Departments

Design & Communication Technology (DCT)

Chair: M. Bannatyne
Associate Chair: W. Worley, Associate Professor of English and Technical Communications

It would be an understatement to say that the world about us is changing at a pace unprecedented in any other era of history. If I were to try and identify the most significant influence that has pushed these changes along, I would have to name the computer.

The amazing changes in our world have not resulted simply due to the invention of the computer itself, but rather from the multitude of applications that computer has opened up to us for our own use and pleasure. Once only viewed as a means to calculate answers to complex equations, we now look in awe at the way visual information on a computer screen is hurdled across the arch of heaven from one nation to another in an endless stream of digital bits and bytes. Indeed, the computer and its associated networks have made information available to us in such quantities that a hundred lifetimes would never be long enough to capture even the smallest fraction of it all. At times, I am sure that many of us may feel this flood of information may seem more of "a solution in search of a problem" rather than the means of bringing any inquiry to a successful conclusion.

"What are we to do with this plethora of data and images?" The answer is simple, "Use what we need, and pass the rest along to other areas of discovery and learning!" With the vast wealth of visual information available to us via the computer, we can now reach out to colleagues and students in ways that were only a mere generation ago still a dream of things yet in the distant future. While an argument might certainly be made that the computer's greatest value is shown through the visual graphics it can provide to support education, we must be careful that we do not attribute to the computer any prowess that does not exist.

Perhaps the most significant change the computer has made in our lives is the way we think about it. Where once we were told, "The computer cannot make a mistake", we now view the computer as a valuable resource that assists us to get a job done in a manner that suits our needs. We now accept the technological change that the computer caused, not so much as a miracle that is only understood by a few, but as a tool that has become a part of our natural domain...a tool that is expected to solve many of our problems. In the final analysis, perhaps ultimately this change in our perception will be seen as the greatest change of all in our world.

We live in a remarkable technological age, but stay tuned for the best is yet to come. Join us in DCT where we will help prepare you to meet the design and communication challenges of living in the future with confidence.


Architectural Technology Program (ART)

Associate Professor:  J. Cowan
Assistant Professor:  B. Kelceoglu

The Architectural Technology (ART) curriculum is a two-year associate degree program designed to provide students with the skills to work in the areas of architectural drafting and detailing, simple structural design, planning, estimating, inspection, and sales. The curriculum is not intended to prepare students for registration as professional architects.

Emphasis is on basic engineering principles of mechanics, surveying, residential and commercial construction drawings, mechanical and electrical systems in buildings, and materials testing. Also included are courses in mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, communications, computer programming fundamentals, and the humanities.

Graduates typically find employment with architectural firms, construction firms, building material suppliers, and various governmental agencies. Graduates are also eligible to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Management Technology (construction option).

This program is not intended to prepare students for registration as licensed architects.

The career educational objectives for Architectural Technology are:

  • Demonstrate excellent technical capabilities in architectural technology and related fields.
  • Be responsible citizens.
  • Continue professional advancement through life-long learning
  • Apply sound design methodology in multidisciplinary fields of architectural technology that is sensitive to the health, safety and welfare of the public.
  • Competently use mathematical, measurement, instrumentation, and testing techniques.
  • Practice effective oral, written and visual communication skills.
  • Understand the environmental, ethical, diversity, cultural and contemporary aspects of their work.
  • Work effectively and collaboratively in architectural, engineering and construction industries.

Associate of Science in Architecture Technology

Freshman Year

First Semester (16 credit hours)                                                                                      

  • ART 16500 Building Systems and Materials, 3 credits
  • ART 10500 Intro to Design Technology, 2 credits
  • MATH 15900 Pre-Calculus, 5 credits*
  • ENG-W131 Eementary Composition I, 3 credits
  • COMM-R 110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication, 3 credit hours

Second Semester (18 credit hours)

  • ART 11700 Construction Graphics and CAD, 3 credits
  • ART 12000 Architectural Presentation, 3 credits
  • INTR 20200 INTR Materials & Applications, 3 credits
  • INTR 12500 Color and Light, 3 credits
  • CEMT 10400 Surveying Fundamentals & Typo, 3 credits
  • Humanities/Social Science Elective, 3 credits

Sophomore Year

Third Semester (17 credit hours)

