Design

Undergraduate

Simmons students working in and walking through the Ifill School lobby

Build visual intelligence, create compelling messages

In Simmons University's Design minor and concentration, you will explore human-centered design, learning about different perspectives and focus on the audience and community. You will combine technical skills with critical thinking through hands-on projects and internships.

Our curriculum covers a variety of communications disciplines. You'll engage in coursework in integrated media, media studies, public relations and marketing communications, and journalism. 

That versatility will set you apart. Employers know Simmons graduates understand the bigger picture and can contribute to any creative team from day one.

What can you do with a minor in Design?

Our location in Boston means access to exciting internships and real-world experience. With highly competitive design skills, you'll find fulfilling and creative internships in places ranging from WGBH to Puma.

As a Design student, you won’t just learn to make things look visually appealing. You’ll understand how design creates meaning, builds connections, and drives impact.

Design is offered as both a stand-alone minor and as a concentration within the Communications major.

Majors complete 42 credits in Communications, including 3 required core courses, 2 1-credit technology courses, 4 courses in their concentration (Design, Journalism, or Integrated Media), 2 Communications courses outside their concentration, and an independent learning Capstone.

Step One: Core Requirements

All Communications students take a three-course introductory core.

COMM121 Visual Communication 4
COMM122 Media Writing and Editing 4
COMM124 Media, Message, and Society 4

Step Two: Technology Courses

All students complete at least two-credits of technology skill-based courses.

COMM110 Introduction to 2D Design Technology 1
COMM112 Introduction to Animation & Motion Graphics Technology 1
COMM114 Introduction to Audio and Video Editing 1

Step Three: Concentration Courses

Students take four courses in one of the concentrations, as detailed below, and 2 Communications courses outside of their concentration. At least two of these six courses are at the 300 level.

Design Integrated Media Journalism

Step Four: Capstone

Students take at least 4 credits of an independent learning Capstone in the senior year:

COMM370 Internship 4
COMM390 Studio 5: A Communication Workplace 4

Design Concentration

Students in the Design Concentration complete the Communications Core, 2 Technology courses, 4 courses in the Design concentration, 2 Communications courses outside Design, and a Capstone.

Design Concentration Courses:

COMM138 Darkroom Photography 4
COMM139 Digital Photography 4
COMM210 Introduction to Graphic Design 4
COMM232 Advanced Digital Photography 4
COMM237 Advanced Darkroom Photography 4
COMM240 Typography 4
COMM241 Human-Centered Design 4
COMM244 Introduction to Web and Interactive Design 4
COMM246 Digital Imaging for Design 4
COMM286 Introduction to Advertising Practice and Branding 4
COMM333 Design for User Experience 4
COMM340 Advanced Design 4

Integrated Media Concentration

Students in Integrated Media complete the Communications Core, 2 Technology courses, 4 courses in the Integrated Media concentration, 2 Communications courses outside Integrated Media, and a Capstone.

Integrated Media Courses:

COMM120 Communications Media 4
COMM163 Radio Operations and Podcasting 4
COMM186 Introduction to Public Relations and Integrated Marketing Communications 4
COMM195 Art of Film 4
COMM220 Video Production 4
COMM221 The Critical Lens: Introduction to Film and Media Theory 4
COMM222 Animation 4
COMM 224 Storytelling 4
COMM262 Media Convergence 4
COMM269 Globalization and Intercultural Communication 4
COMM281 Content Creation and Strategy 4
COMM323 Digital Cultures 4
COMM324 Social Media: Social Listening and Analytics 4

Journalism Concentration

Students in the Journalism Concentration complete the Communications Core, 2 Technology courses, 4 courses in the Journalism concentration, 2 courses Communications courses outside Journalism, and a Capstone.

Journalism Courses:

COMM181 Public Speaking and Presentation 4
COMM 215 Blogging & Opinion and Editorial Writing 4
COMM239 Documentary Photography 4
COMM260 Journalism 4
COMM263 Social Media Journalism 4
COMM310 In-Depth Storytelling 4
COMM312 Health Communications 4
COMM320 Media Law and Ethics 4
COMM322 Video Journalism 4
COMM327 Culture of the News 4

Required

COMM121 Visual Communication 4
COMM210 Introduction to Graphic Design 4

Electives (8 credits, choose two)

COMM240 Typography 4
COMM241 Human-Centered Design 4
COMM244 Introduction to Web and Interactive Design 4
COMM246 Digital Imaging for Design 4
COMM286 Introduction to Advertising Practice and Branding 4
COMM333 Design for User Experience 4
COMM340 Advanced Design 4

COMM 328: when appropriate

Tech Courses (2 credits, choose two)

COMM110 Introduction to 2D Design Technology 1
COMM112 Introduction to Animation & Motion Graphics Technology 1
COMM114 Introduction to Audio and Video Editing 1

Internships are a key component of the Design program. In a cultural center like Boston, there are a myriad of opportunities to build your skills, resume, and networking relationships with organizations in the city and beyond. Recent internship placements include WGBH and Puma.

Spotlight on Design Students and Alums

Christa N. Garubo ’91 stands next to a large golden statue of Mickey Mouse

Art Director Alumna Reflects on Simmons Experience

Christa N. Garubo ’91, who studied graphic design at Simmons, is a senior art director at ABC News/Disney. Garubo has been with ABC News/Disney for 30-plus years and primarily works on the television program 20/20, but also ventures out into long-form media for Hulu and Freeform.


Linda Siperstein Adler ’73 seated at a table during her 50th class reunion

Linda Siperstein Adler ’73 Writes (Technically) for Robots

Linda Siperstein Adler shares her career experiences in publishing and technical writing, and her work as chair of the 50th Reunion Committee for the Class of 1973.


Headshot of Vanessa Bruce

Equalizing the Market: Bringing Power to Women-Owned Businesses with Vanessa Bruce '09

Start-up founder, Vanessa Bruce '09, is driving money directly to women-owned businesses with her online marketplace, Dough. Now a community of over 30,000 users, Dough is shaking up how women-led businesses are funded and tackling economic equity.