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KUCD. You should be here.

The world is full of knowledge and possibility. And at KU, you have access to it all. Because, here, we believe there’s no limit to what you can do.

Kutztown University’s Communication Design (KUCD) program is a community of designers who are passionate about what they create. We empower you to solve problems, communicate visually, and evoke meaningful change—all through dynamic visual expression.

The KUCD curriculum blends general education, art foundations, and specialized coursework in four key areas:
  • Graphic Design – Master branding, layout, and visual storytelling.
  • Interactive Design – Explore UI/UX, web design, and creative coding.
  • Advertising Design – Develop compelling campaigns and marketing strategies.
  • Illustration – Create original imagery for books, media, and more.
Students gain experience in image-making, typography, advertising, branding, and digital design, ensuring a well-rounded education. Senior year offers the opportunity to specialize and refine your unique design style.

Here, you’ll discover the power of your voice and grow, not into someone new, but truly into yourself. You are imaginative, innovative, and challenge-seeking and you deserve a program that rises to meet your abilities. That’s why a KUCD degree isn’t just a piece of paper, it’s evidence of an experience. It’s a secret handshake into the world of design.

Find your voice. Design your KUCD story.

MFA education customized for you.

KU offers the first & only Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Communication Design (KUCD) within the Pennsylvania State system. As a designer, we offer you the opportunity to grow, not into someone new, but truly into yourself. KUCD is a community of designers — graphic design, advertising design, interactive design, illustration, design entrepreneurship, design education (aspiring and current) — who are passionate about what they create. 

Our 100% online program is geared toward working professionals and our classes are designed to work around your schedule. We are actively engaged with our students through “in-person” zoom meetings, critiques and class discussion. A KUCD degree isn't just a piece of paper, it's proof of an experience. Let us help you create it.

Exhibits and Events

KUCD is very active with monthly AIGA events, design film screening, workshops, and exhibit openings. We have annual events that keep give back to the community and help our graduating class assimilate into their new design careers.

Kutztown University's Communication Design prides itself on offering the best resources available.

  • Our classrooms and CD Lab have new iMacs loaded with all the software students use
  • The Lab is generally open 24-7 — every day that the university and dorms are open
  • Four lab workstations are reserved for scanning or digital illustration work — three 22” Cintiq displays and an 11 x 17 scanner
  • The Lab also offers a service bureau that provides large format color printing, laser cutting and etching, 3D printing, non-toxic adhesive application and a direct-to-garment printer
  • With training, students can also use the Landis Press Letterpress Studio and our 4-arm Screenprinting Press.

Keep up-to-date @ KUCD

Award Winning Student Work

Instagram @ku_cd

KUCD

@ku_cd

  • Attention all KUCD students! It’s almost time for Group Advising! On October 7th at 11am we will be having our student advising meeting via zoom. Look for the link in your email. More details in email from Summer Doll-Myers!
  • Attention all KUCD students! It’s almost time for Group Advising! On October 7th at 11am we will be having our student advising meeting via zoom. Be on the lookout for the link in your email.
  • Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 2!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Dora Boateng
Hannah Bubb
Cassie Manning
Geri Nestor
Theo Pachelo-Jimenez
Briar Bowen
Carissa Dyer
  • Creative Code Gallery Opening! Thursday October 9th at 11am! In Sharadin 209a and the New Media Gallery! There will be cookies, and code 🍪
  • Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 1!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Liv Phelan
Jacob Ebert
Aria Brenneis
Declan Niszczack
Kadia Stover
Catie Siracuse
Khalif Carter
  • Seniors in our Creative Code class visited Neopangea in West Reading, PA—a digital media company specializing in interactive and animated museum exhibits, video games, and ads. Huge thanks to @neopangea for welcoming us and giving us a chance to explore your space!

#graphicdesign #neopangea #kucd #reading #creativecode
  • Attention all KUCD students! It’s almost time for Group Advising! On October 7th at 11am we will be having our student advising meeting via zoom. Be on the lookout for the link in your email.
  • Self-Generated Projects! 

Arroo: Surface Pattern Design by Karleigh Patton

"This project is a self-initiated exploration of illustrated surface pattern design inspired by my deep love for dogs and my passion for sewing and textiles. Motivated by the memory of my beloved dog who passed away two years ago, I created a vibrant, dog-themed pattern to honor that connection and envision a future where my next dog could be a therapy companion. The design is intended for use in handmade accessories that celebrate the bond between pets and their people—offering joyful, heartfelt pieces that both owner and dog can enjoy together." -Karleigh

#selfgeneratedprojects #kucd #graphicdesign #surfacedesign
  • Student Internship Spotlight!