  • ART 15500 Residential Construction, 3 credits
  • CGT 21100 Raster Imaging for Computer Graphics, 3 credits
  • CEMT 16000 Statics, 3 credits
  • CEMT 21500 Construction Mechanical & Electrical, 4 credits
  • Lab Science Selective, 4 credits

Fourth Semester (17 Credits)

  • ART 21000 History of Architecture, 3 credits
  • ART 22000 Commercial Construction, 3 credits
  • INTR 12400 Space Plan for Interiors, 3 credits 
  • TCM 22000 Technical Report Writing, 3 credits
  • CEMT 26000 Strength of Materials, 3 credits
  • CEMT 26700 Materials Testing, 2 credits

*MATH 15300 and 15400 are can be substituted for MATH 15900


Computer Graphics Technology Program (CGT)

Associate Professor: M. Bannatyne
Assistant Professor: D. Baldwin
Assistant Professor: P. Mehta

Consistent with the criteria set by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the Program Educational Objectives of the CGT program within the Department of Design and Communication Technology (DCT) are "To produce graduates who, during the first­ few years of professional practice, will...":

  • Show their ability to solve problems related to the workplace through their application of excellent technical capabilities in visual communication, computer systems, and related supporting field
  • Be responsible citizens in the workplace through their demonstrated ethical and professional conduct and appreciation for diversity in its various forms
  • Continue their professional advancement through life-long learning opportunities, in-service training, and engagement with professional organizations
  • Practice effective oral and written communication skills
  • Show their ability to address diverse environmental, ethical, legal, cultural diversity, and contemporary social aspects of their work
  • Work collaboratively and effectively in diverse enterprises where they may be asked to act as a liaison between their company and the client
  • Have the ability to function both as an individual, and within the dynamics of a group environment, in the workplace


Bachelor of Science in Computer Graphics Technology

Interactive Multimedia Developer Track

Freshman Year

1st Semester                                                                          (13 hours required)

Course

Hrs 

*CGT 10100 - Introduction to CGT

3

*CGT 11100 - Design for Visualization & Comm.

3

*CGT 11200 - Sketching for Visualization & Comm.

3

ENG-W 131 - Elementary Composition I

3

TECH 10200 - Discovering Technology

1


 2nd Semester                                                                         (17 hours required)

Course

Hrs

*CGT 11600 - Geometric Mod. for Visual. & Comm.

3

*CGT 11700 - Illustrating for Visual. & Comm.

3

COMM-R 110 - Fund. of Speech Communication

3

Human./Social Science Elective

3

**MATH 15900 - Pre-calculus

5


 Sophomore Year

 1st Semester                                                          (16 hours required)

Course

Hrs

*CGT/CIT 14100*** - Internet Fund. Develop. & Techn.

3

*CGT 21100 - Raster imaging for Computer Graphics

3

*CGT 21600 - Vector Imaging for Computer Graphics

3

*CGT 29900 - Seminar: Current Issues in CG

1

Science Elective

3

TCM 34000 - Correspondence in Business & Industry

3


 2nd Semester                                                                         (14 hours required)

Course

Hr

*CGT 24100 - Introduction to Animation

3

*CGT 25100 -  Principles of Creative Design

3

*CGT 29900 - Seminar: Portfolio Review

2

Free Elective

3

PSY-B 104 - Psychology as a Social Science

3


Junior Year

 1st Semester                                                                              (15 hours required)

Course

Hr

*CGT 35100 - Multimedia Authoring I (or CGT 353)

3

*CGT 35600 - Dynamic Content Development I

3

CIT 21400 - Using a Database Management System

3

Human./Social Science or Liberal Arts Elective

3

TCM 37000 - Oral Practicum for Technical Managers

3


2nd Semester                                                                            (15 hours required)

Course

Hr

*CGT 34600 - Digital Video & Audio

3

*CGT-I 39800 - Career Enrichment Internship III

3

* CGT 45100 - Multimedia Application Development

3

* CGT 45600 - Dynamic Content Development II

3

CIT 21500 - WEB Programming

3


Senior Year

1st Semester                                                                              (16 hours required)

Course

Hr

Business/Economics/Marketing Selective

3

*CGT 41100 - Contemporary Problems in A.C.G.

