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Please use the information below as a general source of information for the graphic design degrees at ORU. Official information can be found on both the University's web site and the Department of Art web site.

What is Communication Design:
Graphic design, often called communication design or visual
communication, is a creative process that combines art and technology to communicate ideas. The designer works with a variety of media and tools in order to convey a message from a client to a particular audience. The main tools are image and typography.

Communication design students learn to combine and develop concepts and employ visualization techniques that instruct, interpret, and/or persuade. This curriculum focuses on message content and theory in print, web, and interactive/multimedia design. Job titles in the fields of design include Multimedia Design, Web Designer, Web Communication Designer, Graphic Communication, Digital Imaging, Multimedia, Interactive Graphic Design, Internet Communication, Motion Graphics, Art Director, Creative Director.

Degree Goals:
• Demonstrate ability to conduct research by producing work informed by self-motivated investigations of concepts,
issues, theories, and/or processes relevant to the area of study.
• Demonstrate ability to express ideas effectively in the chosen field and present work professionally in written, oral,
and/or visual form.
• Demonstrate ability to define and use in both written and oral form—specialized vocabulary, concepts, and methodologies
relating to the techniques, critical theories, and historical analysis of works of art and design.
• Demonstrate ability to use competently a variety of art and design-related materials and techniques.
• Demonstrate engagement with the chosen discipline by attending lectures and workshops, showing works in exhibitions,
joining professional organizations, presenting papers, and/or engaging in other discipline-specific activities.

Program Structure:
The program consists of two main levels, an introductory and advanced. The introductory level is open to all students who have met the course prerequisites of the Department of Art. The advanced level is open only to students who have passed the appropriate course prerequisites.