With our online bachelor’s in Digital Communication Design, you’ll learn how to convey messages effectively, employ sound design principles using the Adobe Creative Cloud, and apply strategic marketing techniques.
Credit Hours: 120 | Transfer: Up to 90 Credits | Tuition Cost
What is the Graphic Design Option in Digital Communication Design?
The Bachelor of Science in Digital Communication Design prepares students for the expanding fields of digital communication and social media as used in business and the public sphere to market products, establish brands, enhance an organization’s presence in the public eye, and support the democratization of society. The program integrates technical and creative disciplines through study of communication modes, media design, marketing fundamentals, and information technology. The B.S. in Digital Communication Design fosters learning that prepares graduates to make a strategic contribution in public and private enterprises that require the ability to convey messages effectively, manage information appropriately, respond to emerging environments, and employ technology strategically in a digital environment.
Why study the Graphic Design Option in Digital Communication Design at UNH College of Professional Studies?
In a highly connected world, the design of digital communications—from impactful visual elements, to sharp and effective written content—is critical. Those who can align their messages across multiple communication modes, employ technology strategically, and respond to advancements in the field, are well-suited to career opportunities in this dynamic field. With our bachelor’s in Digital Communication Design, you’ll learn how to convey messages visually, employ sound design principles using the Adobe Creative Cloud, and apply strategic marketing techniques. Specialize your learning by selecting an option that aligns with your professional interests and goals. The option in Graphic Design focuses on how to plan, create, and present successful design solutions targeted to specific audiences.
Potential Career Areas
- Web Developer
- Marketing Strategist
- Art Director
- Special Effects Artist and Animator
- Graphic Designer
- Producer and Director
- Photographer
- Film and Video Editor
- Desktop Publisher
- Pre-press Technician
Course Highlights
- Introduction to Drawing
- Fundamentals of Design
- Digital Photography
- Web Development I
- Visual Media Production
- Principles of Marketing
- Trends in Digital and Social Media
- Synthetic Media and the Construction of Reality
- Integrative Capstone: Project in Digital Communication and Design
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…and more!
Why UNH CPS?
- Regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, Inc. (NECHE).
- Available fully online with select on-campus courses.
- Affordable tuition.
- Nationally ranked online programs.
- About 89% of our students are transfer students. Making the most of your transfer credits is our specialty.
- Career advising is available to all students and alumni. We also extend this service to those considering their college options.
- Faculty who are subject matter experts and share their real-world expertise, helping you apply what you learn to your personal goals and career.
- We’re experts at assessing credit toward your undergraduate degree – not only from previous college coursework, but also for other college-level knowledge demonstrated outside the traditional classroom.
Students pursuing an associate degree at their local community college are encouraged to explore our Transfer Pathway! This resource lists the courses your associate degree should contain at your community college, as well as the remaining courses you’ll need to take at UNH College of Professional Studies to complete your bachelor’s degree!
View Your Transfer Pathway
- Completion of our free, online application for admission
- High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC
Curriculum & Requirements
This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.
Sample Course Sequence
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ART 401 | Introduction to Drawing | 4 |
| ART 515 | Digital Photography | 4 |
| ENG 420 | The Writing Process | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ART 512 | Fundamentals of Design | 4 |
| COM 460 | Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics | 4 |
| CRIT 501 | Introduction to Critical Inquiry | 4 |
| MTH 402 or MTH 504 or MTH 510 | Math for Our World or Statistics or Pre-Calculus | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COM 480 | Visual Communication | 4 |
| COM 504 | Web Development I | 4 |
| MKT 510 | Principles of Marketing | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COM 535 | Visual Media Production | 4 |
| COM 545 | Digital Illustration | 4 |
| COM 645 | Advanced Digital Illustration | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CRIT 602 | Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking | 4 |
| MKT 600 | Social Media Marketing | 4 |
| MKT 517 or MKT 645 | Consumer Behavior or Marketing Research | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COM 680 | Trends in Digital and Social Media | 4 |
| COM 665 or CMPL 622 or COM 670 or COM 685 or DAT 510 or MKT 720 | Media and Strategic Communication or Human Computer Interaction or Advanced Visual Communication or Web Development II or Introduction to Data Analytics or Digital Advertising | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COM 743 | Synthetic Media and the Construction of Reality | 4 |
| CMPL 622 or COM 665 or COM 670 or COM 685 or DAT 510 or MKT 720 | Human Computer Interaction or Media and Strategic Communication or Advanced Visual Communication or Web Development II or Introduction to Data Analytics or Digital Advertising | 4 |
| IDIS 601 | Interdisciplinary Seminar | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COM 798 | Integrative Capstone: Project in Digital Communication Design | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
Degree Requirements
General Education Program Requirements
A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor.
