on video production for digital media. Students will analyze the core elements of storytelling, create compelling narratives based on strategic goals, and apply these techniques to craft engaging content using video-editing applications. The course emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, encouraging students to critically evaluate digital storytelling's role in shaping contemporary media landscapes, while keeping a close eye on current trends in social media.

This course introduces the history and theory of motion graphics and animation. Students will adapt their graphic design acumen for use in timeline-based software to create industry-standard assets for video production, web, and social media using the essential functions and properties of Adobe After Effects. Students will develop a professional process for communicating and iterating motion ideas from concept to delivery including storyboarding, style frames, and animatics as well as rendering, compressing, and exporting files for handoff with stakeholders.

This course introduces students to basic web language standards and vocabulary, beginner-level development procedures and protocols, and interactive technologies used in website design. Students will learn how data informs interfaces and apply their previous knowledge with a coding mindset, to solve interconnectivity issues, articulate development goals with computer science professionals, and complete basic-level development edits in online environments. Learners will foster good designer-developer relationships by practicing how to actualize developer friendly designs using tools like Figma Dev mode and no/low code page builders to create a functioning website for a client.

Special Topics in Digital Design.

Transfer coursework: Digital Design

This course provides students the opportunity to master skills within upper-level coursework as determined by faculty advisors. Students may take this course with permission by the program directors.

Students in the Digital Design program undergo two reviews during their matriculation: Lower-Level Review and Upper-Level Review. Students must complete both reviews at the appropriate time as it relates to their specific major/concentration and matriculation. These reviews are also used to assess the DDSN program and are tied to the program learning outcomes. A score of 70 or higher constitutes passing the review, which means that the student is ready to proceed in the program. Students who do not pass may resubmit their portfolios the following semester incorporating feedback from their rubric. Both reviews are to ensure mastery of skills and are intended to ensure that students will succeed in upper-level coursework.

This studio course explores development of three-dimensional packaging to communicate a brand or persona paired with two-dimensional supporting materials. Students will work alone and in groups to create original works for mock clients and service-learning experiences. Students will create professional written and verbal presentations for portfolio-ready printed works.

This studio course explores using the poster as a means for visual communication within various projects. Students will work alone and in groups to find concept-driven solutions to design problems translated into the poster medium. Students will critique and analyze design solutions via written assignments and verbal class discussions.

Marketing and advertising for designers explores the role designers play in the marketing and advertising industries. Students use marketing and advertising to better communicate a brand or persona within various media. Students will work within service-learning projects to articulate a call to action via multiple media platforms both alone and in groups. Students will critique and analyze design solutions via written assignments and verbal class discussions and presentations.

This online studio course advances students' understanding of the discipline of copywriting. Lectures, readings, and case studies explore the many ways language functions in advertising — to educate, sell, influence, entertain, shock, and shape culture. Students will work alone and in pairs to research, concept, and write ads and campaigns for mock clients and service-learning projects. This could include writing for projects in concurrent design courses or refining and extending existing portfolio pieces. Students will also analyze and critique their own and others' writing through written assignments and in-class discussion. Class meets synchronously once each week.

This studio course explores the visual representation of data. Students will create concept-driven projects that utilize infographics to communicate and disseminate highly complex data points through visually appealing graphics. Additionally, students engage in written and verbal communication for presentation and critique. Topics discussed in this course are the history of infographic design and the tools and techniques used to create infographics. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course closely examines lettering, typography and the structure and nuances of the Roman alphabet. Attention will be given to form, history and concept in type. Topics discussed are customizing typefaces, creating glyphs and alphabets, custom display lettering, the relationship between type and image, and working with large amounts of text and multiple pages. Additionally, students engage in written and verbal communication for ideation and presentation. Lectures, readings, videos, exercises, projects and writing assignments are used.

This studio course examines the use of social media within the design field. Students will create graphics for various new media and social media landscapes and develop strategy for implementation. Students will recognize and evaluate social media platforms based on user interaction and outcomes, design strategic graphics for social media campaigns, develop ongoing social media and digital strategy for service-learning client and communicate project via professional written and verbal presentation.

