Communication Design

Educating the future of visual problem-solving in design

Guests viewing the Communication Design senior capstones at DAAPworks '24.

Communication Design is the transformation of information, ideas, and emotions into visual materials and experiences using typography, photography, drawing/image-making, animation, and more. Communication designers collaborate across disciplines using visual storytelling to educate, entertain, and/or persuade audiences to meet diverse human needs.

Our Nationally ranked Bachelor of Science in Design - Communication Design major provides a platform for discovery, experimentation, and specialization by way of strong foundational skills, critical and cultural theory, experiential learning, craft and conceptual, technological literacy, with opportunities for students to author their individual curricular pathway through elective coursework. Communication Design students build a foundation in visual problem-solving through a sequential curriculum including graphic, interaction, and motion design studios. They are exposed to hands-on professional practice in the field.


#5

National Best Visual Communication Design Program, College Factual

#1

Midwest Graphic Design School, Animation Career Review

#15

National Graphic Design School, Animation Career Review
This program has allowed me to explore various roles, industries, and work environments deeply —awarding me the confidence to enter the next phase of life with a strong direction, passion for the work ahead, and many inspiring mentors to continue to guide me.

Ellen Stevenot '24

Headshot of Ellen Stevenot

Ellen Stevenot

Communication Design, Class of 2024


Student Work


Program Overview

Curriculum
Program Duration: Minimum Credits: Offered Degree:
5 Years 120 Bachelor of Science

Co-op Program

Claire Minton works on a concept-mapping activity while on co-op at the Live Well Collaborative in September 2023

At the University of Cincinnati, we believe that learning is doing, and doing is learning.

All Communication Design majors participate in the UC Co-op Program. Students have the opportunity for hands-on professional practice in the field through five, paid semester-long co-op experiences. Co-op is a great opportunity to experience the design industry nationally while students build their professional experience and resume during their studies at UC.


Study Abroad

Madalyn Odea in Florence Italy holding UC banner with friends.

Communication Design students can opt to Study Abroad during their fourth year of study with one of the program’s institutional partners. Tangible benefits to studying abroad include personal growth, independent travel opportunities, and increased career prospects after graduation. 

Students earn UC credits for their coursework abroad while having life-changing and unique experiences.

Make the world your classroom as you earn credit for coursework abroad. 


Communities and Clubs

Join the Communication Design program community by getting involved in a design-based club:

DAAP–SEGD Student Chapter: SEGD-DAAP Students Chapter will work toward introducing students to the profession of Experiential Graphic Design (EGD) by creating exciting events geared towards its emerging student chapter. The community will serve as stewards to further the Society of Experiential Graphic Design's (SEGD) mission at academic institutions, promoting the SEGD skills, advanced technology while adding value to the collective experience.


Type Club: Typography Club provides a platform for enthusiasts to share their passion for typography, fostering a sense of camaraderie and informal connection among faculty and students. Through collaborative projects, experimental workshops, students not only mingle to share knowledge but also develop valuable technical skills and detailed insights, enriching their experience through peer-to-peer learning outside classrooms. Typograph Club does not judge any people, it only judges Type.


UC Design for America: A group of passionate people learning how to apply human-centered design to local and social challenges as innovators through extra-curricular, university-based, student-led design studios.


University of Cincinnati Riso Club: Riso Club seeks to educate students on the production techniques, qualities, and benefits of risograph printing; it is a resource for the betterment of interdisciplinary collaboration between visual design and different forms of expression across the University’s campus and beyond (like poetry, activism, literature, event promotion, etc.)


Scholarships and Financial Resources

Thanks to the generosity of numerous alumni and friends of the college, scholarships are available to students in the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning.


Apply to our Bachelor of Science in Communication Design Program

The University of Cincinnati’s Communication Design program features an industry-leading experience through a proven curriculum. Interested in learning more? Request more information today! 


Connect with our Program:

Staff

Headshot of Renee Seward

Renee Seward

Associate Professor, Communication Design Coordinator

513-556-5886

Headshot of Robyn Olivo

Robyn Olivo

Program Coordinator

513-556-7589

Co-op College Advisor

Headshot of Patti Colleen Bresler

Patti Colleen Bresler

Asst Professor - Visiting

513-556-4632

Faculty

Headshot of Yoshiko Burke

Yoshiko Burke

Associate Professor

513-556-0164

Headshot of Emily Verba Verba Fischer

Emily Verba Verba Fischer

Assoc Professor

513-556-4251

Headshot of Maureen France

Maureen France

Interim School Director

513-205-0454

Headshot of Matthew Lyle Furber

Matthew Lyle Furber

Asst Professor

513-556-4298

Headshot of Sean Patrick Hafer

Sean Patrick Hafer

Assistant Professor of Practice

513-556-4245

Headshot of Heekyoung Jung

Heekyoung Jung

Master of Design Program Director

513-556-2056

Headshot of Muhammad Nafisur Rahman

Muhammad Nafisur Rahman

Assistant Professor

513-556-4298

Headshot of Renee Seward

Renee Seward

Associate Professor, Communication Design Coordinator

513-556-5886

Headshot of Todd F Timney

Todd F Timney

Associate Professor

513-556-4416

Headshot of D.J. Trischler

D.J. Trischler

Asst Professor


Questions?

Students are encouraged to explore the information on our website and contact the DAAP Student Affairs team with any admissions questions. 

Headshot of DAAP Student Affairs

DAAP Student Affairs

(513) 556-1376

Headshot of Ana Marissa Colón

Ana Marissa Colón

ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR

513-556-3920


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