Studios, Labs, & Letterpress
Students work in spacious facilities that include small and large format printers, a RISO printer and large plotter, Macs and tablets, a Letterpress Studio, and more.
Communication Design Faculty & Department Administrators
Liz Higgins, '21 Certificate, Communication Design
Design101 Project, Design, 2021
Communication Design BFA students are assigned individual studio workspaces and can utilize our Letterpress studio, Design Resource Room, and Print Lab.
Communication Design students share studio space with Illustration majors in the Design Studio at MassArt. This individual studio provides each student with a dedicated space to explore and develop their skills. The shared space for communication design invites discussion and collaboration across disciplines.
Print Lab
The Print Lab offers students access to technology and digital media in a supportive environment that reflects the realities of professional art and design fields. Outfitted with high-performance computer workstations, the Print Lab has space for classes as well as independent work. Experienced staff members, who are also artists and designers, are available to provide assistance with printing and using the technology.
MassArt’s Riso printer offers students an opportunity to experiment with creating everything from limited-edition art prints to zines and posters.
Large format printer in the Print Lab. Photo by Amy Fink
The Lab houses a number of computer classrooms
Photo: Tony Luong.
Letterpress Studio
Located within the Design Studios is a Letterpress studio, where students learn about the traditions and craft of printing using letterpress, and the historically intertwined relationships between typography and printing technologies.
To access the MassArt Letterpress shop, students must be enrolled in a full-time or Continuing Education course or workshop.
Letterpress block type
Check out what we’re making
Alejandro Caimares
Visiting Lecturer, Communication DesignRosemary Conroy
Visiting Lecturer, Communication DesignErin Davis
Visiting Lecturer, Communication DesignRyan Diaz
Assistant Professor, Communication Design
Jason Fairchild
Visiting Assistant Professor, Communication DesignRita Ferreira
Visiting Lecturer, Communication DesignTatiana Gomez Gaggero
Assistant Professor, Communication Design
Katherine Hughes
Associate Professor, Communication Design
Damon Jones
Adjunct Professor, Communication DesignBoriana Kantcheva
Visiting Lecturer, Communication DesignFish McGill
Program Director, Dynamic Media Institute
Yolanda McLean
Administrative Assistant, Design DepartmentsJoseph Quackenbush
Professor, Communication Design
Martha Rettig
Program Area Chair, Communication Design
Lisa Rosowsky
Chair, Communication Design
Jeff Stone
Visiting Assistant Professor, Communication DesignLuanne Witkowski
Studio Manager, Communication Design
Advance Your Career in Communication Design—Flexible, Online, and Career-Focused
Program Start Dates: Fall, Spring, or Summer
Application Deadlines: June 15, November 1, or April 15
Program Length: 1-3 Years (Part-time)
Location: 100% Online
Gain hands-on experience in visual design, UX/UI, branding, and more with our fully online, part-time program. Designed for working professionals, this program offers flexible learning with evening classes and occasional Saturdays.
Abigail Parker, ’23 Certificate, Communication Design
Zuzana Licko Exhibit Wall, Design mock-up, 2023
Alicia Mason-Guild, ’21 Certificate, Communication Design
Cambridge Science Festival, Design, 2021
Liz Higgins, ’21 Certificate, Communication Design
Design101 Project, Design, 2021
What You’ll Learn
Build expertise in app and web design, branding, UX/UI, packaging, and more. Our program is designed for working professionals with weekly evening classes and occasional Saturdays, offering the flexibility to balance learning with your busy life.
Courses include real-world projects like designing for events, publications, and interactive platforms, helping you develop a robust portfolio.
Flexible Learning Pathways
The program offers three stackable certificates, each advancing your skills:
- Level 1: Foundation in graphic design and typography.
- Level 2: Advanced skills in branding, UX/UI, and portfolio building
- Level 3: Master complex design systems and launch your design career
Career-Ready Graduates
Whether you’re a new designer or advancing your current skills, our program will equip you to pursue roles as a graphic designer, UX/UI designer, or brand strategist. You’ll graduate with a strong portfolio and the creative problem-solving skills sought by employers.
