Skip to Main Content

Communication Design BFA

${image.alt}
  • Program Type

    Undergraduate Major

  • Delivery Type

    On Campus

Use your creativity to combine words and images and tell powerful visual stories and share messages in clear and appealing ways. As a communication designer, you will be an artist, problem solver, and strategist, evoking feelings while delivering messages and informing the public—in print, digital, and on the screen.

You’ll learn how to use text, colors, shapes, photos, and videos to design stunning packaging for companies, engage audiences in magazines, convey powerful messages for political campaigns, distribute essential information for organizations and agencies, and more.

Hands at work on a graphic design sign.

Designed for Success

You will study statistics, typography, brand identity, web design, and sustainable design, using modern technologies to ensure you are well-versed in print, digital, and on-screen media. You’ll also complete a portfolio review before your junior year.

See the Big Career Picture

Our students graduate ready for careers in web design, user interface design (UI), user experience design (UX), mobile app design, service design, information design, packaging, branding, and publication design. You can be a designer, art director, or creative director and see your work come to life on social media, television, billboards, and brochures.

Some of the places our alumni work include:

  • META
  • Google
  • Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
  • California State University system
Student Alum, Rachel Belle, and actress Fran Drescher shared a lot of laughs as they discussed her last meal: pasta and fresh Italian vegetables.
I have a couple friends from my major who work in media. We feel like we all shot out of Chico State with the skills.
Rachel Belle (Communication Design, ’02)

Unleash Your Creativity

Don't just imagine your future—experience it firsthand. Pursue your passion while you gain valuable work experience and network with industry professionals.

  • Students working on computers while the teacher observes their work

    Internship Opportunities

    Put your skills into practice in our internship program. From publishing to public relations, you can work with your favorite company on projects you’re passionate about.

  • An assortment of tabletop flags.

    Study Abroad

    Earn units toward graduation while opening yourself to a world of possibilities in our nationally ranked study abroad program. We offer programs in 200+ locations and 40 countries.

  • Design students sitting around a table in a lecture

    Design Lecture Series

    Attend lectures by renowned designers and industry professionals, providing you with insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field of graphic design.

Fast Facts

15:1

Student-to-faculty ratio

2

Average number of industry internships for each student

Students critiquing posters made by design students

Join the American Institute for Graphic Arts (AIGA)

This is where design professionals come together to share ideas, information, and insights. Where we engage in discussions and contribute to the advancement of education and ethical practice. Our group is affiliated with the San Francisco Chapter of AIGA.

The Spaces You Need to Succeed

  • A student and staff member are leaning over a table looking at a campus map in the Creative Media office.

    Design Labs

    Our program features design labs equipped with the latest software and hardware, including Adobe Creative Suite and high-performance Mac workstations, Apple TVs, and iPads. You will have access to the best tools for your projects.

  • Students working in a study group

    Comprehensive Tech Integration

    We integrate 3D printers and other digital tools into our curriculum to give you the hands-on experience you need to be prepared to succeed in the industry right away. Our facilities include the latest versions of flatbed scanners and more.

Discover Stories and More

Chico State Today
/

Related Programs