Undergraduate

Digital Communication Design: Graphic Design Option

Develop the skills to create compelling visual content using tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and to apply strategic marketing techniques.

2026

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Location

Online

Courses

25*

Credit

120 hrs.*

Full-time

Varies (Transfer up to 90 credits)

Part-time

Varies (Transfer up to 90 credits)

View course catalog

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College of Professional Studies

The University of New Hampshire offers an online Bachelor of Science in Digital Communication Design with a Graphic Design option, preparing students with the skills to create compelling visual content using tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and to apply strategic marketing techniques. The program integrates technical and creative disciplines, focusing on effective message conveyance, media design, marketing fundamentals, and information technology.

Graduates are prepared for careers in fields such as web development, marketing strategy, art direction, and graphic design, where they can plan, create, and present successful design solutions targeted to specific audiences.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

College of Professional Studies

What is the Graphic Design Option in Digital Communication Design?

The Bachelor of Science in Digital Communication Design prepares students for the expanding fields of digital communication and social media as used in business and the public sphere to market products, establish brands, enhance an organization’s presence in the public eye, and support the democratization of society. The program integrates technical and creative disciplines through study of communication modes, media design, marketing fundamentals, and information technology. The B.S. in Digital Communication Design fosters learning that prepares graduates to make a strategic contribution in public and private enterprises that require the ability to convey messages effectively, manage information appropriately, respond to emerging environments, and employ technology strategically in a digital environment.

Why study the Graphic Design Option in Digital Communication Design at UNH College of Professional Studies?

In a highly connected world, the design of digital communications—from impactful visual elements, to sharp and effective written content—is critical. Those who can align their messages across multiple communication modes, employ technology strategically, and respond to advancements in the field, are well-suited to career opportunities in this dynamic field. With our bachelor’s in Digital Communication Design, you’ll learn how to convey messages visually, employ sound design principles using the Adobe Creative Cloud, and apply strategic marketing techniques. Specialize your learning by selecting an option that aligns with your professional interests and goals. The option in Graphic Design focuses on how to plan, create, and present successful design solutions targeted to specific audiences.

Potential Career Areas

Web Developer
Marketing Strategist
Art Director
Special Effects Artist and Animator
Graphic Designer
Producer and Director
Photographer
Film and Video Editor
Desktop Publisher
Pre-press Technician

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

Degree Plan

This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.

Sample Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
ART 401	Introduction to Drawing	4
ART 515	Digital Photography	4
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
General Education Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
ART 512	Fundamentals of Design	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
MTH 402 or MTH 504 or MTH 510	Math for Our World or Statistics or Pre-Calculus	4
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
COM 504	Web Development I	4
MKT 510	Principles of Marketing	4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
COM 535	Visual Media Production	4
COM 545	Digital Illustration	4
COM 645	Advanced Digital Illustration	4
General Education Course		4
	Credits	16
Third Year
Fall
CRIT 602	Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking	4
MKT 600	Social Media Marketing	4
MKT 517 or MKT 645	Consumer Behavior or Marketing Research	4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
COM 680	Trends in Digital and Social Media	4
COM 665 or CMPL 622 or COM 670 or COM 685 or DAT 510 or MKT 720	Media and Strategic Communication or Human Computer Interaction or Advanced Visual Communication or Web Development II or Introduction to Data Analytics or Digital Advertising	4
General Education Course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Fourth Year
Fall
COM 743	Synthetic Media and the Construction of Reality	4
CMPL 622 or COM 665 or COM 670 or COM 685 or DAT 510 or MKT 720	Human Computer Interaction or Media and Strategic Communication or Advanced Visual Communication or Web Development II or Introduction to Data Analytics or Digital Advertising	4
IDIS 601A or IDIS 601B or IDIS 601C	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Being Happy or Interdisciplinary Seminar: Business of Beer or Interdisciplinary Seminar: Paranormal Activities	4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
COM 798	Integrative Capstone: Project in Digital Communication Design	4
Elective		4
	Credits	8
	Total Credits	120

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 120 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 30 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0 is required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: General Education Program

Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.

*GPA: Major and any state certification GPA requirements may be higher and are indicated in program details.

A minimum grade of C- is required in all Major coursework. Some programs may have higher grade requirements for Major coursework as noted in the Major requirements section below. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor, and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor. Please note that Option requirements are considered part of the Major. Students must complete 16 upper-level credits in majors within the College of Professional Studies, Online.