There are three stackable Communication Design Certificates.
LEVEL 1 Provides a solid grounding in design and typography skills that can be applied in a variety of design-related jobs and endeavors. Level 1 can be completed as a stand-alone certificate or as a foundation for Level 2.
LEVEL 2 Pushes students to advance their skills in brand design, gain UX/UI design skills, and build a portfolio suitable for obtaining a paid internship or junior designer position.
LEVEL 3 Challenges students to conceive of and design complex design systems at a highly creative and sophisticated level. Students graduate with skills and a portfolio suitable for launching a career as a professional designer.
| Level 1 | Semesters offered |
| Foundations of GD (3 cr) | Fall, Spring (may also be offered Summer) |
| Typography (3 cr) | Fall, Summer (may also be offered Spring) |
| Graphic Design 1 (2 cr) | Fall, Wintersession |
| Intermediate Typography (3 cr) | Spring |
| Level 2 | Semesters offered |
| UX Design (3 cr) | Spring (may also be offered Summer) |
| Graphic Design 2 (3 cr) | Summer |
| Print Production Workshop (NC) | Fall (may also be offered Spring) |
| Intermediate Portfolio (4 cr) | Fall |
| Level 3 | Semesters offered |
| Graphic Design 3 (4 cr) | Spring |
| Advanced Interactive Projects (4 cr) | Summer |
| Final Portfolio (4 cr) | Fall |
Our program offers three start dates throughout the year to fit your schedule.
- Fall Start: Apply between February 1 and June 15 for a September start.
- Spring Start: Apply between September 1 and November 1 for a January start.
- Summer Start: Apply between February 1 and April 15 for a May start.
Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis during each cycle.
Schedule SCENARIO A – FALL START
| Year | Semester | Course Name(s) | Level | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fall | Foundations of Graphic Design | 1 | start Level 1 |
| 1 | Fall | Typography | 1 | |
| 1 | Winter | Graphic Design 1 | 1 | |
| 1 | Spring | Intermediate Typography | 1 | complete Level 1 |
| 1 | Spring | UX Design | 2 | start Level 2 |
| 1 | Summer | Graphic Design 2 | 2 | |
| 2 | Fall | Intermediate Portfolio | 2 | |
| 2 | Fall | Print Production Workshop | 2 | complete Level 2 |
| 2 | Winter | Information Design | 3 | start Level 3 |
| 2 | Spring | Graphic Design 3 | 3 | |
| 2 | Summer | Advanced Interactive Projects | 3 | |
| 3 | Fall | Final Portfolio | 3 | complete Level 3 |
SCENARIO B – SPRING START
| Year | Semester | Course Name(s) | Level | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spring | Foundations of Graphic Design | 1 | start Level 1 |
| 1 | Spring or Summer | Typography | 1 | |
| 1 | Fall | Graphic Design 1 | 1 | |
| 2 | Spring | Intermediate Typography | 1 | complete Level 1 |
| 2 | Spring | UX Design | 2 | start Level 2 |
| 2 | Summer | Graphic Design 2 | 2 | |
| 2 | Fall | Intermediate Portfolio | 2 | |
| 2 | Fall | Print Production Workshop | 2 | complete Level 2 |
| 3 | Winter | Information Design | 3 | start Level 3 |
| 3 | Spring | Graphic Design 3 | 3 | |
| 3 | Summer | Advanced Interactive Projects | 3 | |
| 3 | Fall | Final Portfolio | 3 | complete Level 3 |
SCENARIO C – SUMMER START
| Year | Semester | Course Name(s) | Level | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Summer | Foundations of Graphic Design | 1 | start Level 1 |
| (or Typography) | 1 | |||
| 1 | Fall | Typography | 1 | |
| (or Foundations of Graphic Design) | 1 | |||
| 1 | Winter | Graphic Design 1 | 1 | |
| 1 | Spring | Intermediate Typography | 1 | complete Level 1 |
| 1 | Spring | UX Design | 2 | start Level 2 |
| 2 | Summer | Graphic Design 2 | 2 | |
| 2 | Fall | Intermediate Portfolio | 2 | |
| 2 | Fall | Print Production Workshop | 2 | complete Level 2 |
| 2 | Winter | Information Design | 3 | start Level 3 |
| 2 | Spring | Graphic Design 3 | 3 | |
| 3 | Summer | Advanced Interactive Projects | 3 | |
| 3 | Fall | Final Portfolio | 3 | complete Level 3 |
The following outcomes represent completion of Level 3; completion of Levels 1 and 2 represent significant progress towards these outcomes.
