Undergraduate : Graduate

Core Curriculum : Foundations : Academic : Design : Studio

Communication Design

Communication Design is the specialization that uses the creative process to communicate ideas through art, image, language and technology, regardless of media. Its curriculum provides students with a thorough understanding and competence of communication theory and practice in a digital-based society. It includes broad theoretical guidance along with precise instruction in typography, design concepts, information design, digital graphic technology and industry standards required by the communication field.

Communication design students learn to combine and develop concepts and employ visualization techniques that instruct, interpret, and/or persuade. This curriculum focuses on message content and theory in print, web, and interactive/multimedia design.

Job titles in the fields of design include Multimedia Designer, Web Designer, Web Communication Designer, Graphic Communication Designer, Digital Imaging Specialist, Multimedia Graphic Designer, Interactive Graphic Designer, Internet Communication Designer, Motion Graphics Specialist, Art Director, and Creative Director.

Communication Design Student Hardware and Software Requirements

All students, including transfers, are required to purchase the hardware and software packages specified by the communication design faculty in order to continue participation in the specialization. Students who do not bring computers at the start of classes will be dropped from all communication design designated courses. Information on the specific requirements will be posted on the School website and will be available in all design courses and with the Academic Advisor of the School of Art and Design. Hardware and software requirements will periodically be updated to remain current with hardware and software. The most current listing can be found below (download the PDF brochure). The estimated cost of the minimum hardware and software is approximately $2,000. Estimated prices are listed on the brochure.

Download PDF file of the Tech Requirements Brochure. This requires Adobe Acrobat. Please contact the Advisement Office if you are unable to open this link. A copy can be sent to you by mail or email.

Only those computers specified in the Communication Design Tech Requirements brochure 2007-2008 are acceptable. Windows computers of any sort, iBooks and Titanium Powerbooks may not be used. There is one exception to this rule covering so-called “Aluminum” G4 Powerbooks, which will be individually considered for approval on request. Approval will depend on installed options. To request consideration and for any questions, please contact the Academic Advisor, Valerie Brooks.

Additional Questions?
Peter Storkerson, Assistant Professor, Communication Design
pstork@siu.edu or (618) 453-7590

For specific degree requirements, please see the Degrees Offered at the School of Art and Design.

Please visit the Design Faculty list for more information about faculty at the School of Art and Design.

Industrial Design

Our Industrial Design program is structured for people who are passionate about product design. The Industrial Designers Society of America defines ID as “The professional service of developing concepts and specifications that will enhance function, value and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both users and manufacturer.” At SlUC you will learn to develop appropriate yet innovative design solutions that meet the needs of the end user while integrating the business requirements of marketing, sates, engineering and manufacturing professionals. Your experiences will range from team explorations to entrepreneurial thinking as you acquire expertise in contemporary design theory, practice, and design process skills. Our program prepares you for a meaningful future designing products that help make the world a better place.

For specific degree requirements, please see the Degrees Offered at the School of Art and Design.

Please visit the Design Faculty list for more information about faculty at the School of Art and Design.