Summary
The Communication Design + Strategy page in the CCS 2026-2027 Academic Catalog outlines the BFA degree requirements for this undergraduate program, which totals 120–122 credit hours completed over eight semesters. The first year establishes a foundation in digital techniques, color theory, typography, and motion design alongside introductory writing and art history. The second year builds on that with UI/UX design, design semiotics, research methods, motion narratives, and communication design history. By the third year, students move into brand strategy, professional studio practice, and emerging areas like Extended Reality (XR) design. The fourth year culminates in integrated brand strategy, design theory, and a series of major electives that allow for specialization. Credit requirements are distributed across four areas: 15 credits of Foundations, 60 credits of Major coursework, 39 credits of General Education (writing, art history, science, and humanities), and 6 open elective credits. A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA is required for graduation, and students are encouraged to use the Self-Service portal to track their individual degree progress.
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Requirements
Catalog Year 26/27
Total Credits 120-122
First Year
Second Year
Third Semester = 15 Credit Hours
| Course Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| CDS-251 Typography III | 3 |
| CDS-263 UI Design | 3 |
| CDS-211 Design Semiotics | 3 |
| WRT-102 Composition II (CR) | 3 |
| Choose one: AHV-203 or AHV-204 Global Art History I/II (CR) | 3 |
Fourth Semester = 15 Credit Hours
| Course Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| CDS-264 UX Design | 3 |
| CDS-212 Design Research | 3 |
| CDS-224 Motion Narratives | 3 |
| AHV-247 History of Communication Design I (MR) | 3 |
| Humanities: Choose from approved list (CE) | 3 |
Third Year
Fourth Year
Seventh Semester = 15 Credit Hours
| Course Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| CDS-411 Integrated Brand Strategy | 3 |
| CDS-418 Professional Studio Practices II | 3 |
| CDS Major Elective | 3 |
| AHV 200-400 Art History & Visual Culture Course (CE) | 3 |
| General Education Elective 200-400 | 3 |
Additional ”Program & Credit Requirement Details” attached; includes ”approved course lists” and ”recommended courses (RC)” for any requirements with noted selections. Enrolled students should view Self-Service (My Progress/Plan & Schedule) for complete program information; see catalog for additional course details and descriptions.
This plan is provided for use as a guide only and is based on full-time status with successful completion of credits outlined per semester. Degree Timelines and requirements may vary based on actual program, credits completed per semester and/or catalog year. Students are responsible for confirming completion of all requirements before graduating (use program/student resources to support degree progression). Minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.0 required.
Program & Credit Requirement Details
| Degree Requirements | Total credits required | Requirement Details |
|---|---|---|
| First Year Experience | 1.0 | SLP-007 is waived for eligible transfer students with 12.0 (or more) college. |
| Foundations | 15.0 | Required for all majors. Successfully complete listed DFN Foundation courses for enrolled major; requirements may vary per major. (TR) = Additional transfer consideration for DFN-138 & DFN-142, based on review of CDS majors. |
| General Education | 39.0 | Liberal Arts courses required for all undergraduate majors; total credits may vary per program. |
| General Education Undergrad CORE Requirements (CR) | 12.0 | Successfully complete WRT & AHV core general education prerequisites requirements (Composition pathways may vary based on completed assessments, test scores or transfer credits). |
| General Education MAJOR Requirements (MJ) | 6.0 | Successfully complete major specific Liberal Arts. Requirements vary per major. |
| General Education Undergrad CORE Electives (CE) | 9.0 | Successfully complete core general education electives required for all UG majors (Science, Humanities, Art History & Visual Culture) as outlined on 4 year pathway/degree requirements: |
| 3.0 cr. Science: Successfully complete one course from the SCI subject; 200-400 level | ||
| 3.0 cr. Humanities Option: Successfully complete one of the following approved courses: LIT 239, LIT 203, DHS 201, DSS 215, DSS 240 or DPL 201 | ||
| 3.0 cr. Art History & Visual Culture: Successfully complete course from AHV subject, 200-400 level | ||
| General Education Electives | 12.0 | Successfully complete any non-required 200-400 level Liberal Arts course from subject codes: AHV, BUS, DHS, DPL, DSS, SCI, WRT, LIT (Total Gen.Ed Elective credits vary per major). |
| Major § | 60.0 | Studio and/or lecture courses specific to major focus. |
| Major Courses § | 48.0 | Successfully complete listed CDS courses in 4 year plan, by recommended sequence (based on prerequisites) |
| Major Electives | 12.0 | Non-required major courses with subject code CDS are considered major electives; exceptions require approval. |
| Open Electives | 6.0 | Successfully complete 100-400 level courses from any Undergraduate subject (Studio or Lecture). |
| Total Program Credits | 121.0 | Total credits required 120 – 122 ‡ |
| Undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts program, GPA minimum requirement = 2.0 | ||
Footnotes
* ELS 101 Composition I for Multilingual Students 4.0 cr.
† WRT 101/102 Self Placement Survey available.
‡ Based on SLP 007 (1.0 cr.) and ELS 101 (4.0 cr.)§ Remaining Major course sequence impacts timeline to degree completion.