- Design complex visual communications systems including consumer brands, print and digital publications, promotional and information campaigns, websites, apps, packaging and signage.
- Develop and apply original, engaging design concepts that effectively communicate an intended idea and/or message to a defined audience
- Apply visual design skills (including composition, color, and type/image integration), information design skills, professional typesetting techniques, and creative typography to a variety of communication design projects
- Apply principles and processes of UX and UI design to the planning and design of interactive experiences for desktop, mobile, and other screen-based media
- Identify a community problem or need and research, develop, and design an effective solution.
- Employ skills in collaboration by effectively providing critical feedback to others and integrating feedback from various sources into one’s own designs.
- Practice professional design process including research, idea generation, design iteration, presentation, incorporation of feedback, technical execution, and craft to a variety of communication design projects.
- Utilize industry-standard design software and art media in creating designs, mock-ups, and prototypes.
- Create an entry-level portfolio suitable for job search in professional Communication Design, UX Design and Graphic Design
Program Costs & Enrollment
Program Costs
LEVEL 1: $6370 (4 Courses, 11 credits)
LEVEL 2: $5,930 (4 Courses, 10 credits)
LEVEL 3: $6,615 (5 Courses, 12 credits)
Because of the format of the Communication Design Certificate, students in this program are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Program Start Dates: Fall, Spring, or Summer
Application Deadlines: June 15, November 1, or April 15
Application Requirements:
- $35 Application Fee
- Statement of Purpose
- Official Transcripts
If you believe you are qualified to be admitted directly to Level 2 or Level 3, please contact the Program Director, Alisa Aronson at alisa.aronson@massart.edu to determine appropriate placement.
Program Director
Alisa Aronson
Associate Professor, Professional and Continuing Education
Communication Design BFA students gain a robust working knowledge of print design, information design, branding, and dynamic media.
Location: On Campus (Boston)
Format: In-person, Full Time
Length of Program: 4 years
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design
Communication Design BFA students learn how to develop creative solutions in a range of media, implement visual language and graphic form, and design user-focused systems. Through coursework with practicing designers and design educators, students work on:
- Package design
- Publication design
- Web and app design
- Interactive communication
- Advertising
- Creation of graphic identities and brand systems
During their time at MassArt, Communication Design students receive critique on their work and learn how to thoughtfully critique the work of others.
Students are encouraged to complete an internship to gain experience producing design work for clients, and discover the application and demands of the profession in different environments.
Sophomore Studios class with Faculty member Fish McGill.
Sophomore Studios class with Nancy Hughes.
Making Meaning class in the Tower building with Ryan Diaz and Katherine Hughes.
Making Meaning class (Communication Design) in the Tower building with Ryan Diaz & Katherine Hughes.
Making Meaning class (Communication Design) in the Tower building with Ryan Diaz & Katherine Hughes.
Making Meaning class (Communication Design) in the Tower building with Ryan Diaz & Katherine Hughes.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll start with assignments that focus on developing technical skills while also encouraging inventive and experimental approaches from the very beginning. As you move into your own projects, you’ll gain efficiency in production, explore organizational methods, strengthen creative problem-solving, and build adaptability. Alongside these foundational abilities, you’ll also learn how to teach yourself new techniques—a vital skill for any successful communication designer.
As students create original work, they will also refine their projects through revision and participate in group critiques. In this collaborative environment, you’ll be part of a close-knit community of Communication Design students and faculty who are eager to support your growth and push your work to the next level.
