Communication Design (ARTC)

ARTC 1301. Communication Design Foundations I.

This course surveys the field of communication design through core terms, concepts, tools, and methods. Students learn to organize visual form using principles of 2D composition, and develop ideas through structured ideation and iteration. Students build foundational skills in creating coherent visual systems, preparing and participating in critique, and presenting design solutions with clear visual evidence and rationale. Curriculum prepares students for entry into the Communication Design Program and projects from this class are submitted as part of the Communication Design Program Admission Portfolio.

ARTC 1302. Communication Design Foundations II.

This course introduces students to fundamental design principles through hands-on experimentation with diverse materials and media. Students learn introductory human-centered design methods as a discipline-standard design process, practice foundational design research techniques, and explore basic concepts in interactive and motion design. Through iterative making and structured inquiry, students develop skills in visual communication, problem framing, and prototyping. Curriculum prepares students for entry into the Communication Design Program, and selected projects from this class are submitted as part of the Communication Design Program Admission Portfolio.

ARTC 2000. Admission Portfolio Review.

This course introduces the structure, criteria, and procedures of the Communication Design Program Admission Portfolio Review. Students attend scheduled class meetings and submit the required portfolio by the announced deadline. The course prepares students for the review by clarifying program expectations and presenting an overview of the Communication Design curriculum and foundational roles and practices in the field. Credit is awarded based on attendance and submission of a complete portfolio by the published deadline. This course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ARTC 1301 or ARTC 1302 with a grade of "C" or better.

ARTC 2303. Typography I.

This course introduces students to the evolution and structure of alphabets, letterforms, and typographic systems as they relate to visual expression and communication. Students study the tools, terminology, and methods used in typography through lectures, demonstrations, and guided studio work. Emphasis is placed on understanding typographic form, developing technical accuracy, and applying organizational principles to create clear visual hierarchy. Through a series of structured exercises, students practice composing text, analyzing typographic relationships, and refining layout decisions. Students establish foundational skills essential for further study in communication design. Prerequisites: ART 1301 and ART 1303 both with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 2304. Brand Experience I.

This course introduces branding and its core components. The class explores how concepts are generated and refined to develop contextually informed visual communication. Students implement design principles, problem‑solving strategies, ideation, and technical skills in order to frame and develop solutions to design problems within branding frameworks. The class emphasizes research, concept development, iterative processes, and introduces industry‑standard terminology and design systems thinking that establish a basis for subsequent Brand Experience coursework. Prerequisites: ART 1301 and ART 1303 both with a grade of "C" or better.

ARTC 3301. Brand Experience II.

This course examines brand communication through strategic development across print, digital, and social environments. Students study audience patterns, media contexts, and message frameworks to inform creative decision‑making. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis, strategic messaging, original image creation, and verbal and visual communication within professional branding scenarios. Students apply semiotics, concept development, and technical skills to support clear and coherent brand communication. Through structured critique and iterative refinement, students develop integrated communication systems that demonstrate consistent alignment between strategy, message, and execution. Prerequisites: ARTC 2303 and ARTC 3307 and ARTC 2304 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 3303. Brand Experience III.

This course focuses on the design of trademarks and identity systems within branding contexts. Students analyze historical and contemporary identity practices while developing concept-driven solutions informed by research and structured identity system creation. Emphasis is placed on ideation, reduction, and iterative refinement within a professional practice context. Students translate strategic intent into cohesive visual identity systems that demonstrate clarity, scalability, technical and formal design principles, and responsiveness to defined project objectives. The course reinforces discipline-specific vocabulary, technical proficiency, and evaluative critique, preparing students for more advanced and integrated brand development in subsequent coursework. Prerequisites: ARTC 3320 and ARTC 4308 and ARTC 3301 and ARTH 3316 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 3304. Brand Experience IV.

This course introduces branding as a research-driven and strategic design process. Students develop brand platforms, positioning strategies, and foundational messaging through audience research and competitive analysis. These strategic elements are translated into cohesive visual identity systems and applied to brand communications within professional design contexts. Emphasis is placed on structured ideation, systems thinking, technical and formal design principles, and iterative refinement. Students align conceptual development with project-defined and research-supported criteria while strengthening strategic reasoning. The course prepares students for increasingly complex and integrated brand development in subsequent coursework. Prerequisites: ARTC 3320 and ARTC 4308 and ARTC 3301 and ARTC 3303 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 3307. Interactive Design I.

