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.
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.
Instagram @ku_cd
🎓 Congratulations, KUCD Class of 2025! 🎉
This is a huge accomplishment! We’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved.
As you head into the next chapter, remember to:
💡 Keep learning
🎨 Keep making cool designs
📬 Stay in touch
❤️ And never forget all the good times at KUCD
Best of luck on all your future endeavors, the world is ready for your creativity! #KUCD2025 #DesignGrads #KeepCreating
3 months ago
Sharadin Shares: Episode 3! 📽
We hit the halls of Sharadin to ask KUCD students their favorite class, project, and activity of the semester! Again, thank you to @justin_inc for being our host!
What were your favorite courses, projects, and activities of the semester?
#finalsweek #kucd #sharadinshares
3 months ago
Student Internship Spotlight!
Today, we're spotlighting Olivia Trickilo and their time as a Graphic Design intern at Meris!
Here's what Olivia had to say about their experience:
"I had an amazing time interning at Meris, a marketing agency in Bethlehem! During my time there, I was able to gain a great deal of insight of the industry from the my mentor and the amazing creative department team. As a intern, I was given the opportunity to work on projects for Jenkinson's Boardwalk, Lido Restaurant, and so many other amazing businesses. Being able to collaborate and create work for real-life clients was an amazing experience. The entire staff was so welcoming when I arrived and supportive of what I was able to help them out with. Overall, Meris has expanded my creativity and knowledge of the design field with working with graphics, advertising, and web design-- I am so appreciative of Meris and KUCD for this internship!!"
#designintern #artanddesign #kucd #studentspotlights
3 months ago
Student Internship Spotlight!
Today, we're spotlighting Mackenzie Schoppe and their time as a Graphic Design intern at Lehigh Mining & Navigation!
Here's what Mackenzie had to say about their experience:
“I had the amazing opportunity to intern at Lehigh Mining & Navigation, an advertising agency in Allentown. While there, I worked under the mentorship of a few talented KUCD alums, learning from their expertise and gaining insight into their projects. During my internship, I created and edited social media content, assisted in designing still headers for the agency’s website, and created a logo for a new food tasting/judging segment for their socials. Additionally, I made two stop motion videos for their Instagram, which I’m excited to add to my portfolio. One of my favorite aspects of the experience was attending office meetings which were always the highlight of my Monday mornings. Through this internship, I gained invaluable knowledge about how advertising agencies operate, how the industry functions, and how to work and collaborate within a creative team. I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned and the amazing people I got to work with!”
#designintern #artanddesign #kucd #studentspotlights
3 months ago
Big congratulations to Ian McDonald for winning a prestigious award in the Multidisciplinary Portfolio category at The One Club for Creativity’s Young Ones Portfolio competition!
This international competition challenges top students from colleges, grad programs, and portfolio schools to showcase their best work, and Ian rose to the top. His portfolio, featuring six standout projects, impressed a global jury of industry professionals.
The awards ceremony occurred at the iconic Sony Hall in NYC on May 13, where Ian was officially recognized for his exceptional talent and creative vision.
We’re incredibly proud of Ian and the Kutztown Communication Design Program for this well-deserved international recognition. It's good to be KUCD, and it's good to be golden.
You can check out Ian's portfolio here
https://www.imcd.design/
#YoungOnes2025 #KUCD #DesignExcellence #CreativeTalent
3 months ago
Students enrolled in Self-Generated projects were asked what their favorite memory from their time at KUCD, and these were their responses!
What has been your favorite memory at KUCD so far?
#kucd #artanddesign #studentfeedback
3 months ago
Explore the evolution of typographic complexity in the newly updated Mastering Type, Second Edition by Professor Denise Bosler.
This post features excerpts from each section — letter, word, sentence, paragraph, page, and screen — revealing how great design is built, step by step.
If you're interested in seeing more, you can secure your own copy here:
👉 https://a.co/d/fEDIGvK
3 months ago
Attention all seniors!
Portfolio Review Night Prep Session!
During the practice sessions, you will get a chance to present your work, get some feedback from peers and faculty, and hopefully get some of the jitters out ahead of time
In the first half, we will provide tips on what to expect, how to dress professionally, what to bring with you, and how to make the most of this amazing night. In the second half, you will practice presenting your portfolio to your peers.
We hope to see you there!!
3 months ago
Student Internship Spotlight!
Today, we're spotlighting Ruby Garcia and their time as a Graphic Design intern at Ignite2x!
Here's what Ruby had to say about their experience:
"I had the privilege to intern at Ignite2X during my time at KUCD and it was such an amazing experience! Under the guidance of KUCD Alumni Mentor, Sarah Hersh, and Creative Director, Virginia Porcino, I learned valuable industry knowledge. During my time here, I worked on various projects, like Social Media Graphics, hand-made illustrations, product staging, designed various brief visuals for campaigns, and much more! Interning at Ignite2X refined my design skills, learned how to take feedback, and be willing to always take the challenge. I am so grateful not just for my mentor and director, but the whole team who made me feel welcome ever since the first day I popped up in the office. I will take all of knowledge and experience with me in my future career!"
#designintern #artanddesign #kucd #studentspotlights
4 months ago
