Communication Design
We train designers and illustrators to cultivate intelligent, creative practices.
With no formal concentrations to weigh you down, you are free to move fluidly between drawing, typography, graphic design, illustration, book arts, and interaction design (and everywhere in between).
Chair, Undergraduate Design; Professor; Faculty Director, Dowd Illustration Research Archive
CURRICULUM AND STUDENT WORK
WashU encourages a broad approach to communication design, but all students start with a foundation in drawing and design studios. Beginning sophomore year, you begin exploring image-making for graphic design, type, letterform, and more. You can learn how to design interfaces for mobile and web, create motion graphics and animations, illustrate stories and comics, design for public health initiatives, and develop interactive VR and AR experiences.
Communication design majors can choose between a bachelor of arts degree or a bachelor of fine arts degree. The BA provides more time for electives ranging from game design to designing for social impact and everywhere in between. The BFA is more studio intensive and includes a capstone project, where your specialization in illustration, graphic design, or interaction design shines.
Concentrations
Illustration
Through courses that incorporate advanced drawing techniques, sketchbook practice, and visual storytelling, you will learn to hone your skills and develop a signature style.
Graphic Design
Courses will develop your understanding of typography, layout, and narrative strategies, while cultivating a sophisticated visual acumen.
Interaction Design
From developing web and mobile interfaces to animation, this coursework will expand your understanding of experiential design.
Discover the perfect path for you.
Every first-year student is mentored by a dedicated academic advisor who guides them in shaping the educational path they desire. This includes course selection and scheduling. Whether you want a studio-intensive or a broader liberal arts-focus, we will help you find the right choice for you.
BFA in Communication Design
- More studio-intensive experience
- 65 credits of studio courses (about ½ of your total coursework)
- Informal concentrations in Illustration, Narrative Design, or Interaction Design
- Capstone experience + annual thesis exhibition
*Students may also earn the BFA as part of a dual-degree program.
BA in Design
- Broader liberal arts focus
- 30-36 credits of studio courses (about ¼ of your total coursework)
- Optional concentration in Communication Design
- No capstone requirement
*Students may also earn the BA as part of a dual-degree program.
Second Majors in Design
- Optional concentration in Communication Design
- Designed for WashU undergraduates pursuing a primary degree in another discipline
- Develops essential skills like visual thinking + creativity
Minors
- Creative Practice for Social Change
- Design
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Studio Art
Featured Student Work
Recent Exhibitions
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FACULTY AND PEERS
WashU faculty are committed to teaching and their research and creative practices. They are experts in their field, whether that field is design history, illustration, graphic design, UX, or even health communication. Plus, as a communication major at WashU, you will be working alongside peers whose interests vary widely. Many of our students pursue second majors and minors in areas across WashU ranging from biology and public health to philosophy and business.
Student + Alumni Spotlights
Adam Weiss, BFA ‘05, founder and executive creative director of Landscape, a San Francisco-based creative studio.
Deandra J. Nichols, BFA ’10/MSW ’14, leads YouTube’s Culture Lab team, promoting user experience research with marginalized communities.
Adam Rubin is a #1 New York Times best-selling author, a world-renowned designer of optical illusions and impossible objects, and director of puzzles and games for the retail brand Art of Play.
Lilia Jiménez from the BFA in Communication Design was featured on Graphic Design USA’s 2022 GDUSA Students To Watch.
Mikki Janower, a designer and art director based in Brooklyn, talks about the numerous projects she’s had in the works since graduation.
MAKING SPACES
Juniors and seniors studying communication design have studio spaces in upper Steinberg Hall. All Sam Fox School students have access to expansive, diverse making space including a digital fabrication lab, book studio, printing labs, and more.
Explore More
Learn about opportunities for Sam Fox School students to participate in international programs, internship and career opportunities, and apply for scholarships and financial aid.