This course examines foundational principles and methods in interactive design, with emphasis on user interface and user experience practices. Students study approaches to design research, ideation, prototyping, and user testing. Through structured activities, they analyze how interfaces function across platforms and how interaction design affects user interactions. Students also use methods for examining collaborative design processes, including communication strategies, critique practices, and iterative refinement in team‑based environments and professional settings. Prerequisites: ART 1301 and ART 1303 both with a grade of "C" or better.

ARTC 3320. Typography II.

This course explores advanced principles of typographic structure, including hierarchy, page systems, composition, and technical typesetting. Students investigate how typographic choices shape communication, meaning, and user experience. Through lectures, demonstrations, and iterative studio work, students engage in controlled experimentation with form, layout, and typeface selection. The course also examines typography within various social and cultural contexts, treating these contexts as analytical frameworks for understanding typographic practice. Students produce refined typographic work that emphasizes clarity, precision, and well reasoned design decision making. Prerequisites: ARTC 2303, ARTC 3307 and ARTC 2304 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 3360. Communication Design for Non-Majors.

This course introduces the basic principles, concepts, digital tools, and methods of Communication Design for non‑majors. Students develop foundational skills for print and digital media, including typography, composition, visual hierarchy, and grid systems. The course also explores introductory concepts of Human‑Centered Design, emphasizing research, idea development, and problem definition within user experience design. Through lectures, demonstrations, and hands‑on projects, students learn how visual design supports clear communication across a range of everyday and professional contexts.

ARTC 4200. Communication Design Senior Review.

This course provides graduating seniors with guided studio time to participate in the planning and production of the Communication Design Exit Review as a collaborative, industry‑facing event. Lectures, workshops, and panel discussions address professional readiness topics such as networking, job‑search strategies, and workplace communication, while reinforcing established professional practices in communication design. Students contribute to organizational, logistical, and presentation‑related aspects of the Exit Review. This two-credit course offers a focused, supporting role in the Senior Exit Review. Prerequisite: ARTC 4350 with a grade of "C" or better.

ARTC 4300. Communication Design Expanded Senior Review.

This course provides graduating seniors with guided studio time to plan, organize, and produce the Communication Design Exit Review as a collaborative, industry‑facing event. Lectures, workshops, and panel discussions address professional readiness topics such as networking, job‑search strategies, and workplace communication, while reinforcing established professional practices in communication design. Students contribute to organizational, logistical, and presentation‑related aspects of the Exit Review. This is the three‑credit version of the Communication Design Senior Review and emphasizes coordination, professional engagement, and effective execution within a public‑facing academic context. Prerequisite: ARTC 4350 with a grade of "C" or better.

ARTC 4302. Brand Experience V.

This course explores integrated brand communications through campaign development across print, digital, social, and experiential contexts. Students develop campaign-level strategies, adapt messaging across media platforms, and integrate verbal and visual systems into cohesive communication structures. Emphasis is placed on critical evaluation, iterative refinement, and strategic alignment within professional design practice. Students examine how campaigns function as systems and assess effectiveness across media platforms and channels in preparation for advanced study in brand strategy and integrated campaign design. Prerequisites: ARTC 3303 and ARTC 3304 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4303. Brand Experience VI.

This course examines integrated brand communications, experimental approaches, and portfolio refinement within professional practice contexts. Students synthesize strategy, systems thinking, and execution across media channels and platforms to produce cohesive brand communication work aligned with their individual professional interests. Emphasis is placed on critique, refinement, and presentation of cohesive outcomes within professional design environments. It incorporates a range of communication strategies, including less conventional approaches, as part of disciplined art direction and supports the development of skills relevant to professional design practice. Prerequisite: ARTC 4302 with a grade of "C" or better.

ARTC 4305. Typography III.

