Communication Art & Design

Graphic design, the planning and development of visual communication, is a very broad discipline. Designers create books, magazines, visual identification systems, web sites, packaging, advertising, architectural graphics, information graphics, museum displays, and many other applications. However diverse in its usage, all graphic design shares the same purpose–the articulate exchange of information between people through the use of image and word. (AIGA Career Guide)

The Communication Art & Design studio art track is a professional preparatory program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. It is intended to prepare students to eventually assume leadership positions in the field of graphic design. The Communication Art & Design program at the Hite Art Institute is focuses on three aspects: conceptual development, compositional eloquence, and technical proficiency. These aims are accomplished through both hand and computer-based work. 

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree is primarily intended for professionally oriented students. Admission is highly selective and enrollments are limited. We currently accept a maximum of 15 students a year into the BFA program. (Program information and admission options for CA&D [pdf]) Presently accepted majors for the BA in studio art who have completed the Foundations Program (ART 105, 106, 115, and 116), plus have completed or are currently enrolled in ART 371 Introduction to Graphic Design, have a combined GPA in art and art history classes above a 3.01, and a minimum overall GPA of 2.25 are eligible to apply for the BFA program by completing a BFA Application in the Department of Fine Arts. BFA Applications for Communication Art & Design are reviewed once yearly in November. Incoming freshman who have a minimum high school GPA of 3.2 and a minumum ACT of 24 may choose to apply for Guaranteed Early Admission to the BFA track through a supplemental application. (Supplemental Application for Guaranteed Early Admission to CA&D [pdf])

BFA Candidacy

Once admitted to the BFA program, students are expected to work closely with their mentor towards completion of the degree.  All candidates must maintain an overall GPA of 2.25 or above and a departmental GPA of 3.00 or above to remain in the BFA program once accepted.

Communication Art & Design candidates must meet with their mentor each semester to ensure they are performing adequately and following the proper class sequence.

Completing the BFA in Communication Art & Design

In addition to completing the curricular requirements, BFA candidates must also pass their program’s capstone requirement, part of the department’s Learning Outcome Measurement. The Communication Art & Design capstone consists of the student’s successful completion of the Professional Development course and presentation of a portfolio of work to professionals in the field during the Portfolio Day event.

Communication Art & Design Program Brochures 
Download CA&D Brochure [pdf]
Program information and admission options for CA&D [pdf]
Supplemental Application for Guaranteed Early Admission to CA&D [pdf]
Co-op Guildelines
AIGA Career Guide
CA&D Report 2007-2008 

Contact Us
For further information regarding the Communication Art & Design Program,
please contact:

Professor Steven Skaggs 
Email Steven Skaggs
Phone: 502.852.0807, or 

Leslie Friesen
Designer-in-Residence
Email Leslie Friesen
Phone: 502.852.3605

Downloads in PDF format (you must have Adobe Acrobat)