Overview

The Communication Design programme at California State University Monterey Bay provides a robust foundation in visual communication and digital media. Students engage with a curriculum that blends technical proficiency with creative strategy to meet the evolving demands of the global design industry.

This degree focuses on developing expertise in several key areas, including game design, web development, and interactive systems. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, the course ensures that students understand the management and communication skills necessary for professional success. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of current technologies and their applications in various creative sectors.

Why Communication Design at California State University Monterey Bay?

The institution offers a distinctive teaching approach that integrates computing concepts with traditional design aesthetics. Students benefit from a curriculum that emphasises professional ethos, teamwork, and ethical responsibility in the digital world. The programme is structured to provide a broad-based understanding of the local and global impact of design on society and organisations.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 6450 per year
National fee: USD 6450 per year
Local fee: USD 6450 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Media Tools I
Design Fundamentals
Web Tools
Major ProSeminar
Typography
Media Tools II
Human-Computer Interaction
Drawing for Digital Media
Drawing for Digital Media Lab
Computing for Designers
Scripting for Multimedia
History of Communication Design
Visual Thinking
User Research and Experience Design
Race, Gender, Class in the Digital World
Communication Design Capstone
Environment Modeling
Character Design
Experimental Typography
Web Scripting
Brand Strategies for Designers
Business of Design
Portfolio Development
Level Design
Character Animation
Diverse History of Contemporary Art
Mixed Media
Photography as Art
Photography as Art Lab

Careers with Communication Design

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles within the design and technology sectors, focusing on visual and interactive media. Potential career paths include positions in web design, game development, and user experience research. The programme equips students with the professional communication skills and technical expertise required by modern creative agencies and digital organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Media Tools

Design

Web Tools

Major ProSeminar

Human-Computer Interaction

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-15 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Seaside, United States

Disciplines

Design Graphic Design Digital Media View 610 other Bachelors in Graphic Design in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.4

English requirements

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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Other requirements

General requirements

Equivalent of a 2.40 Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale in high school

High school diploma equivalent or certificate of graduation

Official high school transcript (official record of marks/scores/grades)

National Test Scores (if required by home country)

SAT or ACT scores required for students who graduate from a US high school or a US accredited international school

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credit accepted but not required

English language proficiency

Have completed the A-G requirements with grades of C- or better.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

6450 USD / year

≈ 6450 USD / year
Out-of-State

6450 USD / year

≈ 6450 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6450 USD / year

≈ 6450 USD / year

Additional Details

Nonresident Tuition: $396 per semester unit. (In addition to basic tuition fees and other systemwide fees charged all students)

Living costs

Seaside

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Communication Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Seaside

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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