Christopher Neyen (above), associate professor of Art and Graphic Design and CMA Gallery coordinator at the Mount, is spearheading the new Visual Communication-Graphic Design major at Mount Saint Mary College. Photo by Lee Ferris.
Mount Saint Mary College's Communication, Art, and Digital Media (CADM) program just added two exciting new programs: a major in Visual Communication-Graphic Design and a Sports Journalism concentration.
In a culture constantly seeking fresh visual content, skilled graphic artists are in high demand. The Mount is committed to teaching the next generation of creatives how to be successful in the growing field of graphic design.
At the Mount, Graphic Design majors will study visual communication with an emphasis on conceptual problem-solving and technical proficiency. They'll learn to create and develop purposeful forms of visual art and how to apply this skill to various career paths, such as content creation, advertising, web design, and more.
Students won't just hone their craft as graphic artists, they'll learn how to visually communicate effectively – inspiring audiences with their work. This major utilizes new equipment and all the best, up-to-date software, preparing students to step out of the classroom and into the workplace.
The Graphic Design program is spearheaded by Christopher Neyen, associate professor of Art and Graphic Design and CMA Gallery coordinator at the Mount.
"Being at the birth of the program allows us the freedom to explore and experiment as we define our own path, one that is rich in inventiveness," he said. "The discipline is imbued with passion and provides the opportunity to learn from history while envisioning what the future can be in how we communicate visually."
Also joining the CADM program lineup is the new concentration in Sports Journalism. For those who have a passion for writing and a love of sports, becoming a sports writer might just be their dream career.
Regina Pappalardo, associate professor of Journalism, explained, "Students in this concentration will get a strong foundation in the skills that all reporters need – interviewing, research, writing, and producing – and then we'll build upon that foundation by developing those skills particular to Sports Journalism careers, including commentary, play-by-play, medical, and financial implications, etc."
With a Sports Journalism concentration, students will also learn the role journalists play in our society and how that role specifically applies to the sports industry.
The Mount's Communication, Art, and Digital Media programs encompass the study of advertising and public relations, digital media production, graphic design, and journalism. CADM also offers minors in each of these disciplines, as well as in art and film studies. Housed in the Mount's Division of Arts and Letters, CADM programs prepare students for both traditional and emerging professions.