Communication Design, Minor

The Communication Design minor provides you with an opportunity to explore your particular interests in web design, interactive media and game design, and traditional graphic design. Students must complete 12 units, with at least 6 units at the upper-division, that do not double count for their major or another minor.

The Communication Design minor provides the opportunity to integrate knowledge of web, visual and interactive media and game design into your major coursework. It provides high-quality educational opportunities to all CSUMB students who want a deeper understanding of design principles, hands-on media production skills, and digital content development in order to make informed contributions to their community with creative digital media designed with industry standard technology.

Required Courses

Please note: Twelve of the units taken to complete a minor (6 of which are upper division) may not be used in fulfillment of other minors, concentrations, or major requirements.

Complete the following courses:
CST 201 - Media Tools I Units: 3
CST 227 - Design Fundamentals Units: 3
Complete at least 6 units from the following courses:
CST 302 - History of Communication Design Units: 3
CST 304 - Typography Units: 4
CST 321 - Game Design and Interactive Media I Units: 4
CST 322 - Environment Modeling Units: 2
CST 323 - Character Design Units: 2
CST 327 - Experimental Typography Units: 3
CST 345 - Visual Thinking Units: 3
CST 346 - Human-Computer Interaction Units: 3
CST 377 - Business of Design Units: 3
CST 406 - Graphic Identity Units: 3
CST 422 - Level Design Units: 2
CST 423 - Character Animation Units: 2
CST 351 - Web Design Units: 4
CST 404 - Publication Design Units: 4
CST 421 - Game Design & Interactive Media II Units: 4
CST 446 - User Research and Experience Design Units: 3

Learning Outcomes

LO 1: Fundamental Design Tools

Students use professional-level media design tools AND Web development skills for the creation of digital content.

LO 2: Aesthetics & Design Principles

Students apply fundamental graphic design principles to create digital content that communicates a specific message to an audience.

LO 3: Communication Design Techniques

Students design static and dynamic digital content using advanced design techniques and tools, and illustrate advanced knowledge of interactivity, usability and aesthetics.