• Communication Design BFA

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    What our students, alumni, and faculty are doing in NYC and worldwide

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    [email protected]
    212.229.5150

    Program Contacts
    Kelly Walters, Program Director
    Elaine Lopez, Associate Director

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  • The Communication Design BFA is the oldest undergraduate program of its kind in the United States. In this major, you learn the theory and craft needed to combine words, images, and ideas to visually transmit information and project human experiences in print, on screen, or in space. You begin with an intensive study of typography and interaction and expand your expertise in brand and editorial design, digital products, type design, motion graphics, and spatial graphics.

    Program Highlights

    • Foundations in Typography

      Investigate the visual shape of language and the way words appear in relation to one another and to their meaning.

    • Interaction Design and Coding

      Explore the relationships between people and digital experiences, and learn the coding fundamentals you need to create projects that live online and influence our digital life.

    • Interdisciplinary Collaboration

      Study and work with students in the liberal arts, social sciences, and technology to explore the relationship between design and broader social, technological, and cultural issues.

    • Real-World Insights

      Attend design events and conferences hosted by AIGA NY and the Type Directors Club, and interact with design professionals through our program lecture series.

    • Degree Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
    • Format Full-time, on campus
    • Credits 120
    • Duration 4 years
    • Other program status STEM-designated

  • Curriculum

    Your BFA begins with Parsons’ first-year curriculum, which serves as the academic foundation for all undergraduate programs at Parsons. From your second year on, you dive into courses in your major field of study. Art and design history and theory courses develop your research, writing, and critical reasoning  skills, and university electives broaden your perspectives.

    Explore the curriculum

  • Career Paths

    Graduates of the BFA Communication Design pursue careers in brand and editorial design, digital product design, environmental and spatial graphics, exhibition design, data visualization, motion graphics, type design, and UX/UI design. They take on roles at creative agencies, tech giants, start-ups, and cultural institutions.

    Learn more

    Explore Our Community

    Discover what our students, alumni, and faculty are doing in NYC and worldwide.

    bfacd.parsons.edu

  • Communication Design faculty are drawn from the highest echelons of the design industry. From large companies to independent studios, they represent the diverse ways of working within this field.

  • Student Work

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    • Beyond the Classroom

      • TNS_Website-042015_ALT_Student_Life_014

        Internships

        New York City’s thriving creative industry and cultural institutions are part of your Parsons education. Our Career Services Office is deeply connected to the art and design industries and can help you advance your career with industry-oriented internships.

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        Industry Engagement

        Connect to the organizations, businesses, and entrepreneurs driving global creativity and commerce. In classes, internships, and extracurricular projects, you gain marketable problem-solving skills in sectors ranging from government and nonprofits to tech and creative industries.

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        Study Abroad

        Enrich your learning and prepare for work in global contexts with study abroad that exposes you to new perspectives and settings in which to apply your creativity. Our study abroad destinations include, Paris, London, Florence, and more.

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        Making & Academic Resources

        Enjoy access to extensive resources including New School libraries, computer labs, archives, and studios, along with Parsons’ state-of-the-art Making Center, facilities offering a broad array of tools to support your creative and academic growth.

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      Undergraduates

      To apply to any of our undergraduate programs (except the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs) complete and submit the Common App online.

      Undergraduate Adult Learners

      To apply to any of our Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

      Graduates

      To apply to any of our Master's, Doctoral, Professional Studies Diploma, and Graduate Certificate programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.