This Advanced User Experience course provides an immersive learning experience that emphasizes responsive web and app design while incorporating advanced user-centered design principles. Students will expand their existing UI/UX knowledge through a comprehensive exploration of the UX design life cycle, starting with research, and progressing to wire-framing, high-fidelity prototyping, and creating intuitive navigation optimized for multiple viewports and interfaces. By the end of the course, participants will have developed visually appealing, functional, and multi-touch point service design for a simulated client, using scalable design systems, gaining valuable real-world experience.

This studio course explores video production within a team environment to create concept-driven, strategic solutions for a real-world client. Students will work in teams to create storytelling experiences via video and motion. Students will understand and analyze advanced principles of the digital narrative, study different approaches to genre and style, develop multimodal approach to digital problem solving, create concept-driven solutions to class assignments, work in groups to develop strategy for service-learning client, communicate project via professional written and verbal presentation. They will explore platforms and brand messaging, along with creative means of achieving goals in these channels.

This studio course builds on foundations of motion and uses advanced motion techniques to create animation narratives that synthesize motion graphics with video elements and user interfaces. The vast suite of Adobe After Effects will allow designers to explore complex features to aid storytelling and creative problem solving. Students will create concept-driven motion projects with motion tracking, 3D layers, and cameras with an emphasis on detailed gestures, micro animations, and design patterns as well as best practices for interactive compatibility to incorporate motion design into mobile and web interfaces to aid user experience.

This studio course explores digital illustration in the Procreate platform with some cross-over in Adobe Illustrator while creating historical and practical connections between technology and creative problem solving. Topics introduced in this course are the Procreate and Adobe Illustrator interfaces, illustration tools and techniques, color, good illustration practices and processes, and challenges within the digital interface. Additionally, students engage in written and verbal communication for ideation and presentation. Lectures, readings, class demonstrations, group exercises and writing assignments are used.

This studio course prepares students for entry into the workforce. Students will create a personal brand and translate that brand into their portfolio, stationery package and other media for marketing purposes. Students will undergo rigorous self-reflection, mock interviews, presentation techniques and portfolio reworking. Students can expect to create written and verbal communication regarding their brand, personal attributes and portfolio works.

This studio course provides students with real-world applications of business practices within the graphic design industry, contracts, the law, business planning, strategy and marketing. Students will assemble a strategic approach to estimating and planning, project workflow in a design business environment and create original work for service-learning client.

This studio course explores the greater purpose of design as an agent of change. Students will create multiple projects supporting a cause with a specific call to action. 2D, 3D and interactive elements will be employed to create meaningful works based on a concept. Students will work for personal and service-learning clients and communicate projects via professional written and verbal presentation.

This studio course guides students in a methodical design process to create packaging for a brand that is effective in both retail and e-commerce contexts. Students will progress from concept development to final production, ensuring that each design decision aligns with the brand's positioning. The course includes hands-on work with 3D prototypes, along with developing a systematic hierarchy for typography and imagery. Students will present and justify their design choices, demonstrating how their design decisions enhance the brand's goals.

This studio course greater explores the field of corporate identity and branding within a design context. Students will work alone and in groups to create concept-driven works for mock clients and service-learning projects. Students will explore logo design, branding, brand standards, brand strategy and brand application as part of this course. Students will communicate projects via professional written and verbal presentation.

This studio course greater explores the field of environmental design within a design context. Students will work alone and in groups to create concept-driven works for mock clients and service-learning projects. Students will explore large-scale graphics for a variety of out-of-home media including billboards, transportation design, way finding and accessibility design. Students will communicate projects via professional written and verbal presentation. Prerequisites: DDSN 1100, 1101, 1102, 1400, 1401, 2100, 2400, 2401, 3400, 3403, 3600, 4400.

This studio course explores development of multi-media works surrounding project themes. Students will use print (2D), packaging (3D) and interactive media to communicate a project solution. Students will work alone and in groups to create original works for mock clients and service-learning experiences. Students will create professional written and verbal presentations for portfolio-ready printed works.

This accelerated studio course explores development of a project where the student is the author of the concept, product, persona, client, research, execution and implementation from start to finish. This course is reserved for students with a 3.5 or higher GPA who can demonstrate exceptional design skills in two-dimensional, three-dimensional and interactive design techniques. Students interested in taking this course should apply the semester prior via portfolio and written proposal for the course topic.

