The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Design

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Degree MAPs page in the University Catalog or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

Upper-Division Writing Requirement:

Writing Across the Curriculum (Executive Memorandum 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog for more details on the four courses.  The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.

The Option in Graphic Design

The Option in Mass Communication Design and The Option in Media Arts

The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (Executive Order 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE Written Communication (A2) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Course Requirements for the Major: 57-63 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree. Additional required courses, depending upon the selected option are outlined following the major core program requirements.

Major Core Program: 15 units

5 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
MADT 101	Introduction to Communication		3.0	FS
This course is also offered as JOUR 101. This course teaches the concepts, history, and applications of communication. The implications and ethical issues of media and the communication process are covered. 3 hours lecture. (001636)
MADT 102	Principles of Communication Design		3.0	FS
An introductory survey course demonstrating the methods and principles common to the communication design disciplines, including problem-solving, composition, idea generation, and storytelling. 3 hours lecture. (001637)
MADT 206	Introduction to Commercial Photography and Digital Imaging		3.0	FS
This course is an introduction to the fundamental vocabulary and techniques of commercial digital photography. Emphasis is placed on developing visual competence in the creation and consumption of lens-based imagery. Course content includes the basics of camera and digital production techniques for color and black and white photographs that are produced as exhibition-quality prints and on-screen imagery for commercial use. Includes a broad-based survey of photo history, contemporary theory, and current issues related to the practice of photography. Open to non-majors. 2 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory. (001654)
MADT 303W	Communication Criticism (W)		3.0	FS	GW  W
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement. Study of various approaches to the critical examination of communication. Application of principles to selected examples. This course is required for all majors in the Department of Communication Design. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. Formerly MADT 303. (001668)
MADT 307	Technology and Communication		3.0	FS	GE
Students acquire a qualitative understanding of how various information and communication technologies work, the social needs that drive technology developments, and the future impact of new information technologies on work and society. This course is required for all majors in the Department of Communication Design. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (001659)

Major Option Course Requirements: 42-48 units

The following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, are required dependent upon the option chosen. Students must select one of the following options for completion of the major course requirements.  Use the links below to jump to your chosen option.

• The Option in Graphic Design
• The Option in Mass Communication Design
• The Option in Media Arts

The Option in Graphic Design: 48 units

Laptop Requirement

To complete this program, the student must have the use of a laptop computer. Please consult with the department for current hardware and software requirements. Students qualify to receive special education discounts on computers and software sold through the Associated Students Bookstore (an Apple authorized campus store). For some programs, in an effort to lower student expenses, bundles consisting of a specially priced Apple laptop computer with the program's required software will be made available at the beginning of each academic year through the Associated Students Bookstore. This laptop computer package is expected to serve the student for the entire length of the program.

Pre-Portfolio Courses: 19 units

7 courses required:

Portfolio Requirement

The successful completion of a Portfolio Review is necessary for entry into upper-division Graphic Design course work. The portfolio is comprised of work from ARTS 125, MADT 206, MADT 230, MADT 283, and MADT 284,and is reviewed by Communication Design faculty.

Post-Portfolio Courses: 23 units

8 courses required:

MADT 489 must be taken for 2 units.

Elective Courses: 6 units

2 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
MADT 322	Advanced Web Design		3.0	FA
Prerequisite: MADT 222. Modern Web technologies for the production and publication of Web pages and sites. Production of client-side and server-side dynamic Web pages to accept user input and retrieve information from databases. Style sheets for controlling Web page appearance. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001742)
MADT 332	Experimental Letterpress Print		3.0	FA
Introduction of letter press printing, with an emphasis on using both traditional hand set type and computer-generated imaging technologies to expand approaches to creative thinking. Topics include paper specifications, fundamentals of ink and color mixing, operating and maintaining platen and cylinder hand presses, basic binding, and finishing operations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001669)
MADT 333	Human Factors		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: MADT 222, MADT 230. Exploration of the physical, cognitive, cultural, and social factors that shape audience contexts and the design of human computer interfaces. Students learn to identify design problems, research solutions, build prototypes, and evaluate their effectiveness through user testing. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001671)
MADT 337	Packaging		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: MADT 333, MADT 334. To prepare the student to develop communication methodology for solving experimental packaging problems; to develop two-dimensional and three-dimensional package simulation techniques; to understand the marketing aspects of packaging, technical reproduction methods of packaging, and interface them with the visual media. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001682)
MADT 396	Intermediate Commercial Photography and Digital Imaging		3.0	FS
Prerequisite: MADT 206 (with a grade of C or higher). This course addresses photographic perception, creative process, and a more thorough investigation of narrative editing practices and techniques related to commercial digital photography. Technical concepts include advanced systems of exposure and digital imaging processing for high-quality commercial digital output. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001737)
MADT 432	Sustainable Design		3.0	FA
Prerequisite: MADT 334. An introduction to the design of messages, artifacts, and experiences that integrate sustainable practices with graphic design. Students become familiar with the major sustainability principles frameworks and tools by applying them to hands on projects. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001755)
MADT 435	Corporate Design Systems		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: MADT 333, MADT 334. Analysis, creation, and presentation of identity, branding, and licensing for corporate, government, education, medical, and non-profit organizations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001754)
MADT 436	Motion Design		3.0	SP
Prerequisite: MADT 334. Introduction to time-based information design and kinetic typography, exploring relationships between music and typographic composition for new media. Topics include historical relationships between music and typography, form and space, hierarchy and structure, texture and depth, time and movement. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. This course requires the use of a laptop computer and appropriate software. (001681)
MADT 496	Applied Commercial Photography and Digital Imaging		3.0	FS
Prerequisite: MADT 396 with a grade of C or higher or faculty permission. This course addresses the development and execution of a single commercial photography project culminating in a final portfolio. Individual research on historic and contemporary photo-practices is expected. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (001794)