This course examines advanced typographic practices with an emphasis on the relationship between content, form, and communication. Students explore typographic systems, expressive formmaking, and research‑driven design processes across print and digital media. Through iterative studio projects, critiques, and self‑directed work, students investigate how typography communicates complex information and functions across multiple contexts. The course emphasizes critical analysis, structured experimentation, and professional decision making, culminating in a self‑initiated final project integrating research, concept development, and typographic execution. Prerequisites: ARTC 3320, ARTC 4308, ARTC 3301, and ARTH 3316 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4306. Environmental Graphic Design.

This course introduces a multidisciplinary design practice focused on brand communication within constructed and outdoor spaces. It examines how visual identity, wayfinding, and information systems influence aspects of spatial experience. Through research and spatial analysis, the course explores experiential communication systems that integrate typography, scale, materiality, and environmental considerations within professional practice contexts. Students use structured ideation, systems thinking, and iterative refinement to apply brand guidelines as design parameters to produce integrated spatial communication outcomes that address navigation, communication, and user orientation within complex-built environments. Prerequisites: ARTC 3320, ARTC 4308, ARTC 3303 and ARTC 3304 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4308. Interactive Design II.

This course introduces Design Research, User Experience (UX), and User Interface (UI) design as frameworks for creating effective digital experiences grounded in user needs. Students apply qualitative and quantitative research methods to examine relationships between people, activities, environments, and digital products. Using industry-standard, human-centered design practices, students define problems, generate insights, and develop solutions through iterative prototyping and user testing. Emphasis is placed on evaluating and refining software outcomes based on research findings and stakeholder goals. The course situates digital products within broader ecosystems of human interaction, services, and environments to inform thoughtful, user-driven design decisions. Prerequisites: ARTC 2303 and ARTC 3307 and ARTC 2304 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4309. Interactive Design III.

This course examines emergent and multimodal interaction design concepts, practices, and technologies across digital, physical, and hybrid environments. Students analyze how contemporary developments in technological frameworks and design research methods shape decisions related to user interface and experience design. Through the process of developing research artifacts, iterative prototypes, structured experimentation with design tools, user tests, and critical reflections, students analyze interaction systems and their implications. Coursework emphasizes conceptual inquiries, methodological exploration, and evidence-based critique and evaluation of interactive systems. Prerequisite: ARTC 3320 and ARTC 4308 and ARTC 3301 and ARTH 3316 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4310. Communication Design Internship.

This course provides supervised, real‑world professional experience in a design or creative organization. Students apply communication design skills within established workplace workflows while engaging in collaboration, professional communication, and project management. Emphasis is placed on understanding organizational practices, meeting professional expectations, and contributing to active design projects. Guided reflection supports evaluation of professional performance, workplace practices, and learning outcomes. Students are expected to demonstrate professional conduct, reliability, and ethical responsibility appropriate to the host organization. The course may be repeated for credit with a different professional placement. Prerequisite: ARTC 3320, ARTC 4308 and ARTC 3301 all with grades of "C" or better and instructor approval.

ARTC 4311. Digital Illustration.

This course will survey the field of digital illustration and explore how illustration is used in the contemporary design world. Students will learn the basic principles of drawing and visual storytelling, study the history of editorial illustration, examine how modern brands use illustration, and discover how illustration practice has evolved to fit the changing needs of the design industry. The course will emphasize illustrating for brands, asking students to analyze existing brand illustration systems and then build their own. Additional areas of focus will include craft, concept development, and cultivation of a personal illustration style. Prerequisites: ARTC 3320 and ARTC 4308 and ARTC 3301 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4313. Communication Design Special Problems.

This course provides structure and guidance for students pursuing individually designed, graduate-level, Communication Design research or creative projects. Students define project objectives, develop a research plan, identify relevant resources, and document the progress of their work. Emphasis is placed on independent inquiry, iterative development, and reflective evaluation. Faculty mentorship supports the refinement of methods and project direction. By the end of the course, students complete and document a project that aligns with their stated goals. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ARTC 3320, ARTC 4308 and ARTC 3301 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4314W. Global Career Accelerator Communication Design Internship.

