A new degree option at the University of Houston-Victoria can lead to careers in multimedia, design and publishing.

A bachelor’s degree in communication design recently was approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the accrediting body for universities in the southeastern U.S.

Jeffrey Di Leo

“We have some outstanding degree choices in the School of Arts & Sciences, and this degree lends itself to so many career paths,” said Jeffrey Di Leo, dean of the UHV School of Arts & Sciences. “Effective communication is one of the most sought-after attributes by employers, and this will help students become assets to any type of industry or organization they join after graduation.”

The degree, offered only in Victoria, is focused on the history, theory and practice of communication design. Students will study the principles of visual organization and composition, information hierarchy, symbolic representation, typography, aesthetics and meaningful image construction.

Uppinder Mehan

“This degree is for students who wish to study how we communicate, as well as how to present information,” said Uppinder Mehan, interim chair of the School of Arts & Sciences Humanities Division. “The degree will prepare students to enter a number of fields, from video production and news writing, to public relations, graphic design, Web design and even areas such as fashion and interior design.”

UHV faculty will focus on giving students the necessary skills to use the latest and best software available today, and help them understand their role in creating, reproducing and distributing words and visual messages. Relevant tools and technologies include drawing, offset printing, photography, and interactive media, such as film, video and computer multimedia.

During their degree pursuit, students also will study design history, theory and criticism in art history, linguistics, communication and information theory, technology, and the social and cultural use of design objects. They will work to understand basic business practices, including the ability to organize design projects and work on a team.

The UHV School of Arts & Sciences now offers 16 bachelor’s degrees and secondary teacher certifications.

For more information about the bachelor’s degree in communication design, contact Mehan at mehanu@uhv.edu or call the School of Arts & Sciences at 361-570-4100.