Today, we're spotlighting Jared Bowman and their time as a Graphic Design intern at Meris Inc!

Here's what Jared had to say about their experience:

"I had a wonderful, engaging, and enriching 8 weeks working alongside the creative department at Meris Inc., a full-service advertising agency based in Bethlehem (the entire team works virtually aside from meetings and photo shoots)! During this time, I developed advertisement graphics for brands such as Jenkinson's Boardwalk & Aquarium, Butter Valley Golf, and Treelicious Bakery along with creating an anniversary logo for Jenkinson's. This accompanied web tasks for various companies including Meris themselves. I also completed a brand messaging and rebrand project for Butter Valley and presented it to the entire team in-person at their quarterly sales meeting. I want to thank Chelsea, Angela, Melissa, and the rest of the Meris team for being super inviting and supportive throughout the entire internship! It helped me adjust to the workflow quickly so I could spend as much time as possible learning and growing as a designer. This experience will surely serve as a vital first step in my professional journey!"

#designintern #artanddesign #kucd #studentspotlights
Attention all KUCD students! It’s almost time for Group Advising! On October 7th at 11am we will be having our student advising meeting via zoom. Look for the link in your email. More details in email from Summer Doll-Myers!
Attention all KUCD students! It’s almost time for Group Advising! On October 7th at 11am we will be having our student advising meeting via zoom. Look for the link in your email. More details in email from Summer Doll-Myers!
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Attention all KUCD students! It’s almost time for Group Advising! On October 7th at 11am we will be having our student advising meeting via zoom. Be on the lookout for the link in your email.
Attention all KUCD students! It’s almost time for Group Advising! On October 7th at 11am we will be having our student advising meeting via zoom. Be on the lookout for the link in your email.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 2!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Dora Boateng
Hannah Bubb
Cassie Manning
Geri Nestor
Theo Pachelo-Jimenez
Briar Bowen
Carissa Dyer
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 2!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Dora Boateng
Hannah Bubb
Cassie Manning
Geri Nestor
Theo Pachelo-Jimenez
Briar Bowen
Carissa Dyer
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 2!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Dora Boateng
Hannah Bubb
Cassie Manning
Geri Nestor
Theo Pachelo-Jimenez
Briar Bowen
Carissa Dyer
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 2!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Dora Boateng
Hannah Bubb
Cassie Manning
Geri Nestor
Theo Pachelo-Jimenez
Briar Bowen
Carissa Dyer
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 2!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Dora Boateng
Hannah Bubb
Cassie Manning
Geri Nestor
Theo Pachelo-Jimenez
Briar Bowen
Carissa Dyer
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 2!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Dora Boateng
Hannah Bubb
Cassie Manning
Geri Nestor
Theo Pachelo-Jimenez
Briar Bowen
Carissa Dyer
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 2!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Dora Boateng
Hannah Bubb
Cassie Manning
Geri Nestor
Theo Pachelo-Jimenez
Briar Bowen
Carissa Dyer
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 2!! Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer. Artists: Dora Boateng Hannah Bubb Cassie Manning Geri Nestor Theo Pachelo-Jimenez Briar Bowen Carissa Dyer
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Creative Code Gallery Opening! Thursday October 9th at 11am! In Sharadin 209a and the New Media Gallery! There will be cookies, and code 🍪
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 1!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Liv Phelan
Jacob Ebert
Aria Brenneis
Declan Niszczack
Kadia Stover
Catie Siracuse
Khalif Carter
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 1!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Liv Phelan
Jacob Ebert
Aria Brenneis
Declan Niszczack
Kadia Stover
Catie Siracuse
Khalif Carter
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 1!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Liv Phelan
Jacob Ebert
Aria Brenneis
Declan Niszczack
Kadia Stover
Catie Siracuse
Khalif Carter
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 1!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Liv Phelan
Jacob Ebert
Aria Brenneis
Declan Niszczack
Kadia Stover
Catie Siracuse
Khalif Carter
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 1!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Liv Phelan
Jacob Ebert
Aria Brenneis
Declan Niszczack
Kadia Stover
Catie Siracuse
Khalif Carter
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 1!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Liv Phelan
Jacob Ebert
Aria Brenneis
Declan Niszczack
Kadia Stover
Catie Siracuse
Khalif Carter
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 1!!

Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer.

Artists:
Liv Phelan
Jacob Ebert
Aria Brenneis
Declan Niszczack
Kadia Stover
Catie Siracuse
Khalif Carter
Portraits & Caricatures from Intro to Illustration Part 1!! Students in our class experimented with black-and-white portraits on toned paper, as well as colored pencil drawings on a colored ground applied with a brayer. Artists: Liv Phelan Jacob Ebert Aria Brenneis Declan Niszczack Kadia Stover Catie Siracuse Khalif Carter
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Seniors in our Creative Code class visited Neopangea in West Reading, PA—a digital media company specializing in interactive and animated museum exhibits, video games, and ads. Huge thanks to @neopangea for welcoming us and giving us a chance to explore your space!

#graphicdesign #neopangea #kucd #reading #creativecode
Seniors in our Creative Code class visited Neopangea in West Reading, PA—a digital media company specializing in interactive and animated museum exhibits, video games, and ads. Huge thanks to @neopangea for welcoming us and giving us a chance to explore your space!

#graphicdesign #neopangea #kucd #reading #creativecode
Seniors in our Creative Code class visited Neopangea in West Reading, PA—a digital media company specializing in interactive and animated museum exhibits, video games, and ads. Huge thanks to @neopangea for welcoming us and giving us a chance to explore your space! #graphicdesign #neopangea #kucd #reading #creativecode
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Attention all KUCD students! It’s almost time for Group Advising! On October 7th at 11am we will be having our student advising meeting via zoom. Be on the lookout for the link in your email.
Attention all KUCD students! It’s almost time for Group Advising! On October 7th at 11am we will be having our student advising meeting via zoom. Be on the lookout for the link in your email.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Self-Generated Projects! 

Arroo: Surface Pattern Design by Karleigh Patton

"This project is a self-initiated exploration of illustrated surface pattern design inspired by my deep love for dogs and my passion for sewing and textiles. Motivated by the memory of my beloved dog who passed away two years ago, I created a vibrant, dog-themed pattern to honor that connection and envision a future where my next dog could be a therapy companion. The design is intended for use in handmade accessories that celebrate the bond between pets and their people—offering joyful, heartfelt pieces that both owner and dog can enjoy together." -Karleigh

#selfgeneratedprojects #kucd #graphicdesign #surfacedesign
Self-Generated Projects! 

Arroo: Surface Pattern Design by Karleigh Patton

"This project is a self-initiated exploration of illustrated surface pattern design inspired by my deep love for dogs and my passion for sewing and textiles. Motivated by the memory of my beloved dog who passed away two years ago, I created a vibrant, dog-themed pattern to honor that connection and envision a future where my next dog could be a therapy companion. The design is intended for use in handmade accessories that celebrate the bond between pets and their people—offering joyful, heartfelt pieces that both owner and dog can enjoy together." -Karleigh

#selfgeneratedprojects #kucd #graphicdesign #surfacedesign
Self-Generated Projects! 

Arroo: Surface Pattern Design by Karleigh Patton

"This project is a self-initiated exploration of illustrated surface pattern design inspired by my deep love for dogs and my passion for sewing and textiles. Motivated by the memory of my beloved dog who passed away two years ago, I created a vibrant, dog-themed pattern to honor that connection and envision a future where my next dog could be a therapy companion. The design is intended for use in handmade accessories that celebrate the bond between pets and their people—offering joyful, heartfelt pieces that both owner and dog can enjoy together." -Karleigh

#selfgeneratedprojects #kucd #graphicdesign #surfacedesign
Self-Generated Projects! 

Arroo: Surface Pattern Design by Karleigh Patton

"This project is a self-initiated exploration of illustrated surface pattern design inspired by my deep love for dogs and my passion for sewing and textiles. Motivated by the memory of my beloved dog who passed away two years ago, I created a vibrant, dog-themed pattern to honor that connection and envision a future where my next dog could be a therapy companion. The design is intended for use in handmade accessories that celebrate the bond between pets and their people—offering joyful, heartfelt pieces that both owner and dog can enjoy together." -Karleigh

#selfgeneratedprojects #kucd #graphicdesign #surfacedesign
Self-Generated Projects! 