This studio course encourages the use of multiple media to communicate to an audience. Students will use narrative, social media, motion, website design and other interactive applications per their strategy to create a multimodal user-experience. Students will present ideas both in written and verbal form.

Special Topics in Digital Design.

Special Topics in Digital Design.

Special Topics in Digital Design. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours

Special Topics in Digital Design. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours

Special Topics in Digital Design. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

Special Topics in Digital Design. Course may be repeated up to unlimited credit hours.

This course explores special topics with the Digital Design field. The student will work one-on-one with the faculty member to create portfolio ready works in a concept-driven environment. The independent study may be taken twice for credit if the topics vary.

This course assists in the student’s internship experience by providing weekly direction and feedback. The student is responsible for securing an internship during the practicum course period and completing at least 100 total hours during the semester. In addition to the contact hours, each student must maintain a PDF portfolio of works created during the semester for review during the final exam period. Both the student and employer will be given entrance and exit surveys regarding their experiences.

This course is designed to offer a broad appreciation of all types of media, and an understanding of how media shapes and reflects our culture. The course will examine the impact of books, newspapers, magazines, movies, radio, TV and the Internet. The course will also cover advertising and public relations and how these industries are used in mass media to shape consumer perceptions and behaviors.

The media writing course is designed to develop students’ communication writing skills and styles in an effort to communicate with and reach diverse audiences. The course includes an overview of basic rules for becoming a better writer, journalistic writing with an emphasis on Associated Press style, and a comprehensive look at the types of writing assignments that communications professionals use to communicate with diverse audiences.

Studying media ethics is central to understanding the pervasive nature that media play in our lives and the impact that the decisions of media practitioners have on society. Ethics play an integral role in every decision we make – from content creation to audience selection. This course begins with a discussion of traditional moral theory and ethical philosophies and applies them to modern-day issues in 21st century media. Topics include truth in media, privacy, social justice, framing the news and current events, media ownership, stereotyping and representation in film, television and advertising, as well as communications law, the Internet and digital media. Media literacy will be a central theme throughout the course and students will be presented with case studies about events and issues and will examine the decisions and implications on society. Ultimately, students are encouraged to become active users of media and, ultimately, content creators whose diverse, equitable and inclusive lens can create actionable change in society.

This course provides a historical survey and analysis of the current and future trends in the development of the media-related law in America. Students explore media-related ethical theories and the law in current issues, case studies, and problem-solving scenarios. Students explore the moral philosophies that govern such concerns as royalties, copyright infringement, libel, and intellectual property.

This course focuses on the communication between an individual or organization and the public to promote public acceptance and approval. Students explore traditional and emerging components of the public relations process through mass media, as well as the needs of different types of businesses, such as corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government offices.

This course is designed to introduce students to mass media research including equipping students with the tools needed to develop a strategic communications plan including execution and evaluation. The primary focus of the class is on using research for advertising and public relations campaigns. Students will learn about the various types of research, research methods – content analysis, focus groups, in-depth interviews, surveys and experiments – and gain experience with the statistical methods most often used to analyze data.

This course will provide students with an understanding of how goals, audience, and metrics define a strategic approach to online communication and how specific channels, platforms, and tactics are used to achieve that strategy. The course will also focus on the key components of planning and creating an effective inbound strategy to reach an organization's audience.

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts, strategies, tactics and procedures of influencer marketing - a type of social media marketing that uses endorsements and product mentions from influencers. Course topics will include how to evaluate and decide when and how to work with influencers and how to leverage their social proof to reach your brand’s following.

This course covers the fundamentals of advertising, beginning with the history and evolution of advertising as an element in the economy, a specialized form of communication, a craft, and an area of ethical sensitivity. At the practical level, students will be introduced to media planning and the emergence of new media, market research, agency organization and creativity as well as the legal and ethical concerns that advertising professionals must bear in mind.

Advertising is all about spends: media spends, agency fees, and production expenses. In this course, students will be exposed to the wide array of costs associated with advertising. We’ll take a look at what comprises freelance and agency rate structures; how media is planned, placed, and compensated for; and how production costs and billing structures can be approached. This course will further expose the business side of advertising through developing an understanding of building viable scopes, budgets and timelines that are economically sound for both the agency and the client.

Special topics in strategic communication.