This course integrates participation in the TXST Global Career Accelerator, an online multidisciplinary internship experience featuring real-world projects from global organizations. Students apply discipline-specific knowledge to structured business case studies while collaborating with peers and industry professionals. Emphasis is placed on applied problem-solving, technical proficiency, professional communication across varied contexts, and professional articulation of skills. Through project-based work and guided reflection, students connect academic preparation to professional practice and develop competencies aligned with early-stage career readiness. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 4315. Senior Portfolio.

This course prepares students for entry into professional practice in communication design through the development of a design portfolio tailored to their career goals. Emphasizing industry standards, students design and present cohesive portfolio materials and self-promotional pieces. Students are introduced to industry standards for developing and presenting both their professional identity and their work. Students refine, optimize, and extend existing work. They select and create new projects to fill gaps, structuring the portfolio in a way that best represents them and engages the audience. Prerequisite: ARTC 4350 with a grade of "C" or better. Corequisite: ARTC 4200 or ARTC 4300 with a grade of "C" or better.

ARTC 4316. Book Design.

This course explores concept and content development, design, and production of publications and books through lectures, demonstrations, and hands‑on design projects. Students examine historical and contemporary approaches to book and publication design while developing skills in visual organization, typography, and information structure. Coursework emphasizes experimentation with creative strategies alongside problem‑solving, organizational planning, technical precision, and independent project management. Students investigate how design decisions are shaped by content, audience, materials, and production processes within publication contexts. Prerequisite: ARTC 3320, ARTC 4308 and ARTC 3301 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4317. Motion Design I.

This course introduces theories, techniques, and practices of motion design, emphasizing the integration of images, typography, and sound over time to communicate complex messages. The course emphasizes both technical proficiency and conceptual development through the application of motion, pacing, rhythm, and sequence. Students engage in research, experimentation, critical analysis, concept development, and iterative production processes. Instruction focuses on design process and problem‑solving strategies used in professional motion graphics contexts, with attention to how time‑based design communicates ideas across film, broadcast, advertising, and digital media environments. Prerequisite: ARTC 3320, ARTC 4308 and ARTC 3301 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4318. Package Design.

This course examines the role of the designer in developing packaging systems that reinforce brand experience within professional practice contexts. Through brand analysis and audience research, the course investigates and refines packaging structures to strengthen visual impact, functionality, and brand identity alignment. Hierarchy, color, shelf presence, brand consistency, material exploration, and production feasibility frame the investigation of packaging systems. Iterative prototyping and critique inform the development of integrated solutions that unify structure, communication, and environmental awareness. Prerequisite: ARTC 3320, ARTC 4308, ARTC 3303 and ARTC 3304 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4319. Design for Experiences.

This course examines how user experiences are researched, modeled, and designed across digital and physical environments. Students analyze methods such as experience mapping, user research, problem framing, and design thinking to understand how interactions are structured. Coursework includes producing research documentation, user flows, system diagrams, pattern libraries, and prototypes. Students evaluate design decisions using discipline-standard analytical criteria and interpret user behaviors based on documented research findings in professional and academic contexts. Prerequisite: ARTC 3320, ARTC 4308 and ARTC 3301 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4320. Issues in Typography.

This course introduces students to emerging ideas, practices, and advanced topics in typography. Students examine historical and contemporary developments in typographic form, explore the design considerations that guide typographic decision making, and investigate how typographic systems function across various media. Emphasis is placed on analyzing typographic choices, creating complex compositions, and experimenting with new approaches to typographic communication. Through projects, critiques, and discussion, students refine their technical and conceptual understanding of how typography conveys meaning. The course may be repeated one time for credit. Prerequisite: ARTC 3320, ARTC 4308, ARTC 3301, and ARTH 3316 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4321. Issues in Interactive Design.

This course examines contemporary developments in interactive design by analyzing emerging concepts, design practices, and technological frameworks. Students investigate how interface structures, user behaviors, and digital environments shape design decisions across various applications. Through case studies, critical readings, and hands‑on exploration of design tools, the course offers students experience in evaluating methods used to create interactive systems and assessing their functional, aesthetic, and experiential implications for academic and professional contexts. Prerequisite: ARTC 3320, ARTC 4308, ARTC 3301, and ARTH 3316 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4322. Issues in Brand Experience.

