Communication Arts and Design
As our world changes, so do our modes of communication. Our Communication Arts and Design program is based on the concept of "convergence:" we bring together creativity, practical skill, and technological expertise into a unified curriculum that prepares students to succeed as modern-day artists and communicators.
All Communication Arts and Design majors take courses in various media to obtain versatility in their chosen field. Each student will be provided with a strong core foundation in communication principles. From there, students can choose between three distinct specializations to further refine skills within their chosen area of interest.
The Communication Arts and Design program prepares students for future careers by offering a challenging classroom environment with one-on-one instruction that adapts to our ever-changing world.
What You'll Study
What you study in our program is all up to you. We are a versatile program formulated for creative people. We are not a traditional fine arts major or communications major—we have combined studio arts, digital design, and communications into a single program where you get a well-rounded foundation and the ability to choose your area of focus.
You will start with our diverse foundations courses, which include theory, digital design, and studio courses. They will give you an opportunity to explore the history, culture, techniques, and materials encompassed in the world of Art and Design. As a student within our program, you get to choose which creative track is right for you.
Specializations
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Communication Arts
The Communication Arts specialization takes a little bit from each of the main areas: studio art, digital design, professional writing, and video production. Students who are interested in going into advertising and graphic arts will benefit from this course of study.
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Creative Marketing
Our Creative Marketing specialization is half communication arts and half business. We have designed this for the student who wants to work with businesses or corporations. Through the skills learned in this specialization, our students have worked as liaison’s between marketing/adverting and business teams, as media designers, and as small business managers.
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Studio Arts
The Studio Arts specialization combines traditional studio techniques with new media—this is where the past meets the future. You will learn a variety of skills and techniques ranging from drawing to digital design. This specialization is designed for those who are interested in fine or visual arts
Beyond the Classroom
The faculty in the Communication Arts and Design program hold your educational experience to a high level. All hold a terminal degree and practice their profession outside of the classroom, bringing those experiences to you.
Hands-on, experiential classes take place in the Whitesell Art Building, where you will have the opportunity to practice sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, graphic design, and more under the guidance of our faculty.
The program requires at least one internship, but we encourage you to seek out others to broaden your experience and prepare you for your post-graduation plans.
Students in the program will have multiple opportunities to exhibit their work in the King-Shivell Gallery, including in the annual Juried Student Exhibition. Guest artists representing many different media and fields visit campus frequently to give artist talks and discuss artistic careers.
After Graduation
Common Career Areas
- Advertising—Digital/Web Designer, Graphic Designer, Journalism, Photography, Photojournalism, Public Relations
- Fine Arts—Studio Artist, Media and Entertainment, Gallery Assistant, Education
- Creative Marketing—Marketing Creator, Social Media Marketing, Writing and Editing
Career information is provided through Vault and O'Net. Current Lees-McRae students can see the full results on Vault using their student email and password.
Alumni Success
Freelance Designer Nike
Personal Cruise Consultant Carnival Cruise and Holland American Lines
Writer and Research SCAD
Graphic Designer HED Bicycles
Assistant Art Director LOGOnation
Print Shop Assistant Weaverville, NC
Art Director Carrol Leather
Graphic Design Intern Flat Top Brewing Co.
Digital Intern Visit Sarasota County
Meet the Faculty
Michael Iauch
Program Coordinator of Communication Arts and Design, King-Shivell Gallery Curator, Assistant Professor
Melissa Ball-Martin
Professor of Communication Arts and Design
Angelia Wilson
Assistant Professor of Communication Arts and Design