The Option in Mass Communication Design: 42 units

Students take the Option Core for 21 units and select 21 units of elective courses from the Writing, Technical, and Criticism Groups for a total of 42 units.

Option Core: 21 units

7 courses required:

Writing Group: 3 units

1 course selected from:

Technical Group: 9 units

3 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
MADT 216	Introduction to Digital Audio in Media		3.0	FS
This course provides a theoretical and practical knowledge of digital audio productions techniques for radio, video, and multimedia. Particular emphasis is placed on audio for video and production strategies for effective communication in audio. 3 hours discussion. (001652)
MADT 219	Social Media Technologies		3.0	FS
An exploration of the design and impacts of new technologies related to communication through social media. 3 hours lecture. (001772)
MADT 222	Basic Web Design		3.0	FS
Introduction to hypertext markup language (HTML), Web standards, and the Web publication process. Includes practical exercises in the creation and publication of Web pages and the construction of coherent Web sites. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001660)
MADT 272	Media for Instruction and Training		3.0	FS
Prerequisite: MADT 271 (may be taken concurrently) or faculty permission. Students taking the course for the Minor in Education should request faculty permission. An introduction to the area of media for instruction and training. The course is divided into three general areas: (1) Hardware; (2) Theory; (3) Application. Students will design and carry out plans for actual use of media in teaching and learning situations. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001640)
MADT 283	Digital Print Production		3.0	FS
Prerequisite: MADT 206. An introduction to 2D design, digital color, vector and raster images, typography, digital production and pre-press techniques. Students learn to prepare documents for printing, using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and In Design on the Macintosh computer platform. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours activity. (021059)
MADT 314	Rich Internet Media Design I		3.0	FS
Prerequisite: MADT 222. A study in the design and development of multimedia. Emphasis on conceptualizing multimedia products for use in education and training, information delivery, and performance support. Hands-on skill development in creating digital elements for use in multimedia, such as graphics, audio, and video and combining these elements into interactive programs. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001773)
MADT 366	Field Video Production		3.0	FS
Prerequisites: MADT 226, MADT 261. For CAGD majors: CAGD 112, MADT 103, MADT 141, MADT 216. Theory and techniques of video production designed to develop skills in all aspects of electronic field video production. The course includes all pre-production, production, and post-production videotape editing elements related to the production of all video programs. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001720)
MADT 396	Intermediate Commercial Photography and Digital Imaging		3.0	FS
Prerequisite: MADT 206 (with a grade of C or higher). This course addresses photographic perception, creative process, and a more thorough investigation of narrative editing practices and techniques related to commercial digital photography. Technical concepts include advanced systems of exposure and digital imaging processing for high-quality commercial digital output. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001737)
MADT 464	Advanced Video Editing		3.0	SP
Prerequisite: MADT 366. Involves complicated and detailed editing of video-based materials using digital and analog linear and nonlinear video editing procedures and techniques. 3 hours discussion. (001758)

Criticism Group: 9 units

3 courses selected from:

The Option in Media Arts: 42 units

Option Core: 24 units

8 courses required:

Writing: 3 units

1 course selected from:

Management: 3 units

1 course selected from:

