The communications design program seamlessly blends rigorous academic study with top-tier professional practices, fostering an entrepreneurial and project-based learning environment. This dynamic discipline centers on nurturing conceptual thinking and inventive problem-solving skills, culminating in impactful visual solutions across diverse media platforms. Beyond cultivating design proficiency, students are meticulously trained to excel in presentation, critique, and professional conduct, preparing them for successful careers.
This comprehensive communications design program offers a rich exploration and practical application of the vast opportunities within the professional design industry. Students delve into various domains, including advertising, art direction, branding, copywriting, editorial and publication design, exhibition design, graphic design, information design, packaging, interactive media, web, app, and UX/UI design. The curriculum is structured to provide a holistic understanding of the design landscape, ensuring graduates are versatile and highly sought after in the job market.
Communications Design vs. Graphic Design: Understanding the Nuances
While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there’s a significant distinction between communications design and graphic design. A graphic designer is typically focused on creating specific visual elements – the building blocks of design. In contrast, a communications designer takes a broader, strategic approach. They are architects of comprehensive visual strategies, using graphic design as one of many tools to convey a larger message to a target audience. Communications designers aim to captivate, inspire, and motivate audiences, driving positive responses through compelling visual communication. This strategic thinking is a core component of successful 2020 Career Programs Communications, ensuring graduates are not just skilled designers but also effective communicators.
Admission + Portfolio Requirements
Visit Opportunities
Makeup Packaging Design: Showcasing student creativity in packaging solutions.
Program Achievements and Graduate Success
The program boasts impressive accolades, with 99 industry awards received within the past 5 years, underscoring the high caliber of education and student work. Moreover, 83% of graduates are employed, with an exceptional 100% of this employed group working directly in their chosen field. The average starting salary for graduates is $65,000, reflecting the strong demand and value placed on communications design professionals in today’s market. These statistics, based on Class of 2023 data from Syracuse University Career Services, highlight the robust 2020 career programs communications pathway offered.
Publication Design: Example of student work in editorial and publication design.
*2023 data provided by Syracuse University Career Services
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree curriculum delves into the creative process, effective communication methodologies, and essential project management skills. Coursework encompasses illustration, photography, typography, and production processes, providing a well-rounded skill set. Students gain hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge crucial for excelling in 2020 career programs communications roles.
Food Packaging Innovation: Student project demonstrating creative packaging solutions.
Global Opportunities: Study Abroad in London
Students have a unique opportunity to broaden their horizons through a study abroad program in London, England, during their junior year. This immersive experience, offered through Syracuse University Abroad, allows students to take specialized courses in design and design history, complemented by studio and academic electives. Exposure to international design perspectives further enriches their understanding and prepares them for global 2020 career programs communications.
Drink Packaging Design: Student project showcasing beverage packaging design skills.
Career Trajectories and Alumni Network
Graduates from this distinguished program have forged successful careers as designers, art directors, and creative directors in leading companies and agencies nationwide. Notable employers include CBX, Chermayeff & Geismar Associates, Landor & Associates, Pentagram, Apple, Major League Baseball, Citi, Havas Health, McCann, Bloomberg, The New York Times, GQ, Wired, and many more. This impressive alumni network is a testament to the program’s effectiveness in launching successful 2020 career programs communications professionals.
Publication Design Excellence: Student portfolio piece highlighting publication design expertise.
Accelerated Master’s Degree: The M.A.“+1” Program
For highly motivated students, an accelerated path to a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Design is available. B.F.A. and B.S. students in the School of Design can earn their M.A. in just one additional year. The “+1” program allows students to apply in their junior year, take two graduate-level courses during their senior year, participate in a summer “bootcamp,” and complete the M.A. degree within one year after undergraduate graduation. This accelerated option provides a significant advantage for those seeking advanced expertise in 2020 career programs communications and design leadership. Learn more about the M.A. in design.
Innovative Drink Packaging: Student design concept for beverage packaging.
Explore Student Portfolio Highlights
Student Work section showcases a range of student projects, demonstrating the breadth and depth of skills developed within the program. These examples span various design disciplines, including packaging, publication, branding, and digital design, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in 2020 career programs communications.
Digital Design Interface: Student project in UI/UX design for digital platforms.
Branding and Identity Design: Student work demonstrating brand development skills.
Brand Design Innovation: Student project showcasing creative brand solutions.
Branding Concept Development: Student project exploring brand identity and application.
Brand Collateral Design: Student project focusing on brand application across materials.
Web Design Portfolio Piece: Student example of website design and development skills.
Publication Layout Design: Student work highlighting editorial design and layout expertise.
Editorial Design Project: Student example of publication design and visual storytelling.
Package Illustration Design: Student project demonstrating illustration skills in packaging.
Packaging Design Solution: Student work showcasing innovative package design concepts.
Packaging Design Portfolio Piece: Student example of package design and branding.
Exhibition Design Concept: Student project exploring spatial design and visual communication.
Exhibition Design Layout: Student work demonstrating skills in exhibition and display design.
Editorial Design Layout: Student example of magazine or editorial spread design.
Digital Publication Design: Student project in digital magazine or online publication design.
Interactive Publication Design: Student work showcasing digital and interactive design skills.
Brand Identity Design: Student project focused on logo and brand system development.
Brand Collateral Application: Student project demonstrating brand implementation across materials.
Curriculum Overview
The B.F.A. degree in communications design follows a structured curriculum designed to provide a comprehensive education. The program requirements are detailed below:
View official major requirements.
- Major Requirements: 51 credits
- Art History Requirements: 12 credits
- Academic Requirements: 6 credits
- Academic Electives: 24 credits
- Studio Electives: 18 credits
- Free Electives: 8 credits
- First Year Seminar: 1 credit
- Total Credits: 120
This rigorous curriculum ensures graduates are well-prepared for successful 2020 career programs communications roles and equipped to lead in the ever-evolving design industry.