This course will focus on the role and responsibilities of the corporate communications function and the integral nature of the corporate stakeholders. Understanding the role that stakeholders – individuals or groups who have a shared interest in the success or failure of a business such as employees, customers, shareholders, local community, society, media, etc. – is critical in the entire process. In this course, students will come to understand the role that corporate communicators play.

This course explores the opportunities and special demands of digital media in the business and promotion of public relations and PR campaigns. Students are taught the techniques of using blogging, social networking and advanced web technology in the promotion and publicizing of public relations clients.

This course emphasizes the factors of information content, creativity, and persuasion in a way that relates specifically to the practice of Public Relations. Students will receive guidance in the preparation of written materials that adhere to high standards of truth and information value, engage and interest the public(s), and take an advocacy stance in support of the originating organization's goals and objectives. These qualities of writing will be fostered for use both in the new media of websites and social media as well as in the traditional media of printed materials, news releases, speeches, letters, multi-media presentations, fact sheets, etc. Public Relations writing's association with marketing and advertising will also be explored.

This course is designed to help you better understand the role and practice of media relations and messaging in the private and public sector. Whether working in corporate, non-profit or governmental organizations, students will learn to research media and reporters, develop messages, build strategic media plans, generate media coverage, serve as spokespersons, handle crisis situations, and use digital media strategies to achieve the desired goals.

This course studies real-life public relations cases and campaigns with discussions on why some campaigns succeed and others fail. Special attention is given to contemporary cases and to development of the tools necessary for effective campaigns including the importance of research, objectives, programming and planning.

Non-Profit Marketers wear many hats. In this day and age, non-profit marketers need to have a variety of skills to fulfill their role, and the outcomes that are needed. They are one of the main ways that an organization reaches its audiences. It includes: public relations, advertising, special event planning, social media, and consumer relationship building. This course will examine how organizations use their marketers to publicize who they are, their mission, and reach donors.

This course is designed to address the concepts and functions of health communication. Upon completion, students will have created a strategic health communication plan that can be used by a local organization to address the organization’s stakeholders to increase behaviors that lead to positive health outcomes and decrease those that are adverse to their well-being.

Events are a very important strategy utilized by PR practitioners. This class will examine every aspect of event planning – from research and planning to contracts and budgets. Whether a practitioner is working with members of an internal or external audience, event planning will always be a useful tactic to build community, awareness and influence behavior. Students will also learn to promote events through both traditional and social media.

This course will focus on the communication professional’s role and responsibilities during a crisis. This class will in equal parts address what constitutes a crisis, which stakeholders are impacted during a crisis, how to manage the crisis and what happens when the crisis is “over.” During a crisis, time is of the essence. Thus, students will be presented with several crisis scenarios throughout the class and will be asked to address them preparing them to aid in providing strategic counsel in crisis situations.

This course will teach students how to think critically when developing digital content for different online channels and platforms, including long-form writing, short-form copy and headlines, images, infographics, and long-form videos and short clips.

This course will take a deeper look at developing metrics, reporting tactics, and evaluating results of digital media and marketing communication campaigns. Students will have hands-on access to multiple platforms that track performance on different channels (social, paid media, email, etc.) and will analyze and report results.

This course is designed to present how customer relationship management (CRM) practices are used to manage customer and audience relationships with digital media and marketing communication strategies, campaigns, and tactics. Students will learn and evaluate different CRM and engagement database platforms and develop strategies, tactics, and processes to help manage relationships with an organization’s customers, constituents, and audience.

This course will present the basic principles of Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing, and Paid Media. It will focus on both creative and technical applications and strategies guided by industry research and best practices. Students will have hands-on access to the platforms available to research, build, and measure digital media effectiveness across platforms.

This course is designed to expose students to the ways in which an advertising agency functions, specifically how work flows through it and how various roles impact agency output. Working and collaborating with others is part and parcel of the strategic communications industry and understanding the process will help students understand the value that each member of the team brings to the campaign’s success. Exploring the role that both the traffic and production departments play in an agency or campaign setting will further students’ grasp of the dynamic between the various departments.

This course is designed to introduce students to the foundations of building memorable brands and effective campaigns. We’ll address the core values of brand development, from brand creation to rebrands; as well as building and maintaining relationships with the consumer, while managing client expectations. Students will examine the elements involved in campaign development from planning and budgeting, to executing and managing campaigns. This course sits on the line where creativity and feasibility meet: how to tell a story in its most effective and authentic way, while accounting for not only budgets and timelines, but where and how that message could be best received – thus maximizing reach, repetition and relevancy of dollars spent.