This course examines emerging issues in brand experience across digital, physical, and human touchpoints. It serves as the capstone experience in the advanced branding sequence. Students identify complex branding challenges and integrate research, strategy, systems thinking, and execution to design advanced brand systems. Emphasis is placed on synthesis, evaluation, and justification of cohesive outcomes within professional practice contexts. Students assess contemporary brand practices, explore experimental and strategic approaches, and articulate reasoned explanations appropriate for professional environments. Prerequisite: ARTC 3320, ARTC 4308, ARTC 3301, and ARTH 3316 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4323. Entrepreneurial Design.

This course focuses on the interconnection between entrepreneurial thinking and innovation. Students develop innovation-driven venture skills and will gain open and critical thinking skills with a focus on community, understanding of calculated risk and the initiative to follow-through. Prerequisite: ARTC 3320 and ARTC 4308 and ARTC 3301 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4324. Design Across Cultures.

This course examines cross-cultural collaboration through structured projects with students from a university program outside the United States. Students collaborate to analyze design practices, cultural contexts, and design values as they operate in international settings. The course concludes with at least one extensive communication design project that showcases student research using international or comparative perspectives. Prerequisite: ARTC 3320 and ARTC 4308 and ARTC 3301 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4325. Design Research.

This course introduces the principles of design research and examines its role in communication design. Students will learn and apply research methods within an iterative design process to develop solutions informed by user needs and evidence-based insights. This is a hands-on class where students develop research strategies that include defining personas, conducting interviews, and organizing focus groups to gather information that will guide the development of prototypes. Additionally, students learn to present their work clearly, displaying key findings and the reasoning behind their design choices. Prerequisite: ARTC 3320, ARTC 4308 and ARTC 3301 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4326. Information and Data Visualization.

This course explores the principles, processes, and analytical methods involved in information and data visualization. Students investigate how design thinking and conceptual strategies inform decisions about visual form, structure, and organization. Coursework includes examining examples, comparing methodological approaches, and evaluating how visual techniques highlight patterns and relationships within data across contexts, including how interpretive outcomes emerge from methodological choices. Prerequisite: ARTC 3320 and ARTC 4308 and ARTC 3301 all with grades of "C" or better.

ARTC 4350. Communication Design Senior Projects.

This course consists of students working with program faculty to propose, research, develop, and complete a comprehensive design project, series of projects, or a revision of prior work. Emphasis is placed on complex applications that incorporate a wide spectrum of design approaches and synthesize knowledge and skills accumulated during prior study. Students engage in rigorous inquiry, iterative refinement, and structured critique throughout the design process, culminating in professionally presented outcomes demonstrating conceptual clarity and methodological rigor. Prerequisite: ARTC 4305 or ARTC 4309 or ARTC 3304 with a grade of "C" or better.

ARTC 5199B. Thesis B.

This course guides students through the development, production, documentation, and public presentation of the MFA thesis project. Students refine the written thesis, produce a coherent body of work, and organize materials that communicate the process and outcomes of their research. There is structured time for completing the thesis project, strengthening visual and written documentation, and receiving feedback. By the end of the course, students complete all materials required for MFA thesis submission and public presentation. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5299B. Thesis B.

This course guides students through the development, production, documentation, and public presentation of the MFA thesis project. Students refine the written thesis, produce a coherent body of work, and organize materials that communicate the process and outcomes of their research. Structured time is provided for completing the thesis project, strengthening visual and written documentation, and receiving feedback. By the end of the course, students complete all materials required for MFA thesis submission and public presentation. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5300. Graduate Assistant Development.

This course prepares graduate teaching and instructional assistants in Communication Design by providing structured training in instructional methods, classroom responsibilities, and professional expectations relevant to instructional roles. Students engage in reading, documentation, and workshop development to strengthen their understanding of teaching practices. Projects include compiling a design pedagogy annotated bibliography and creating an instructional activity for a course they observe. Faculty provide mentorship and evaluation to support students’ development as instructors. Satisfactory course completion is required for employment as a teaching or instructional assistant and does not count toward graduate degree credit.

