2026-2027 Academic Catalog
Students acquire practical experience that,parallels the processes and methods used in,professional studio practice. Students work on,client-based projects with the assistance of a,faculty supervisor. Projects follow all the steps,in the design process, including client contact,,concept development, client presentations, and the,resolution of an appropriate communication,response developed in the client brief.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: CDS 311 or CDS 312
In this advanced branding course, students explore,the systemic nature of contemporary branding and,the diverse media landscape used to engage target,audiences. Students learn to differentiate between,local and national brand strategies through,practical projects. The course emphasizes the,crucial role of design in defining strategy,,managing, and communicating a brand’s ethos.,Projects encourage collaboration, essential for,future professional endeavors. Additionally,,students expand their methods to include,qualitative and quantitative research, audience,definition, iterative visualization, brand,strategy, and presentation skills. Prior knowledge,of design visual languages, historical context,,organizational systems, and human-centered,concepts will be crucial for success in this,course.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: CDS 311, CDS 312, CDS 317 and CDS 365*,*Formerly DGD 311, DGD 312, DGD 317 and DGD 365
In this final senior year course, students analyze,design theories that focus on their definition of,design practices. The course strengthens skills in,design writing, advanced research methods, and,critical thinking. Students explore design theory,and practice, delving into design history,,methodologies, processes, practices, materials,,and specific topics to inspire the development of,their capstone thesis projects. Projects allow,students to demonstrate their unique application,of design languages and explore the role of,personal voice. Throughout the course, students,create a research bibliography, write a thesis,statement, study case benchmarks, manage,timelines, create presentations, and develop their,final project with the guidance and support of,faculty.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: CDS 311, CDS 312 and CDS 317*,*Formely DGD 311, DGD 312 and DGD 317
The final required course builds on the first,,Professional Studio Practice I, and expands on,concepts of contemporary design practice within,the Communication Design and Strategy field. In,this course, students’ understanding of various,forms of their professional life can be,envisioned, from independent contracts to,junior/senior positions, and studio ownership.,Students and faculty critically curate their,graduating portfolio to align with the,professional goals they have established. Students,integrate contemporary tools and media platforms,relative to best practices within the design,industry. Differentiating the role of resumes,,websites, social media, and interview,presentations to create a kit that prepares,students for their post-CCS careers. This course,includes on-site/remote visits that include BIPOC,studio practitioners as guest critics to provide,additional insights as they transition to the,professional design industry.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: CDS 312, CDS 317*,*Formely DGD 312 and DGD 317
Participation in an internship experience allows,students to use classroom-learned skills in a,related employment experience. Students must work,a minimum of 135 hours over the course of the,entire semester. To participate students must be,of junior or senior status with completion of,freshman and sophomore studios. Students must,have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. Seniors may,not be eligible to participate in an internship,during their final semester. Transfer students,must have attended one semester at CCS in addition,to meeting the other eligibility criteria.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: CDS 311, CDS 312 (Formey DGD 311 & DGD 312)
Participation in an internship experience allows,students to use classroom-learned skills in a,related employment experience. Students must work,a minimum of 135 hours over the course of the,entire semester. To participate students must be,of junior or senior status with completion of,freshman and sophomore studios. Students must,have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. Seniors may,not be eligible to participate in an internship,during their final semester. Transfer students,must have attended one semester at CCS in addition,to meeting the other eligibility criteria.
Credits: 6
Prerequisites:
The Special Project course is offered on an,occasional basis, with course content specific,to the area being explored.,
,WINTER 2027,
,CAMPAIGN NARRATIVES,,
,This advanced elective Motion Design course builds,on foundational concepts of video and dynamic,digital communications. Students will gain,advanced experience creating compelling, dynamic,digital work by integrating typography, graphic,elements, sound, brand storytelling, and motion,semiotics. The course emphasizes the critical role,of image and video in modern dynamic communication,systems, focusing specifically on integrated,commercial campaigns. Students will learn to craft,both long-form and short-form narratives tailored,to meet the demands of evolving communication,media platforms. Furthermore, you will,significantly develop your knowledge of the,creative process, working end-to-end through,Concept and Pitch, Script and Storyboard, and,Production and Editing. This comprehensive process,effectively blends high-level creativity with,essential technical craft. By the end of the,course, students will have built advanced skills,and developed portfolio-ready work that positions,them for professional success.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites:
The Special Project course is offered on an,occasional basis, with course content specific,to the area being explored.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: Take DGD 311 or DGD 312 or DAD 321
Independent Study is available to students who are,at Junior or Senior level standing with a,cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above.,The student may receive approval to work in an,area or on a project that is not otherwise offered,or addressed in the regular curriculum. An,Independent Study should include opportunities for,individual student voice and provide a space for,diverse perspectives. Students may receive credit,toward graduation for no more than 6 credit hours.,The student must submit to the chairperson of the,department in which they wish to study, an,Independent Study Proposal of 150 words (no less),of the student’s plan for study and her/his reason,for choosing to study independently. Once the,department chairperson provides approval and the,instructor for the Independent Study is,determined, the faculty member must write an,Independent Study Syllabus with education goals,,learning outcomes, meeting dates, course,expectations, timelines, and due dates. Art,Education candidates must pass DAE 490 with a,grade of ‘C’ (2.00) or higher to qualify for,certification.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites:
(This is a faculty led study abroad course *,syllabi will differ per destination) ,,On a Global Learning Experience course, students,are brought outside the typical classroom, for a,24/7 learning experience in varying locations,outside the USA. The course will provide students,with tools for analyzing your learning process and,identifying cultural patterns, differences,,similarities and values encountered during the,journey. Students develop a sense of,cross-cultural understanding, and navigate towards,becoming a global citizen. Students develop a,heightened sense of confidence, and leadership as,they plan, and execute this excursion. In,addition students discover the role of becoming an,ambassador for their own culture. Practical issues,about studying abroad (safety, money, packing,,etc.) are delivered via pre-departure sessions,with the International Student Services Office.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: SLP 007