Production: 9 units

3 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
MADT 314	Rich Internet Media Design I		3.0	FS
Prerequisite: MADT 222. A study in the design and development of multimedia. Emphasis on conceptualizing multimedia products for use in education and training, information delivery, and performance support. Hands-on skill development in creating digital elements for use in multimedia, such as graphics, audio, and video and combining these elements into interactive programs. 2 hours lecture, 2 hours activity. (001773)
MADT 342	Documentary Film		3.0	SP
Prerequisite: MADT 226 for students in the CDES Media Arts Option. The origins and major movements in the area of the documentary film. The various uses relating to propaganda, social problems, and personal insight. Production motivations in seeking the mass audience through documentary. Open to non-majors. 3 hours discussion. (001683)
MADT 362	Media Performance		3.0	SP
Prerequisites: MADT 103, MADT 216. The skills and techniques of announcing in audio, slide tape, film, and video presentations. Areas covered include copy interpretation and the objective delivery of scripted and ad-lib material in a variety of audio, film, video, and live presentations. 2 hours discussion, 2 hours activity. (001715)
MADT 396	Intermediate Commercial Photography and Digital Imaging		3.0	FS
Prerequisite: MADT 206 (with a grade of C or higher). This course addresses photographic perception, creative process, and a more thorough investigation of narrative editing practices and techniques related to commercial digital photography. Technical concepts include advanced systems of exposure and digital imaging processing for high-quality commercial digital output. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001737)
MADT 463	Cinematography		3.0	FA
Prerequisite: MADT 366. This course introduces both the theoretical and practical applications of cinematography. Students become attuned to light and shadow, learn basic camera and lighting systems, organization of these systems, and the visual thought process of cinematography. 3 hours discussion. (021045)
MADT 464	Advanced Video Editing		3.0	SP
Prerequisite: MADT 366. Involves complicated and detailed editing of video-based materials using digital and analog linear and nonlinear video editing procedures and techniques. 3 hours discussion. (001758)
MADT 465	Directing for Film & Television		3.0	FA
Prerequisite: MADT 366. This course focuses on the theoretical and aesthetic challenges faced by the director. Strategies for preparing actors, character development and casting are addressed and workshops provide students with practical experience in staging dramatic narrative scenes. Students further their visual skills and learn to shape and craft screen performances by gaining a thorough understanding of the actor's language and technique. 3 hours discussion. (021044)
MADT 466	Studio Video Production		3.0	FA
Prerequisite: MADT 226. Theory and techniques of color video production designed to develop skills in all aspects of video production. This course includes pre-production and production elements related to the production of all video programs. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. (001719)
MADT 468	Video Production Workshop		3.0	SP
Prerequisite: MADT 366. Selected video production projects involving advanced techniques not covered in other production courses, including integration of other media forms into complete video programs. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (001759)
MADT 496	Applied Commercial Photography and Digital Imaging		3.0	FS
Prerequisite: MADT 396 with a grade of C or higher or faculty permission. This course addresses the development and execution of a single commercial photography project culminating in a final portfolio. Individual research on historic and contemporary photo-practices is expected. Open to non-majors. 2 hours discussion, 3 hours laboratory. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (001794)

Capstone: 3 units

1 course required:

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.

Honors in the Major:

Honors in the Major is a program of independent work in your major. It requires 6 units of honors course work completed over two semesters.

The Honors in the Major program allows you to work closely with a faculty mentor in your area of interest on an original performance or research project. This year-long collaboration allows you to work in your field at a professional level and culminates in a public presentation of your work. Students sometimes take their projects beyond the University for submission in professional journals, presentation at conferences, or academic competition. Such experience is valuable for graduate school and professional life. Your honors work will be recognized at your graduation, on your permanent transcripts, and on your diploma. It is often accompanied by letters of commendation from your mentor in the department or the department chair.

Some common features of Honors in the Major program are:

1. You must take 6 units of Honors in the Major course work. All 6 units are honors classes (marked by a suffix of H), and at least 3 of these units are independent study (399H, 499H, 599H) as specified by your department. You must complete each class with a minimum grade of B.
2. You must have completed 9 units of upper-division course work or 21 overall units in your major before you can be admitted to Honors in the Major. Check the requirements for your major carefully, as there may be specific courses that must be included in these units.
3. Your cumulative GPA should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
4. Your GPA in your major should be at least 3.5 or within the top 5% of majors in your department.
5. Most students apply for or are invited to participate in Honors in the Major during the second semester of their junior year. Then they complete the 6 units of course work over the two semesters of their senior year.
6. Your honors work culminates with a public presentation of your honors project.

While Honors in the Major is part of the Honors Program, each department administers its own program. Please contact your major department or major advisor to apply.

Students may apply for admission to the Honors in the Major Program in the College of Communication and Education. In addition to other specific requirements, each Honors student will conduct and publicly present an original research project. Consult the honors advisor in the College of Communication and Education for specific details.