This course is designed to introduce students to the basic concepts, strategies, tactics and procedures of media planning and buying. Course topics will include how to evaluate and decide where and when to buy and place advertisements to achieve an organization or clients’ marketing, advertising and media objectives.

This course is designed to emulate an agency in which students in the Media + Design program will come together to produce a campaign that includes conducting research, developing a plan, implementing strategies and tactics and measuring campaign success for real-world clients. This capstone course will provide students with the ability to put into practice the skills they learned throughout their coursework and create compelling portfolio works.

An internship is a hands-on experience in a professionally supervised environment to further students knowledge and skills within real-world context. B.A. candidates will spend at least 100 hours working and documenting their output in the Media and Design industries directly related to their academic major. Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of Review.

This class is designed to assist students in the development of their professional portfolios. This course and the creation of portfolios will position students for their career opportunities after graduation. Students will curate work from their courses and/or internships to produce professional-level portfolios that reflect mastery of strategy and tactical execution. The course will also include a focus on resume development and professional networking. Professionals in the respective industries will evaluate student portfolios against the highest industry standards and students will be expected to present their portfolios at the end of the semester. Prerequisite(s): By permission of Department Chair.

This course will provide a hands-on, applied learning experience using digital media and marketing communications automation software suites. Students will work in groups with real-life companies and organizations to create, implement and analyze the effectiveness of their digital media and marketing communication campaign. Peers, faculty, and other industry experts will evaluate and judge the performance of the group’s plan and results.

Building on the Principles of Advertising, this course requires students to develop and present advertising campaigns that involve organizing research, establishing goals and objectives, developing creative and messaging strategies, and preparing budgets similar to what advertising agencies do on a daily basis. The projects will provide a greater mastery of advertising principles and provide students with completed projects for their portfolio.

Building on the Advertising Studio 1, this course requires students to continue to develop and execute strategic advertising campaigns for real-world clients that includes research, planning, implementation and evaluation. The establishing goals and objectives, developing creative and messaging strategies, and preparing budgets similar to what advertising agencies do on a day-to-day basis. The projects will provide a greater mastery of advertising principles and provide completed projects for their portfolio.

This studio course explores the interdisciplinary opportunities of the media and design industry by creating a real-world multi-media campaign for the American Advertising Federation National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) client. This course is by application only.

This course explores special topics with the Media & Design field. The student will work one-on-one with the faculty member to create portfolio ready works in a concept-driven environment. The independent study may be taken twice for credit if the topics vary.

This project-based introductory graphic design course covers topics such as color theory for print and the screen, file types, design terminology, project workflow, aesthetics, visual concepts, typography, and Adobe software fundamentals. Aside from being introduced to the practice of graphic design, they are also coached in oral and written communication for design practices, critiques and presentation skills. Students will produce a culturally-relevant solution to a communication challenge through a scaffolded assignment over the course of the semester.

This strategic communications writing course is designed to develop students’ communication writing skills to reach diverse audiences. Students sharpen their writing skills in this course and are introduced to the Associated Press style which they use to create a variety of media writing tactics. Aside from being introduced to the fundamentals of strategic communication writing, they are also coached in presentation skills. Students will produce a culturally-relevant solution to a communication challenge through a scaffolded assignment over the course of the semester.

This project-based introductory public relations course provides students with an understanding of the role of public relations between various entities, such as corporations, nonprofits, or governmental agencies, and different audiences or publics. Students will learn a brief history of the field; a high-level view of fundamental theories to the practice; an overview of public relations tactics; components of a public relations campaign, including research; and real-world examples of PR campaigns and events. Aside from being introduced to the principles of public relations, they are also coached in presentation skills. 

This project-based introductory digital marketing course will provide students with an understanding of how goals, audience, and metrics define a strategic approach to online communication. Students will also be exposed to topics such as how specific channels, platforms, and tactics are used to achieve that strategy, and the key components of planning and creating an effective inbound strategy to reach an organization’s audience. Aside from being introduced to the principles of digital marketing, they are also coached in presentation skills.