All General Education requirements, including CRIT 602 Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking and IDIS 601 Interdisciplinary Seminar, must be taken prior to the capstone.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 420 | The Writing Process | 4 |
| COM 460 | Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics | 4 |
| COM 480 | Visual Communication | 4 |
| CRIT 501 | Introduction to Critical Inquiry | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
MTH 402 | Math for Our World | |
MTH 504 | Statistics | |
MTH 510 | Pre-Calculus | |
| Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems | 4 | |
| Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World | 4 | |
| Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression | 4 | |
| CRIT 602 | Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking | 4 |
| IDIS 601 | Interdisciplinary Seminar | 4 |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Writing Program Requirements
All bachelor's degree candidates are required to complete four writing intensive courses as part of the University Writing Program Requirements as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
ENG 420 | The Writing Process | |
One Writing Intensive course in the Major | ||
One Writing Intensive course at the 600-level or above | ||
One Additional Writing Intensive Course | ||
Writing Intensive courses are identified with the label "Writing Intensive Course" in the "Attributes" section of the course description and/or a W following the course number.
Major Requirements
Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete the majority of their required major courses along with CRIT 602 Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking and IDIS 601 Interdisciplinary Seminar. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. Academic Advisor approval is required for registration to be processed.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major in Digital Communication Design | ||
| Foundational Courses | ||
| ART 401 | Introduction to Drawing | 4 |
| ART 512 | Fundamentals of Design | 4 |
| ART 515 | Digital Photography | 4 |
| Intermediate Courses | ||
| COM 504 | Web Development I | 4 |
| COM 535 | Visual Media Production | 4 |
| MKT 510 | Principles of Marketing | 4 |
| Advanced Courses | ||
| COM 680 | Trends in Digital and Social Media | 4 |
| COM 743 | Synthetic Media and the Construction of Reality | 4 |
| MKT 645 | Marketing Research | 4 |
| or MKT 517 | Consumer Behavior | |
| Option in Graphic Design | ||
| COM 545 | Digital Illustration | 4 |
| COM 645 | Advanced Digital Illustration | 4 |
| MKT 600 | Social Media Marketing | 4 |
| Select two from the following: | 8 | |
CMPL 622 | Human Computer Interaction | |
or COM 665 | Media and Strategic Communication | |
or COM 670 | Advanced Visual Communication | |
or COM 685 | Web Development II | |
or DAT 510 | Introduction to Data Analytics | |
or MKT 720 | Digital Advertising | |
| Integrative Capstone | ||
| COM 798 | Integrative Capstone: Project in Digital Communication Design | 4 |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Electives
Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, option or minor. Students will need 120 credits total to graduate with a bachelor's degree from the Online Division of the College of Professional Studies.
- Express ideas and concepts through the development of digital content.
- Employ sound design principles throughout the design process.
- Select and use appropriate technologies for specific media and design objectives.
- Implement and assess approaches for strategic content creation and development through digital communication.
- Develop specialized knowledge and skill in a specific aspect or professional practice within digital communication.
- Apply theories of communication to individuals, groups, and mass media.
- Employ an understanding of the impact of cultural differences on digital media in a global context.
- Demonstrate aptitude with research methodology and data analysis as these inform the fields of communication and media production.
- Integrate individual reflection on questions of ethics, privacy, conflict, and citizenship as these inform digital media.
Your Prior and Current Learning Counts
Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.
Career Outcomes
Talk with your advisor to discuss how your program, experience, and goals align.