Our Communication Design specialization teaches the creative processes to communicate ideas through art, image, language and technology. You will receive hands-on instruction in a variety of graphic design principles, including user centric creative problem solving, typography, interactive and engaging design, digital graphic technology, production methods and other industry topics.
Faculty and students regularly collaborate with clients on design research projects that include product development, print and digital marketing collateral, branding, and much more. Previous collaborations include: Elan Polo International, Emerson Tool Company, School Outfitters, Symrise Inc., and Yurbuds.
Interdisciplinary collaboration is a valuable part of this degree; students are encouraged to explore Industrial Design as either a minor or specialization in order to gain a broad, holistic approach to the design field. In addition to many Art and Design scholarships, we also offer a design-specific award to a student each year.
Careers
Graduates of the communication design specialization are prepared for a wide variety of careers. Our strong connection with industry partners and alumni gives you many opportunities as you launch into your professional life. Some of the popular career paths of our students include: Exhibit and Environmental graphic designer; Web and Mobil App designer; Graphic designer; Digital imaging specialist; Multimedia graphic designer; Ux/UI designer; Marketing designer; Motion graphics specialist; Art director; Creative director; Packaging and Point of Sale designer; Board game designer and game graphic illustrator; Branding and Corporate Identity; Front End Developer; Social Media Specialist.
September 2025
College of Liberal Arts
Southern Illinois University,
CARBONDALE,
Illinois,
62901, United States
Students need to have Transcripts from high school and/or college. At SIU Carbondale, applicants for admission will be eligible for automatic admission if they are on track to complete our course pattern requirements and who meet one of the following criteria: A cumulative high school GPA of 2.75; A ranking in the top 10% of their graduating class.
English Language Requirement: Any one of the following methods will automatically meet the minimum English requirement. Applicants who do not meet the automatic English language admission requirement will undergo a holistic review to determine potential admissibility.
TOEFL (IBT internet-based test) - 68
TOEFL (paper based test) - 520
ITEP - 4.0 (academic plus only)
IELTS - 6.0
2 Face-to-face English composition classes taken in the U.S. at the college level with a grade of A or B
More than 48 college-level credit hours completed at a U.S. institution
If an applicant is from a country whose primary language is English
Graduation from a U.S. high school having spent the final 2 years in the U.S.
Meeting the SAT or ACT requirements for admission of domestic freshmen
Duolingo English Test (accepted during COVID-19 closures)- 95
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