General Education Program Requirements

A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor.

All General Education requirements must be taken prior to the capstone.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
Select one of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems		4
Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World		4
Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression		4
CRIT 602	Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking	4
IDIS 601A	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Being Happy	4
or IDIS 601B	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Business of Beer
or IDIS 601C	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Paranormal Activities
Total Credits		40

Writing Program Requirements

All bachelor's degree candidates are required to complete four writing intensive courses as part of the University Writing Program Requirements as follows:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process
One Writing Intensive course in the Major
One Writing Intensive course at the 600-level or above
One Additional Writing Intensive Course

Writing Intensive courses are identified with the label "Writing Intensive Course" in the "Attributes" section of the course description and/or a W following the course number.

Major Requirements

Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete all General Education program requirements. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. Refer to the Degree Plan for a sample course sequence. Academic Advisor approval is required for registration to be processed.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Major in Digital Communication Design
Foundational Courses
ART 401	Introduction to Drawing	4
ART 512	Fundamentals of Design	4
ART 515	Digital Photography	4
Intermediate Courses
COM 504	Web Development I	4
COM 535	Visual Media Production	4
MKT 510	Principles of Marketing	4
Advanced Courses
COM 680	Trends in Digital and Social Media	4
COM 743	Synthetic Media and the Construction of Reality	4
MKT 645	Marketing Research	4
or MKT 517	Consumer Behavior
Option in Graphic Design
COM 545	Digital Illustration	4
COM 645	Advanced Digital Illustration	4
MKT 600	Social Media Marketing	4
Select two from the following:		8
CMPL 622	Human Computer Interaction
or COM 665	Media and Strategic Communication
or COM 670	Advanced Visual Communication
or COM 685	Web Development II
or DAT 510	Introduction to Data Analytics
or MKT 720	Digital Advertising
Integrative Capstone
COM 798	Integrative Capstone: Project in Digital Communication Design	4
Total Credits		60

Electives

Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, option or minor. Students will need 120 credits total to graduate with a bachelor's degree from the Online Division of the College of Professional Studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Express ideas and concepts through the development of digital content.
Employ sound design principles throughout the design process.
Select and use appropriate technologies for specific media and design objectives.
Implement and assess approaches for strategic content creation and development through digital communication.
Develop specialized knowledge and skill in a specific aspect or professional practice within digital communication.
Apply theories of communication to individuals, groups, and mass media.
Employ an understanding of the impact of cultural differences on digital media in a global context.
Demonstrate aptitude with research methodology and data analysis as these inform the fields of communication and media production.
Integrate individual reflection on questions of ethics, privacy, conflict, and citizenship as these inform digital media.

Course Highlights

Introduction to Drawing
Fundamentals of Design
Digital Photography
Web Development 1
Visual Media Production
Principles of Marketing
Trends in Digital and Social Media
Synthetic Media and Construction of Reality
Integrative Capstone: Project in Digital Communications and Design
…and more!

Key Benefits of UNH CPS Online

Advantages

100% online courses – Learn from anywhere with flexible scheduling.
8-week terms – Move toward your goals faster.
Affordable tuition – Among the lowest in New England and nationwide.
Nationally ranked – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Regionally accredited – By the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
Generous transfer credit policy – About 89% of our students transfer in; we specialize in maximizing your previous college coursework and other college-level learning.
Credit for prior learning – Earn credit for relevant work experience, military training, and other learning outside the classroom.
Rolling admissions – Apply anytime and start in the term that works for you.
No GMAT or GRE required – Streamlined admissions process.
Expert faculty – Instructors are subject matter experts who share real-world experience to help you apply what you learn to your career goals.
Career advising for life – Available to all students, alumni, and even prospective students exploring their options.

Transfer Pathway

Whether you completed your associate degree or took a few courses, we have experience working with community college students nationwide and we are experts at maximizing your transfer credits. We are proud of our formal partnerships to support community college graduates through our Transfer Pathways.

Students pursuing an associate degree at a New Hampshire community college are encouraged to explore our Transfer Pathway below.

B.S. Digital Communication Design CCSNH Transfer Pathway

Admissions Requirements

Completion of our free, online application for admission
High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC

Credit for What you Know

Your Prior Learning Counts

Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.

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