ARTC 5301. Communication Design Foundations.

This course provides an overview of essential communication design concepts and technical skills used in contemporary visual practice. Students learn and apply foundational principles of composition, typography, and layout while developing familiarity with industry standard software and design workflows. Emphasis is placed on exploring visual language, practicing structured critique, and using iterative methods to refine design solutions. Preparation for advanced study is accomplished by establishing the analytical, creative, and production competencies needed for more specialized studio and research experiences in the MFA program. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5314. Residency.

This course introduces graduate students to the processes involved in planning and facilitating a professional on-campus event that includes critiques, keynote presentations, visiting critics, and workshops. Students study approaches to developing themes, creating programming structures, and coordinating with a range of participants. Emphasis is placed on communication strategies, collaborative workflows, leadership approaches, and project management practices relevant to advanced design contexts. Through hands-on planning, analysis of past events, and iterative development, students gain experience designing visual identity systems, organizing logistical components, and presenting event plans clearly. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5315. Thesis Workshop.

This course supports the graduate thesis process through individual research, studio-based creative work, and the development of the MFA Thesis Exhibition. Students engage in visual investigation, analyze how creative work functions in public contexts, and refine methods for presenting their thesis projects. Structured opportunities to organize research materials, document visual inquiry, and practice written and oral communication supplement Thesis A and Thesis B. Planning, production, and the design of a coherent public exhibition are addressed. Students develop skills in organization, design research, writing, and professional presentation that support both their thesis work and professional practice.

ARTC 5316. Topics in Design History.

This course explores selected topics in design history, examining the ideas, movements, and social and technological transformations that have shaped design across different eras. Through focused case studies, students engage a wide range of visual and textual materials to consider how design both registers and influences the broader cultural forces and worldviews from which it emerges. Because topics vary from semester to semester, the course allows for in-depth inquiry guided by faculty research. Students are encouraged to make connections across design disciplines and to consider how design evolves over time.

ARTC 5317. Design History Survey.

This course examines modern and contemporary design across multiple disciplines. Organized around thematic modules, the course addresses the historic avant-garde, the development of modern typography, design practices of the interwar period, and movements in post–World War II and postmodern design. Students analyze visual, material, and textual artifacts to understand the formal, technical, and historical characteristics of design movements and practices. Attention is given to relationships among designers, institutions, technologies, and broader cultural contexts. Emphasis is placed on descriptive and analytical methods and skills that support advanced study in design history, research, and criticism.

ARTC 5318. Exhibitions.

This course introduces students to a range of exhibition methods across both traditional and alternative settings. Through guided exploration, students experiment with collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches to exhibitions in order to develop speculative proposals for public and professional contexts. Coursework emphasizes the analysis of spatial, material, and conceptual considerations that shape exhibition practices. By the end of the course, students gain experience analyzing exhibition environments and investigating strategies aligned with a defined inquiry. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5323. Design Practice.

This course introduces students to contemporary design practice and the development of a cohesive body of creative work. Students engage in research supported inquiry, explore a variety of design methodologies, and produce studio based projects that reflect conceptual, formal, and technical development. Through iterative making and critical analysis, students investigate how design operates across cultural, social, technological, and economic contexts. Emphasis is placed on building an adaptable, articulate, and sustained creative practice. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5324. Research Through Making.

This course examines communication design research methods, modes of practice, and models of the creative process. It advances thesis research through making and visualizing concepts, emphasizing experimental approaches that support the articulation of complex design inquiries. Through structured experimentation and critical reflection, the course cultivates integrative thinking by synthesizing research, analysis, and material exploration. Coursework supports the development of an individual research position and a cohesive body of studio work, preparing students for advanced thesis research, evaluation, and professional practice within contemporary design contexts. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5325. Interaction Design.

This course examines emerging digital technologies and applies them to the development of interactive design experiences assessed through established design principles and professional frameworks. The course explores how people, places, and technologies intersect within contexts such as digital innovation, digital placemaking, and hybrid physical–digital environments. Through analysis, experimentation, and project-based work, students develop a critical understanding of how interactive design connects people, place, and technology within evolving digital ecosystems.

