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
This week for our Internship Spotlight we are taking a look at Madelyn Juckniewitz and her time at @williamfoxmunroe! Here is what Madelyn had to say:
This semester, I’ve had the opportunity to intern at William Fox Munroe alongside talented designers and great mentors. I’ve always been interested in packaging design, but didn’t have much experience in this area of the industry. My time at WFM has allowed me to explore packaging design more closely and better understand the process behind it.
I’m especially grateful for the feedback and guidance I’ve received from Matt, WFM’s Design Director. Learning from someone with so much experience has helped me grow as a designer and become more confident in my work.
Overall, this internship has given me a better understanding of the design industry and what I can expect in my future career. I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned from the talented team at WFM and excited to see what else I take away from this experience!
#kucd #studentintern #communicationdesign
2 days ago
This week for our Internship Spotlight we are taking a look at Avianna Sottosanti and her time at @artskills! Here is what Avianna had to say:
This fall semester, I had the amazing opportunity to intern at ArtSkills and work alongside such talented designers! Throughout my internship, I gained valuable insight into the consumer product design industry and had the opportunity to contribute to a variety of exciting projects. I was able to assist with product testing, brainstorming, editing, and developing creative ideas. This experience strengthened my understanding of what it takes to create thoughtful and effective designs in a professional setting. I’m incredibly grateful to Jacklyn, my mentor, and everyone in the Art Department for their patience, guidance, and support throughout my time at ArtSkills. I’m excited to carry everything I’ve learned with me as I continue to grow as a designer!
#kucd #studentintern #communicationdesign
5 days ago
Return of the CD Grads! October 2 at 10am in Sharadin 120. This year we have two incredible 2015 graduates returning to share their insights with us, Nicholas Stover and Meg Yoder.
Nicholas is a multidisciplinary designer who worked at New York studios Carbone Smolan and Order, is now a Senior Art Director at Apple in Cupertino, California. Meg designs product and packaging for home brands like Anthropologie and Studio McGee, translating the vision of chefs, artists, and tastemakers into market ready decor.
Pizza will be served after the event in room 120 🍕
Poster design by Sarah Love 👏
5 days ago
Starting of the semesters with our first Internship Spotlight!! This week we are highlighting Annalie Beaver who interned at @lehighminingandnav! Here is what she had to say about her time there:
"This semester, I had the awesome opportunity to be an intern with Lehigh Mining and Navigation! Over the course of my internship, I worked with their social media team to create graphics and animations. As LMN works with a lot of local clients, I was able to observe some of how they conduct brand research and meet with a client to develop a brand. I am so grateful to have had the experience to create something that has a real-world impact and to learn from my talented mentor, Denis Aumiller. Being a part of their team has taught me so much about the professional world of design, and I am thankful to be able to take away so much knowledge for my future journey!" #kucd #studentintern
1 week ago
Hey KUCD, what are you doing this weekend? Five amazing grads are exhibiting work at @eastonfest, a new projection mapping festival in Easton. Come see work by kucd alumni superstars @brayden_wisner, @design.nguyen, @jamo.gd, @khaidoan267, @evan_henninger, and also Prof Miller @codesketchbook ! Hope to see you there- a map is up at eastonfest.com
1 week ago
Need a quick brain break? Thursday, September 17th @11:00 Sharadin Art Building // Stop by and doodle! No artistic skills required. #doodleday #StressRelief
2 weeks ago
🍦 Get the inside scoop on AIGA! 🍦
Join AIGA tomorrow, September 10 at 5 PM in Sharadin 213 for our Welcome Back Ice Cream Social!
Come meet other CD students, learn more about AIGA, hear what’s coming up this year, AND grab some sweet treats. 🍨
📍 Sharadin 213
📅 September 10
⏰ 5 PM
3 weeks ago
🎧 What if you could see, feel, and hear sound at the same time?
Check out TypeSense, MFA graduate Crystal Goodwin’s immersive research project where typography, light, color, and vibration respond to music in real time. ⚡
Swipe through for a preview, then experience the full project:
MFA Graduate Research Project | Crystal Goodwin, TypeSense!#KutztownCD #MFA #TypeDesign #InteractiveDesign #CreativeTechnology
3 months ago