Arroo: Surface Pattern Design by Karleigh Patton

"This project is a self-initiated exploration of illustrated surface pattern design inspired by my deep love for dogs and my passion for sewing and textiles. Motivated by the memory of my beloved dog who passed away two years ago, I created a vibrant, dog-themed pattern to honor that connection and envision a future where my next dog could be a therapy companion. The design is intended for use in handmade accessories that celebrate the bond between pets and their people—offering joyful, heartfelt pieces that both owner and dog can enjoy together." -Karleigh

#selfgeneratedprojects #kucd #graphicdesign #surfacedesign
Self-Generated Projects! Arroo: Surface Pattern Design by Karleigh Patton "This project is a self-initiated exploration of illustrated surface pattern design inspired by my deep love for dogs and my passion for sewing and textiles. Motivated by the memory of my beloved dog who passed away two years ago, I created a vibrant, dog-themed pattern to honor that connection and envision a future where my next dog could be a therapy companion. The design is intended for use in handmade accessories that celebrate the bond between pets and their people—offering joyful, heartfelt pieces that both owner and dog can enjoy together." -Karleigh #selfgeneratedprojects #kucd #graphicdesign #surfacedesign
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Student Internship Spotlight!

Today, we're spotlighting Jared Bowman and their time as a Graphic Design intern at Meris Inc!

Here's what Jared had to say about their experience:

"I had a wonderful, engaging, and enriching 8 weeks working alongside the creative department at Meris Inc., a full-service advertising agency based in Bethlehem (the entire team works virtually aside from meetings and photo shoots)! During this time, I developed advertisement graphics for brands such as Jenkinson's Boardwalk & Aquarium, Butter Valley Golf, and Treelicious Bakery along with creating an anniversary logo for Jenkinson's. This accompanied web tasks for various companies including Meris themselves. I also completed a brand messaging and rebrand project for Butter Valley and presented it to the entire team in-person at their quarterly sales meeting. I want to thank Chelsea, Angela, Melissa, and the rest of the Meris team for being super inviting and supportive throughout the entire internship! It helped me adjust to the workflow quickly so I could spend as much time as possible learning and growing as a designer. This experience will surely serve as a vital first step in my professional journey!"

#designintern #artanddesign #kucd #studentspotlights
Student Internship Spotlight!

Today, we're spotlighting Jared Bowman and their time as a Graphic Design intern at Meris Inc!

Here's what Jared had to say about their experience:

"I had a wonderful, engaging, and enriching 8 weeks working alongside the creative department at Meris Inc., a full-service advertising agency based in Bethlehem (the entire team works virtually aside from meetings and photo shoots)! During this time, I developed advertisement graphics for brands such as Jenkinson's Boardwalk & Aquarium, Butter Valley Golf, and Treelicious Bakery along with creating an anniversary logo for Jenkinson's. This accompanied web tasks for various companies including Meris themselves. I also completed a brand messaging and rebrand project for Butter Valley and presented it to the entire team in-person at their quarterly sales meeting. I want to thank Chelsea, Angela, Melissa, and the rest of the Meris team for being super inviting and supportive throughout the entire internship! It helped me adjust to the workflow quickly so I could spend as much time as possible learning and growing as a designer. This experience will surely serve as a vital first step in my professional journey!"

#designintern #artanddesign #kucd #studentspotlights
Student Internship Spotlight! Today, we're spotlighting Jared Bowman and their time as a Graphic Design intern at Meris Inc! Here's what Jared had to say about their experience: "I had a wonderful, engaging, and enriching 8 weeks working alongside the creative department at Meris Inc., a full-service advertising agency based in Bethlehem (the entire team works virtually aside from meetings and photo shoots)! During this time, I developed advertisement graphics for brands such as Jenkinson's Boardwalk & Aquarium, Butter Valley Golf, and Treelicious Bakery along with creating an anniversary logo for Jenkinson's. This accompanied web tasks for various companies including Meris themselves. I also completed a brand messaging and rebrand project for Butter Valley and presented it to the entire team in-person at their quarterly sales meeting. I want to thank Chelsea, Angela, Melissa, and the rest of the Meris team for being super inviting and supportive throughout the entire internship! It helped me adjust to the workflow quickly so I could spend as much time as possible learning and growing as a designer. This experience will surely serve as a vital first step in my professional journey!" #designintern #artanddesign #kucd #studentspotlights
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9