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
Design is research.
Submit a poster showcasing your design process or final artwork at the Berks County Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference (HECBC) 2026.
It’s a great addition to your resume—and a chance to share your creative thinking beyond the classroom.
#advising #undergradresearch #designprocess #creativework #portfolio
6 days ago
The awards keep coming for KUCD!
In addition to multiple Gold honors, KU students also brought home 9 Silver ADDY Awards for their outstanding work.
Here are some of the projects that earned Silver recognition this year.
Ashes of Appalachia - Leah Bloss
GreenScout App - Jake Youse
Crow's Cache Antique Shop - Justin Conley
Rep Yo Sour - AJ Haynes
Black Dust Brewing Company - Michael Hegedus
Cat Whisperer - Halle Coller
Cinnabon #Readyforthenextdate - Kylie Ennis
Corn Infused Mezcal - Ruby Garcia
Dirty Laundry - Nathan Connolly
#KUCD #ADDYAwards #DesignExcellence #KutztownUniversity
2 weeks ago
Kutztown showed up and showed out at the ADDY Awards.
Our Communication Design students took home 7 Gold ADDYs, along with many other honors we will be recognizing this week! Here are seven of the gold-winning projects that helped KU make such a strong impact this year.
Goated Laundromat & Sports Bar - Sydney Reicher
Voila Music Video - Lien Nguyen
Vur & Veld - Emma Blomiley
Extra: Focus on You - Jameson Ruth
Alec’s Save the Pollinators - Brynn Patchell
Try Censoring This - Jake Youse
Drifting Through Dreams Animation - Rachel Moss
#KUCD #ADDYAwards #DesignExcellence #KutztownUniversity
2 weeks ago
Today, we're spotlighting Liz Heisey and their time as a Graphic Design intern at Sorrelli!
Here's what Liz had to say about her time there:
"I had the great opportunity to intern at Sorrelli and work with Rachel Miller and other amazing designers. I had the privilege of coming up with their holiday branding and using my illustration skills to develop creative assets for the team to use in their projects. It was exciting to work at a quick pace. I enjoyed working on different kinds of projects like promotions for Halloween and the Wicked Movie. I learned a lot about design layout and animation, specifically in social media. I am thankful for this internship and the experience I gained from my time working with these designers."
#kucd #studentintern #internship
3 weeks ago
Join us for a special Faculty First Thursday featuring Professor John Steven Gurney, author and illustrator of Dinosaur Train and the Fuzzy Baseball graphic novel series.
With over 140 illustrated chapter books to his name — including A to Z Mysteries and The Bailey School Kids — Professor Gurney will share an overview of his illustration career and dive into the creative process behind building the world of Fuzzy Baseball.
From publishing to graphic novels to teaching Illustration and Drawing at Kutztown University, his experience spans decades of storytelling through art.
Don’t miss this inside look at a professional illustrator’s journey and process.
3 weeks ago
Starting Fall 2026, we’re launching a 4+1 BFA/MA program, meaning you can earn your Communication Design Bachelor’s + Master’s in just 5 years.
Want to know how it works?
Info Meetings:
Tuesday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 16 at 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, May 6 at 7:00 p.m.
All students are welcome, freshmen through seniors. Graduating in May? You can still enroll in the MA program. Come learn how. Sign up online:
https://www.kutztown.edu/academics/colleges-and-departments/visual-and-performing-arts/majors-minors-and-certificates/art-and-design/master-of-arts-in-communication-design-(ma).html
3 weeks ago
Fun fact! 😱 Did you know our two favorite typography teachers have the same birthday and are the same age happy birthday Professor Kresge and Professor Clair!!!#kucdrocks
4 weeks ago
This week for our Internship Spotlight we are taking a look at Juliza Rodriguez! Here is what Juliza had to say about her time at First Generation:
"This fall, I had the opportunity to complete my internship during the dates of October to December at First Generation, fully in person from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. It was such a meaningful and unforgettable experience. I spent my time working on a wide range of projects, but some of my favorites were the social media posts I created for different clients. Especially all the themed content during the holidays for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Getting to design posts that were fun, engaging, and true to each brand's personality taught me so much about consistency and creative problem-solving. Throughout my time at First Generation, everyone was incredibly kind, patient, and welcoming. From day one, I felt supported and encouraged to grow not just as a designer, but as a creative thinker and collaborator. I walked away with new skills, more confidence, and a deeper understanding of the design field. I am so grateful for this opportunity and truly thankful for the chance to intern at First Generation. This experience has made me even more excited for the future and everything still ahead!"
#kucd #studentintern #designintern
4 weeks ago
Intricate Interplay at the Portland Winter Light Festival ✨
A new collaboration between Professor Josh Miller @codesketchbook and KUCD alum Joey Strain @joey_strain.
Their work was projected in Portland, Oregon as part of the festival—featuring free light-based art, immersive sculpture, performances, and participatory events across the city in February.
If you love this, consider taking Creative Code in Fall 2026.
#advising #creativecode #whatstandsoutinaportfolio #professorsrock #kucdrocks
4 weeks ago