ARTC 5327. Generative Design.

This course examines foundational concepts in generative art and design, emphasizing the use of programming as a methodological tool for creating computational systems. Students analyze how algorithmic processes influence visual communication and evaluate the role of code-based practices within contemporary Communication Design. Through structured exercises, technical demonstrations, and iterative experimentation, students investigate techniques for producing generative outputs across digital media. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5328. Publication.

This course explores the designer’s role in the act of disseminating information and examines the history and current practices of independent publishing. There is emphasis on authorship, typography and experimentation. Through readings, projects, and discussions, students examine publication as an act of “making public” through the lens of editorial design, developing a distinct editorial and creative vision in both conceptual and practical approaches to publishing.

ARTC 5329. Typeface Design.

This course explores the detailed anatomy of typefaces in order to design custom typefaces through various applications. Students with advanced knowledge of typography will research contemporary type design as well as historical, technological, and cultural typographic contexts. Repeatable up to 3 times when the area(s) of study change.

ARTC 5330. Typography.

This course examines advanced typographic practices, emphasizing both traditional and experimental approaches to form, structure, and meaning. Students investigate how type functions as a communicative system by analyzing its visual, cultural, and rhetorical roles across a range of contexts. Through research driven inquiry and iterative design work, students explore typographic hierarchy, expressive systems, variable and digital type technologies, and contemporary methods of typographic composition. Projects encourage critical engagement with type as a medium for framing information, shaping interpretation, and supporting complex visual communication strategies within professional and interdisciplinary design environments. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5332. Corporate Marketing Materials.

This course examines the strategic design of corporate marketing materials within contemporary brand systems. Students investigate how visual communication supports organizational goals through research, analysis, and the execution of design. Emphasis is placed on developing cohesive print and digital materials that align with brand identity, audience expectations, and marketing objectives. Projects reflect professional contexts and prioritize conceptual clarity, visual consistency, and advanced levels of craft appropriate for graduate-level communication design practice. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5334. International Perspectives in Typography.

This course examines typography through an international and cross-cultural lens, emphasizing how historical, cultural, and social contexts shape typographic systems and visual language. Students investigate global typographic traditions and contemporary practices through research and design exploration. The course encourages critical analysis of typographic form, meaning, and use across cultures while developing typographic work informed by diverse perspectives and global design contexts.

ARTC 5335. Mobile and Social Media.

This course investigates how mobile and social media environments influence contemporary communication design practices. Students study platform structures, user interaction patterns, and the visual logic of networked communication. Emphasis is placed on analyzing interface constraints, content systems, and data‑informed approaches to design. Through iterative research and prototyping, students explore methods for creating responsive and context‑aware communication strategies suited to distributed digital environments. The course positions mobile and social media as evolving design ecosystems and supports students in integrating these concepts into advanced studio work and thesis development.

ARTC 5336. Alternative Printing Methods.

This course introduces designers to a range of alternative printing methods, including letterpress, screen printing, risograph, and other experimental processes. Students explore how materials, color interactions, and production choices influence visual communication across analog and hybrid workflows. Through guided studio practice, they create printed artifacts that demonstrate technical skill and conceptual reasoning. The course emphasizes process documentation, equipment operation, and the evaluation of printing techniques to develop a practical understanding of how alternative print methods can enhance design outcomes. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5337. Design Futures.

This course examines speculative, critical, and futures-oriented approaches to design as frameworks for studying technological and socioeconomic conditions. It also considers their potential implications for emerging design practices explored through research. Students investigate how design functions across objects, systems, narratives, and cultural contexts to understand how signals, models, and assumptions inform possible futures. Through research methods, iterative experimentation, and the development of visual and material studies, the course introduces techniques for translating present conditions into future scenarios and design artifacts. Coursework emphasizes inquiry-driven analysis, scenario construction, and the development of research frameworks that support individual thesis work.

ARTC 5340. Contemporary Issues and Criticism.

