Welcome to the Department of Communication Design (COMD). For over 60 years, COMD has been preparing students for rewarding careers in the dynamic field of visual communications and media management.

Communication Design is the strategic and conceptual development of visual information to tell stories and convey ideas and emotions. The department prepares students to contribute in the fields of advertising and design by cultivating conceptual thinking, creativity and collaborative skills in all students. Despite restructuring in the publishing industry, the media and advertising sector remains one of New York City’s biggest employers.

We offer a two-year foundation to give students a strong base in visual expression and communication during which students take a broad range of basic courses – including figure drawing, design, color, typography, and photography. In the upper level, students specialize in one of five modules: Advertising, Graphic Design, Web Design, Broadcast Design, or gaming, animation and Illustration. All students complete an internship and graduate with real world experience. As a graduate of our program, a student can expect to find employment as an art director, graphic designer, web designer, broadcast designer, animator and game design graphics designer.

Given the rapid pace of technological change in the design field, the department is committed to keeping its course offerings current, and its computer labs and software up-to-date with industry standards. Our 21 full time faculty and over 80 adjunct faculty all have professional experience in their fields as well as a commitment to teaching. To foster networking and professional development, students can join the Art Director’s Club on campus and attend the speaker series Meet the Pros, which brings leading industry figures to the campus. Our curriculum also connects students with the rich cultural and professional resources in New York City.

We offer the following degree programs:

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Communication Design

Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Communication Design

Thank you for your interest in our programs. I hope City Tech can be part of your future success!

Douglas Davis
Chair, Department of Communication Design