Communication Design
Want to become a designer—and build your portfolio faster?
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design at Stephens College is a hands-on, career-driven program built for designers who want real experience—now, not later. Students learn by doing, working with real clients, real deadlines, and expert faculty mentors from day one. The curriculum integrates visual storytelling, branding, digital media, and interactive design in collaborative, studio-based environments that reflect today’s creative agencies.
Through Stephens’ student-run creative agency, Creative Ink, and its award-winning magazine, Stephens Life, students build professional portfolios long before graduation. Students leave confident and prepared to lead in graphic design, media design, advertising, publication, and digital experiences across the creative economy.
Real Clients. Professional Portfolios. Creative Results.
Stephens Communication Design is built differently—and that’s the advantage.
- Hands-on experience with real clients early in your academic career
- Work within Creative Ink, our student-run creative agency
- Contribute to Stephens Life, our award-winning student-run magazine
- Build a professional portfolio and exhibit your work in a public senior show
- Collaborate with peers across creative majors for a realistic agency experience
You don’t have to wait until graduation to be a professional. At Stephens, you are a designer from day one, stretching your skills through projects that challenge and inspire.
Industry Experience—Early and Often
You won’t wait years to see your work in the real world.
- Real-world projects guided by accomplished industry experts
- High-tech training in state-of-the-art studios with Apple workstations
- Professional software, digital cameras, and high-resolution projection
- Experience in graphic design, media design, publication, advertising, gaming, interactive and digital campaigns, and web
- Workspaces modeled on modern, collaborative agency environments
You’ll graduate confident, tech-savvy, and ready to lead.
What Can You Do With a Communication Design Degree?
A BFA from Stephens College prepares you to:
- Enter the workforce as a graphic, media, or interactive designer
- Lead branding, advertising, and digital campaigns
- Design publications: books, magazines, and editorial systems
- Build and manage websites and digital experiences
- Apply design thinking, marketing fundamentals, and leadership across creative industries
Is This Major Right for You?
This program could be a great fit if you:
- Love visual storytelling and creative problem-solving
- Want to work with real clients right away
- Thrive in collaborative, studio-based environments
- Want a well-rounded mix of design, marketing, and leadership
- Want to build a professional-grade portfolio before you graduate
- Want to master industry-standard tools and workflows
The Stephens Advantage
- Small studio cohorts and close faculty mentorship
- Early access to real clients via Creative Ink and Stephens Life
- Personalized advising and professional portfolio development
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration that mirrors agency life
- A women’s college environment that builds confidence and creative leadership
Facilities
Stephens features state-of-the-art systems and software, ensuring students are up to date on industry technologies. Our design studios use Apple workstations with professional software, digital cameras, and high-resolution video projectors. Workspaces are designed to reflect modern, collaborative work styles and environments.
Bring your talents to Stephens Life, our national award-winning, student-run feature magazine. Choose the role that’s right for you.
Learn More
Build your portfolio as you take on challenging real-world projects as part of the student-run creative services agency, Creative Ink.
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Our mission: To empower both women professionals and academics in all the fields of communication, in order to develop visionaries and leaders who can make a difference.
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The Creative Hub is a space where students can have access to the tools and spaces needed to get creative.
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Screen Queens are open for business! There’s a new screen-printing shop on campus! Screen Queens is located in Catharine Webb Studios (CWS) 120 and serves all of Stephens College. The […]
Learn MoreWhat does a block schedule look like?
Take a look at the below sample block schedule for a first-year Communication Design major. The Block offers the rare opportunity to focus on what matters: learning, doing, and getting ready for your future. Want to know more? Contact an Advisor academicaffairs@stephens.edu.
Communication Design Minor
A minor in communication design offers foundational skills in visual communication, design techniques, and real-world opportunities for creative problem-solving. It’s ideal for students looking to enhance their major with design expertise, opening doors across the creative economy.
Courses
Students may take courses such as:
- Creative Ink (student-run creative agency)
- Stephens Life (award-winning student-run magazine)
- Typography
- Publication Design
- Packaging Design
- Illustration
- Editorial Photography
- Screen Printing
- Creative Process
- Senior Portfolio
- Signature Experience Abroad: Japan
Requirements
The minor in communication design requires:
- COMD 110 Design Technology
Plus 4 other COMD courses, at least 2 of which must be at the 300+ level
Related programs
Follow Communication Design and Content Creation on social media!
Contact Us
School of Integrative Studies
Jennifer Blair, Administrative Assistant
(573)-876-2312 ext. 4312
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