This course introduces students to major questions and conversations in contemporary design criticism. Through readings and case studies, students examine how designers, scholars, and critics analyze and write about design within broader cultural and historical contexts. Through structured writing and discussion, students practice evidence‑based analysis and evaluate different perspectives. A range of visual and textual materials allows students to trace the development of debates that inform the study and practice of design today.

ARTC 5343. Communication Design Seminar.

This course supports students as they define and articulate the focus of their master’s thesis. Through reading, writing, and critical discussion, students identify and develop research interests and refine them into a well-structured, designed working thesis proposal. Foundational design principles are connected to an emerging critical position, with emphasis on clarifying how visual work and written ideas relate—within individual projects and across broader practice and professional aims. Includes a culminating public presentation of their proposal at the Thesis Forum.

ARTC 5350. Special Problems in Communication Design.

This course provides structure and guidance for students pursuing individually designed, graduate-level, Communication Design research or creative projects. Students define project objectives, develop a research plan, identify relevant resources, and document the progress of their work. Emphasis is placed on independent inquiry, iterative development, and reflective evaluation. Faculty mentorship supports the refinement of methods and project direction. By the end of the course, students complete and document a project that aligns with their stated goals. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5370. Professional Practice.

This course examines methods for developing design projects that address client needs, from conceptualization to presentation. Students examine how creative briefs inform problem definition and apply methods for generating visual solutions that address identified client needs. Through structured critiques, students analyze design decisions and communication strategies. Approaches to presenting work in professional contexts and the dynamics of designer–client interactions are considered. Instruction emphasizes inquiry into industry practices and collaboration within professional design environments. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5371. Design for Motion.

This course examines motion within communication design by analyzing how image, typography, sound, sequencing, and duration interact across time-based and immersive media environments. Through research, experimentation, comparative critique of moving‑image examples, and iterative production, the course explores narrative structure, pacing, rhythm, technical proficiency, and visual composition in moving image and new media contexts. Emphasis is placed on the integration of visual, temporal, narrative, and auditory elements to construct coherent motion experiences. Coursework supports the evaluation of motion strategies and the incorporation of time-based and immersive approaches into individual thesis development where appropriate. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5372. Social Design Methods.

This course explores social practice as an area of study within communication design. Students analyze how design interacts with public spaces, communities, and cultural settings, using research and documentation to examine methods of engagement. The course centers on contextual and process‑driven approaches that help students understand how design strategies operate in varied real‑world situations. Through critical inquiry, students evaluate how communication design reflects, responds to, or participates in public contexts. The course maintains an analytical stance, focusing on observation, interpretation, and evidence‑based reasoning. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5399A. Thesis A.

This course introduces graduate students to the structured development of their MFA thesis through research, visual investigation, and project planning. Students identify and refine thesis topics, explore relevant literature and precedents, and conduct inquiries that test emerging ideas. Students integrate written analysis with design investigations, present work-in-progress for peer and faculty feedback, and establish a clear research direction, a workable plan for continued studio development, and strategies for how the eventual thesis may be communicated in public and professional contexts. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5399B. Thesis B.

This course guides students through the development, production, documentation, and public presentation of the MFA thesis project. Students refine the written thesis, produce a coherent body of work, and organize materials that communicate the process and outcomes of their research. The course provides structured time for completing the thesis project, strengthening visual and written documentation, and receiving feedback. By the end of the course, students complete all materials required for MFA thesis submission and public presentation. Repeatable for credit.

ARTC 5599B. Thesis.

This course is part of the MFA thesis sequence and focuses on the completion, refinement, and presentation of the thesis project. Students finalize written and visual components, organize materials that communicate their research process and outcomes, and prepare work for public presentation. The course provides structured time for completing thesis requirements, strengthening documentation, and receiving feedback. Emphasis is placed on documentation, communication, and presentation of thesis work in academic and public contexts.

ARTC 5999B. Thesis B.

This course guides students through the development, production, documentation, and public presentation of the MFA thesis project. Students refine the written thesis, produce a coherent body of work, and organize materials that communicate the process and outcomes of their research. The course provides structured time for completing the thesis project, strengthening visual and written documentation, and receiving feedback. By the end of the course, students complete all materials required for MFA thesis submission and public presentation. Repeatable for credit.