Mar 28, 2024  
Rensselaer Catalog 2018-2019 
    
Rensselaer Catalog 2018-2019 [Archived Catalog]

Communication (Concentration in Graphic Design)


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The B.S. in Communication with a Concentration in Graphic Design: Theory, Research, Practice provides a curriculum for undergraduate students who seek professional careers in graphic design. This concentration will prepare students for professional practice and graduate study in creative problem solving for print and electronic media. Students completing this sequence will know how to apply theory to the creation of conventional and unconventional communication objects (that includes but is not limited to advertising campaigns, editorial layouts, corporate communications including annual reports and corporate standards, event announcements, advocacy campaigns, and Web pages) that convey information to a target audience.

The B.S. in Communication with a Concentration in Graphic Design requires a total of 124 credit hours. It consists of 52 credit hours of major requirements; 24 credit hours of free electives; and the Rensselaer requirements of 24 credit hours in the humanities, arts, and social sciences and 24 credit hours in math and science. The 4-credit Communication Internship focusing on graphic design is also required.

First Year


Spring


  • HASS Core Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 5 below)

Second Year


Fall


  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Writing Requirement Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 1 below)
  • Social Science Core Credit Hours: 4

Spring


  • HASS Core in Art History Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 4 below)
  • Communication Courses in Theory, Research Credit Hours: 4

Third Year


The Arch Summer Semester*


*For students who have applied for and been granted an exception, the Summer Arch courses would be taken during the fall semester. For listing of the exception process go to: http://info.rpi.edu/arch/students/#ExceptionProcess.

  • Communication Courses in Theory, Research Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 2 below)
  • Math/Science Core Credit Hours: 4
  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Writing Requirement Credit Hours: 4

     

Fall OR Spring


  • Math/Science Core Credit Hours: 4
  • Social Science Core Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 6 below)
  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4
     

Fourth Year


Fall


  • HASS Core in Art or Design Credit Hours: 4
    (See footnote 5 below)
  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4

Spring


  • Free Elective Credit Hours: 4

Footnotes


  1. Students should choose 4 credits from the following set of courses:  WRIT 1110, WRIT 2110, WRIT 2510, WRIT 4120, and WRIT 4550.
  2. Students should choose two of the following courses: COMM 2620 Visual Culture, COMM 296X Color Theory, COMM 2410, COMM 4560, COMM 4580, LITR 2420, LITR 4410, and/or a course in HCI. A comprehensive list of courses will be provided to the adviser each term.
  3. Students may choose between CSCI 1010 or CSCI 1100. The latter is recommended for students who want to minor in Computer Science.
  4. Students should choose two of the following courses: ARTS 2530 and ARTS 2540 or another course that the adviser approves.
  5. A list of appropriate courses will be provided to the adviser each term.
  6. Students should choose 8 credits from the following set of courses: STSS 1510, STSS 1210; STSS 1110 or another course that the adviser approves. Four credits must be in a design-related course.
  7. BIOL 1010 is not required if first major is Engineering.

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