Master of Arts in Communication Design

MA-communication design

Harrington College of Design’s Master of Arts in Communication Design program exposes students to design as a
problem-solving discipline. Created specifically for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in a field unrelated to communication design or graphic design, the curriculum encourages a deep understanding of the creative problem-solving process. Projects are designed to immerse students in theory, context and audience and instruct them on managing the network of relationships involved in professional design projects.

This immersive graduate-level program emphasizes building a strong foundation in the marketing and conceptual skills needed to excel in the field of communication design. (Students with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design, communication design or a related field may consider Harrington’s Master of Fine Arts in Communication Design program.)

Harrington's MA in Communication Design offers flexible evening and weekend classes so professionals can attend classes while still working full-time. The curriculum includes fundamental knowledge and technical skills along with required core classes in communication design theory, research methods and business practices. Graduates will be expected to:

  • Synthesize effective methods and technologies to facilitate creative solutions and collaboration.
  • Consolidate various research strategies and tactics into their design thinking and processes.
  • Formulate, evaluate and actively defend a design proposal and strategy for business and/or clients.

Courses in Harrington's MA in Communication Design program immerse students in the entire creative process, giving them in-depth perspectives regarding what it takes to turn a company’s product or service into a desirable brand. For example:

  • In Graduate Design Studio I, students are acquainted with the principles of organizing typography and imagery in a functional and abstract manner by making and breaking complex manuscript, column, modular and hierarchical grids. This course combines theory and practice and requires active participation.
  • In Designing Social Awareness, course content examines the role of the communication designer as a member of society who can affect change, build community, and voice varied opinions.
  • In Envisioning Information Studio, students are exposed to strategies for analyzing information and the tools for shaping it into an intelligible, visual result. A critical awareness of how visual principles have influenced the perception of information historically will be emphasized. This foundation will enable students to synthesize efficient graphic solutions for various applications.

Other core requirements in this program include*:

  • Intro to Computer Graphics**
  • Time Based Design**
  • Typography I**
  • Computer Graphics II**
  • Web Process**
  • Graduate Design Studio II
  • Typography II**
  • Theory I: Ecology of Design
  • Advanced Studio I: Creative Collaboration
  • Methods I: Research Methods
  • Materials and Resources for CD
  • Theory II: Design and Society
  • The Business of Design
  • Visual Rhetoric Studio
  • Visual Culture Seminar
  • Graduate Electives (2)

*Course curriculum is subject to change.

**Undergraduate coursework at the graduate level

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