New BFA in Communication Design Aligns TAMU-CC Students with Industry Demands

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — This fall, the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design transitioned into a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design, a more comprehensive, career-focused degree that offers enhanced creative opportunities and a stronger foundation for your professional path in the design industry. The new BFA offers expanded upper-division coursework, allowing students to build broader skillsets with more studio time, while maintaining the academic rigor and professional preparation the program is known for.

  “This new direction represents more student agency,” said Andrea Hempstead, Associate Professor of Communication Design. “Students will have a deeper foundation in core skills with a broader range of choice for specialty courses, allowing them to customize their paths and shape their careers as creative professionals."

The BFA in Communication Design is a comprehensive four-year program that prepares students to become versatile visual communicators across traditional and emerging media. Through a carefully sequenced curriculum, students develop expertise in foundational design principles while mastering diverse specializations that span visual identity and branding, print and publication design, digital interfaces and interactive experiences, motion graphics and time-based media, packaging and environmental graphics, and design research and strategy. Graduates leave with polished, professional portfolios and are prepared for immediate entry into the design workforce or further study in Master of Fine Arts programs.

A cornerstone of the program’s success is its outstanding internship initiative. Approximately 25-30 students are placed in design-centered internships yearly, with 95% of those internships offering paid opportunities. Faculty said these internships often lead directly to full-time careers. TAMU-CC alumni have secured creative roles at major brands such as Poppi, Dr. Pepper, Smoothie King, Whataburger, and Hasbro, as well as top advertising agencies like The Marketing Arm, 3Headed Monster, MDR Advertising, and Tracey Locke.

“Our internships are not just résumé-builders,” said Alexandria Canchola, Associate Professor of Communication Design and Internship Coordinator. “They’re about connection, confidence, and real-world experience.”

For recent graduates Chloe Hill ’25 and Jayden Rea ’25, the design program was transformative. While interning at CSA Marketing Group, Hill pitched and ultimately led the design of a large-scale mural at Concrete Street Amphitheater.

“When I got there, they were open to letting me choose projects I was interested in,” Hill said. “I had never done a mural, but I’d always wanted to.”

Students like Hill and Rea are not only creating portfolio-defining projects but also giving back to the community in tangible ways. Their mural now serves as both a vibrant backdrop for concertgoers and a visual tribute to the local music scene.

Students have also distinguished themselves in creative competitions, collecting more than 150 awards since 2019. Honors include recognition from the American Advertising Federation, National Salute, International Design, Indigo, and DIELINE Packaging Awards.

Currently, the program serves around 100 declared majors. Students undergo two formal portfolio reviews during their academic journey to maintain high standards and ensure continuous development.

“Our portfolio reviews uphold essential standards to ensure our students are performing well and aligned with industry expectations,” said Nancy Miller, Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Communication Design. “We want our students to graduate with confidence — not just in their work, but in their ability to communicate, to collaborate, and to lead.”

Students develop core competencies throughout the curriculum, like concept development, design composition, pitching, content creation, technical production, publication and promotional design, digital imaging, user interface/user experience (UI/UX), social media design, environmental graphics, and mobile application development.

“The program has taught me how to move beyond pure aesthetics and build a systematic design process, from initial concept to final execution,” said Felix Luna ’26, communication design student major. “I have actively translated my academic skills into professional practice by working for the past three years as a graphic designer for a diverse range of clients, including local small businesses and nonprofits.”

Backed by expert faculty and professional-grade resources, including Adobe Creative Cloud, iPads, large-format printers, and dedicated iMac labs, students have access to the tools they need to create standout work.

“Our students are creative, determined, and ready for anything,” said David Shield, Assistant Professor of Communication Design. “This program is about helping them shape a future in design that’s meaningful, impactful, and theirs to define.”

To see student work and alumni success stories, visit the Communication Design website and follow @tamuccdesign on Instagram.