Bachelor of Science Communications and Media Design
The Program
The Communications and Media Design (CMD) program covers all aspects of media content creation, including the planning, organizing, writing, and designing of information and communications.
The program emphasizes content creation with advanced digital media tools in the fields of:
• Interactive media
• Application and site design
• Writing and editing
• Imaging
• Photography
• Animation
• Video scripting
• Video production
The program studies how communicating, designing, and creating content in our increasingly saturated media environment is influenced by technological and societal developments, including how social media tools impact contemporary communication and content. Students choose electives from concentrations in:
• Interactive media and game design
• Graphic design and communication
• Digital imaging, video, and animation
Design Studios
SUNY Poly has two 24-station digital design studios to support advanced design, writing, animation, and imaging courses. The studios include dual-boot (PC and Mac operating systems) Apple computers with 27-inch displays and a full suite of software to support:
• Game design
• Graphic design
• Digital photography
• Video
• A nimation
• Photography
• Text layout
• Web design
Software available for student use includes products from the Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Dreamweaver.
Accelerated BS/MS Option
The accelerated BS/MS in Communications + Media Design (BS) is an exciting opportunity for high-achieving students to complete both their bachelor’s in CMD and master’s degree in Information Design + Technology (MS IDT) in a shorter amount of time with a reduced total number of required credits. Ultimately, the students in our accelerated program save both time and money, setting them up for post-graduation success.
Students accepted into the BS/MS program follow the same path to receiving their bachelor’s degree as their BS-only peers and receive their bachelor’s degree once those requirements are completed. However, accelerated BS/MS students enjoy many exclusive benefits:
n Significant cost savings
n Higher earning potential
n Course scheduling flexibility
n Expanded choice of elective classes
Concentrations
Interactive Media & Game Design
Prepares students to enter the interactive media and game design industries as lead designers, concept artists, scripters, writers, and project managers. Students will develop requisite programming, design, and management skills with use of cutting-edge development tools and dedicated studio spaces. Students will be able to choose a focus between programming and art within the track or increase the breadth of their studies within CMD and SUNY Poly.
Graphic Design & Communication
Prepares students to enter the professional world as new media producers and writers, graphic designers, public relations, visualization experts, communication professionals, and social media strategists. The degree also prepares them for graduate work in related academic disciplines. Students will develop proficiencies in industry-standard software and emerging technologies.
Digital Imaging, Video, & Animation
Prepares students to enter the video production and digital animation industry as script writers, producers, and creative directors for dramatic, entertainment, and educational/training video and animation. Students will develop proficiencies using technologies and software to support writing, storyboarding, producing, and editing.
Careers in Communications and Media Design
Graduates from the program find employment in interactive media and game design, social media strategy, web design, professional writing and editing, video production, instructional design technologies, training and teaching, communication management, computer documentation, public relations, graphics, journalism, and document design. Students may also go on to graduate study in information design, graphic design, journalism, social media, computer interface design, and media studies.
What You’ll Study:
Core Courses
Presentational Speaking
Report
Writing/Technical
Communication
Information Design
Communication Theory
Professional Writing Elective
Senior Practicum in Communication
Portfolio and Professional
Development
Careers in:
n Game Design
n Graphic Design
n Professional Writing/Editing
n Digital Imaging
n Social Media
Access the SUNY Poly catalog at https://webapp.sunypoly.edu/ undergrad-catalog/ for specific courses and program requirements.
“The CID and IDT programs have done a great job catering their classes to the ever-changing world of communications.”
— Jessica MacIntosh ’14, G’16 Accelerated BS/MS Student
Alumni Careers
Graduates of the CMD program have the opportunity to pursue a number of career paths in a variety of settings and our alumni say they gained many valuable skills through their academic preparation at SUNY Poly. Find more information about alumni employers and alumni job titles online.
ALUMNI CAREERS
Dr. Ryan Lizardi
Dr. Lizardi is an Associate Professor of Digital Media and Humanities, program coordinator of the CMD program, and chair of the Communications + Humanities department. After working in television post production in Los Angeles, Dr. Lizardi completed his master’s and doctoral study at Penn State University. He researches nostalgia in media, and has written three books: Mediated Nostalgia (2014), Nostalgic Generations and Media (2017), and Existential Science Fiction (2021). Dr. Lizardi teaches a wide variety of classes including video production, digital visualization, social media, and popular culture.
Faculty Spotlight
THE FACULTY
SUNY Poly CMD faculty have extensive experience in industry, as well as the academic credentials, allowing them to bring real-world expertise into the classroom, offering valuable insights, career advice, and opportunities for professional growth. Our small student-to-faculty ratio fosters collaboration and promotes individualized, meaningful interactions with professors and peers, ensuring that your unique interests and goals are supported.
Our Campus
Located in Utica, NY, on hundreds of wooded and landscaped acres, SUNY Poly’s campus is a beautiful living and learning environment. Students live in our modern, spacious residential complexes, including the new Hilltop Hall, SUNY’s first zero-net carbon residence hall, and enjoy an expanding array of student-focused facilities that include our state-of-the-art Center for Global Advanced Manufacturing, Student Center, and Wildcat Field House. Life on campus is enriched by a wide variety of events and activities, including the Wildcats’ championship-winning intercollegiate athletics program, our Wildcat Esports team, and a weekly agenda of intramurals, concerts, comedians, and more. Students can join one of the dozens of clubs and organizations or start one with a group of friends who share an interest.
