Bachelor of Science in Communication Design

Study the ever-changing art of creating powerful visual messages that compel your audience to take action.

Students studying communication design have opportunities to create all kinds of communications — graphic design, media design, book/publication, advertising, gaming, interactive and digital campaigns, print and direct marketing materials and campaigns, magazines, websites, and more.

Core coursework also includes fundamentals of marketing, communications, design thinking, and leadership for a well-rounded experience.

Program Features

• Learn from a full slate of professional working industry experts who challenge students with real-world projects.
• Get hands-on experience with real clients early in your academic career through classwork and practicums.
• Gain valuable internship and professional experience with on-campus opportunities, covering everything from events management to magazine design, and from advertising to social media communications.
• Collaborate in working groups with students studying in a wide range of creative majors for a realistic work experience.
• Create a professional portfolio and exhibit your best works in a senior show that’s open to the public.
• Design your program around you, choosing the projects that challenge and inspire, while stretching your skills and creativity.

Stephens Life Magazine

Bring your talents to Stephens Life, our national award-winning, student-run feature magazine. Choose the role that’s right for you.

A national award-winning feature magazine run by Stephens students.

Stephens Life is produced by students as part of a practicum class open (by application) to any major. The practicum simulates a real-world publishing environment where students take on the roles of creative director, art director, graphic designer, photographer, or writer, and work together to produce a high-quality magazine publication. From pitching articles to selling ad space to final production and public issue launch, magazine staffers earn essential experience for the world of professional publishing.

And we're good at it.

Stephens Life consistently brings home top national student awards. Most recently, the Spring 2019 Voyage Issue earned Best of Show at the Fall 2019 National College Media Convention in Washington, D.C.

“I was so nervous, I was shaking,” said Hannah Kueck, who attended the convention and received second place for Story of the Year for her column about life with scoliosis (Fall 2018 issue). “When I heard the news, I immediately started crying. I couldn’t believe this was actually happening.”

Her award-winning story was inspired by her own struggle with scoliosis, including two surgeries.

“I wanted to write to make people feel more powerful,” Kueck said. “People think we can’t function, but we can still live and have a great life.” Since the win, Kueck has gone on to serve as a copy editor for Stephens Life. She also earned an internship with COMO Magazine.

Creative Ink

Build your portfolio as you take on challenging real-world projects as part of the student-run creative services agency, Creative Ink. Take on a leadership, project management, or creative position.

A full-service marketing firm run by Stephens students.

Creative Ink, an integrated marketing communications firm, provides students with hands-on opportunities to work with real clients in the Columbia community as well as departments and organizations at Stephens College.

The most creative and dedicated Stephens students are selected to join the firm. “Inkers,” as team members are called, strategically apply their expertise as creative directors, account executives, and firm directors. They partner with clients to provide a wide array of professionally designed pro-bono marketing communication services. The end result? Crucial experience that is gained for post-graduate success.