BFA Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the Communication Design BFA program are expected to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes.
- Practiced a wide variety of approaches to problem solving through design
- Demonstrated proficiency in developing concepts as well as in implementing visual language and graphic form
- Designed for a variety of media including print, time-based and interactive, and gained expertise in matching media to content
- Applied the fundamental concepts of visualizing complex information
- Gained experience in designing systems that allow users to logically and easily interact with data
- Demonstrated proficiency in typography for both print and screen environments
- Developed competent critical language for analyzing and evaluating their own design work and the work of others
- Learned how to research and evaluate user and audience needs
- Worked effectively in a team
- Acquainted themselves, through readings and presentations, with current trends and people in historical and contemporary design
- Mastered a wide range of technical and craft skills, and gained a realistic understanding of how to implement their knowledge in a professional design environment
Career Outcomes
Graduating students have mastered a wide range of technical and craft skills and gained a realistic understanding of how to implement their knowledge in a professional design environment.
Because MassArt’s program is both broad-reaching and conceptual, and provides rigorous training in typography and information architecture, our graduates enjoy an excellent reputation in the profession. Alumni are in demand in multiple industries, including UX design, exhibition design, branding, type design, publishing, editorial design, web design, and design management.
Career Paths
Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer, Web Designer, Art Director, Brand Strategist, Motion Graphics Designer, Marketing Communications Specialist, Print Designer, Exhibition Designer, Creative Copywriter, Social Media Manager, Design Consultant, Content Strategist, Illustrator, Freelance Designer
Internships
Burton Snowboards, Fidelity Investments, Museum of Fine Arts, Sony Music Entertainment
Communication Design touches every aspect of the world around us and is central to how we construct and convey meaning.
At MassArt, Communication Design students gain the powerful skills, techniques, and ways of thinking that drive the modern world. When you look at your cell phone, shop, read a magazine or book,, take a bus, search online, or engage in thousands of other daily activities, you are encountering the work of communication design. The brands, websites, apps, brochures, and other visual communications created by designers shape how we understand the world and ourselves.
Amanda Tyutina, ’25 BFA, Communication Design
DeliCats Food Wrapper, , 2023
Becca Kirlew, BFA ’20, Communication Design
Curious House, Design, 2020
Cara Tarmey, BFA ’20, Janina Yutkins-Kennedy, BFA ’20, Communication Design
Kindred (App), Mobile Application Design, 2019
Our students are curious, motivated, and hard-working.Lisa Rosowsky Chair, Communication Design
Letterpress Studio
MassArt’s well-equipped Letterpress Studio offers a large collection of both metal and wood type, and five Vandercook presses.
28 unique programs. A world of opportunity.
United States of America
As part of a worldwide exhibit, 50 posters spotlighting international women’s rights issues are on display at Mercer University through January.
The exhibit, “Women’s Rights are Human Rights,” was curated by Elizabeth Resnick, a graphic designer and curator out of the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Its namesake is from a 1995 speech by then-first lady Hillary Clinton.
Every poster was created and curated digitally, so galleries across 10 countries can host the exhibit at the same time.
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Graphic design exhibit illustrates social justice, human rights issues
- MassArt in the Media
- Communication Design
“The graphic design exhibit, “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights,” is on display until Jan. 20 at the Plunkett Gallery in Hardman Fine Arts Hall on Mercer University’s Macon campus.
“The exhibit, which highlights social justice issues surrounding gender-based violence, discrimination and inequality, includes 50 posters from the original 100-piece collection, curated and organized by Elizabeth Resnick, professor emerita at Massachusetts College of Art and Design.”
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When Bermuda had an identity crisis, the island turned to a Bostonian for help
- Alumni in the News
- Communication Design
“Bermuda needed to pull in new visitors. A Boston branding and design firm is helping the island find its way.” MassArt Alumni, Darren Bascome (BFA, Communication Design), CEO of the Boston-based branding agency Proverb, talks about his team’s meaningful reshaping of the destination of Bermuda.
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