The Program Learning Outcomes articulate the high-level learning that takes place across the Communication Design program.

Learning dimensions

CCA Communication Design’s program learning outcomes are organized around six core learning dimensions. These statements serve as the foundation of the program.

1. Making drives meaning.
2. Message before medium.
3. Design is always a system.
4. Designers cultivate a point of view.
5. Design is grounded in reality.
6. Design demands professionalism.

Program learning outcomes

The program learning outcomes aligned with learning dimensions are listed below.

Making drives meaning.

• Concept Generation: Communication Design students can generate a wide range of concepts through a wide range of methodologies.
• Iteration: Communication Design students can use iterative prototyping to inform design decisions.
• Material & Technical Fluency: Communication Design students can demonstrate proficiency in contemporary and traditional techniques, tools, and media.
• Form-Making Proficiency: Communication Design students can use typography, image-making, motion and interaction effectively, appropriately, and expressively.

Message before medium.

• Deep Research: Communication Design students can conduct contextual and inspirational background research to develop and support concepts.
• Medium-Agnostic Approach: Communication Design students can align medium choices with concept and communication needs.
• Technical Agility & Resourcefulness: Communication Design students can adapt to new tools and technologies in form-making, demonstrating resourcefulness in execution.

Design is always a system.

• Conceptualize Systems: Communication Design students can recognize that everything functions within, and as a system.—”A thing is never a thing”
• Building Systems: Communication Design students can develop and apply elements of a design system to support a cohesive message.
• Manage Flow & Complexity: Communication Design students can use systematic principles, such as hierarchy, multiplicity, and sequencing, to enhance meaning and coherence.

Designers cultivate a point of view.

• Curiosity & Experimentation: Communication Design students can explore ideas through inquiry and hands-on exploration to develop a unique perspective and approach.
• Voice & Expression: Communication Design students can integrate personal voice into work, conceptually and formally.
• Authorship: Communication Design students can take action to initiate and produce self-directed projects.

Design is grounded in reality.

• Design History & Trends: Communication Design students can situate work within historical, theoretical, and contemporary design contexts.
• Social & Environmental Awareness: Communication Design students can consider cultural, political, economic, and environmental factors—“design is not neutral.”
• Audience Awareness: Communication Design students can balance personal expression with empathy for user needs and practical constraints.
• Real-world Application: Communication Design students can demonstrate how their work functions in real contexts, applying knowledge and skills beyond classrooms.

Design demands professionalism.

• Professional Practices and Protocols: Communication Design students can demonstrate knowledge of professional standards in communication, ethics, collaboration, and management.
• Presentation & Articulation: Communication Design students can present work clearly and convincingly, engaging in meaningful conversations with various audiences.
• Documentation: Communication Design students can document the process and final outcome in a manner suited to the medium, professionally and effectively.
• Craftsmanship: Communication Design students can demonstrate a commitment to craftsmanship through attention to detail and quality in form-making.