Simmons College

Joint major with the Computer Science Department

Introduction

The explosion of World Wide Web use has driven a need for web designers and developers.  People who understand both the art and the science of web development are particularly valued.  Graduates will have a firm understanding of the principles of design as well as an understanding of the technical issues involved in the development of an active web site. Students graduating from this major will have an advantage over traditional web designers because they will have a clear understanding of the elements of web development. Likewise, the students will also have an advantage over traditional web developers because they will possess knowledge of the elements of design.

Outline

This major combines existing classes from the Communications and Computer Science programs to create a cohesive major in Web Design & Development. It seeks to draw students who are interested in integrating the two facets of web site creation rather than focusing on either the Graphic Design concentration or the Computer Science major. This new major will benefit both programs by drawing in students from both programs and is in the best tradition of interdisciplinary majors at Simmons.

Step One: Core

• The core classes focus on providing students with a foundation for the other steps in their major.
• COMM 121: Visual Communication
• COMM 210: Introduction to Graphic Design
• CS 112: Introduction to Programming

Step Two: Developmental

• COMM 240: Typography
• COMM 244: Web 1:  Design for the World Wide Web
• CS 113: GUI and Event-Driven Programming
• IT 320: Web Services and Web-Centric Computing (also listed as CS 321)

Step Three: Electives. Students take three electives, not all from the same discipline (CS/COMM)

• CS 227: Computer Networks
• CS 327: Security Issues in a Networked Environment
• CS 333: Database Management Systems
• COMM 340: Type and Image
• COMM 348: Advanced Design
• IT 343: Systems Analysis & Design
• COMM 333: Web II: Motion Graphics

Step Four: Senior Seminar Core

• COMM 334: Senior Seminar

Step Five: Independent Learning

Students many chose to take independent students and internships from either the Communications department or the Computer Science program. This will depend on the nature of the independent study or internship. Students may also opt to take COMM 390: Studio 5 for their independent learning requirement.

Degree options: With the approval of her advisors, a student may choose whether to graduate with a Bachelors of Arts or of Science, depending on which discipline she has chosen the preponderance of her course work.

Please keep in mind that this major will not function as simply a Communications concentration because the core classes do not meet the requirements for the Communications core. This major is also not designed as a replacement for the Graphic Design concentration, as students graduating from the major will not receive the entire breadth of the design curriculum or the Communications core. Likewise, it is not a Computer Science major; students will not be exposed to the breadth of the CS field and would need additional courses to move into other application areas.