3

*CGT-I 49800 - Career Enrichment Internship V

3

*CGT 49900 - Senior Seminar

1

Technical Elective

3

Technical Elective

3


 2nd Semester                                            (16 hours required)

Course

Hr

*CGT 41500 - Seminar for Senior Design Project

1

*CGT 41600 - Senior Design Project

3

Free Elective

3

Human./Social Science or Liberal Arts Elective

3

OLS 27400 - Applied Leadership

3

Technical Elective

3

Total Hours for Baccalaureate Degree

122



Technical Animation and Spatial Graphics Track

Freshman Year

1st Semester                                                                          (13 hours required)

Course

Hrs

*CGT 10100 - Introduction to CGT

3

*CGT 11100 - Design for Visualization & Comm.

3

*CGT 11200 - Sketching for Visualization & Comm.

3

ENG-W 131 - Elementary Composition I

3

TECH 10200 - Discovering Technology

1


2nd Semester                                                                         (17 hours required)

Course

Hrs

*CGT 11600 - Geometric Mod. for Visual. & Comm.

3

*CGT 11700 - Illustrating for Visual. & Comm.

3

COMM-R 110 - Fund. of Speech Communication

3

Human./Social Science Elective

3

**MATH 15900 - Pre-calculus

5


Sophomore Year

1st Semester                                          (16 hours required)

Course

Hrs

*CGT/CIT 14100*** - Internet Fund. Develop. & Techn.

3

*CGT 21100 - Raster imaging for Computer Graphics

3

*CGT 21600 - Vector Imaging for Computer Graphics

3

*CGT 29900 - Seminar: Current Issues in CG

1

Science Elective

3

TCM 34000 - Correspondence in Business & Industry

3


 2nd Semester                                        (14 hours required)

Course

Hrs

*CGT 24100 - Introduction to Animation

3

*CGT 25100 -  Principles of Creative Design

3

*CGT 29900 - Seminar: Portfolio Review

2

Free Elective

3

PSY-B 10400 - Psychology as a Social Science

3


Junior Year

1st Semester                                                                              (15 hours required)

Course

Hr

*CGT 34100 - Motion for Computer Animation

3

*CGT 35100 (MM Auth. I) or CGT 356 (Hyper. Auth. I)

3

*CGT 39000 - Seminar: Storyboarding & Preproduction

3

Human./Social Science Elective

3

TCM 37000 - Oral Practicum for Technical Managers

3


2nd Semester                                                                            (15 hours required)

Course

Hr

*CGT 34000 - Digital Light. & Render. For Com. Anim.

3

*CGT 34600 - Digital Video & Audio

3

*CGT-I 39800 - Career Enrichment Internship III

3

*CGT 44200 - Production for Computer Animation

3

Free Elective

3


Senior Year

1st Semester                                                                          (16 hours required)

Course

Hr

Business/Economics/Marketing Selective

3

*CGT 41100 - Contemporary Problems in A.C.G.

3

*CGT 44400 - Visual Effects in Film and Animation

3

*CGT-I 49800 - Internship V

3

*CGT 49900 - Senior Seminar

1

Technical Elective

3


2nd Semester                                                                         (16 hours required)

Course

Hr

*CGT 41500 - Seminar for Senior Design Project

1

*CGT 41600 - Senior Design Project

3

*CGT 44600 - Digital Postproduction

3

Human./Social Science or Liberal Arts Elective

3

OLS 27400 - Applied Leadership

3

Technical Elective

3

Total Hours for Baccalaureate Degree

122   


*CGT CORE courses require a grade of C- or higher to pass

**Math 118 & 119 or Math 153 & 154 may be used in place of Math 159

***CIT 212 or CSCI-N 241 may be substituted for this course


Interior Design Technology Program (INTR)

Assistant Clinical Professor E. McLaughlin (Program Director)
Assistant Clinical Professor D. Nickolson
Assistant Professor B. Kelceoglu
Lecturer MA Frank

Associate of Science in Interior Design Technology

 The Interior Design curriculum is a two year Associate of Science (A.S.) degree program that uses the latest technology while employing faculty from the areas of interior design, architecture, fine arts, and computer graphics to provide students with the skills necessary to work as interior design assistants and be able to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam after approximately four years of work experience.

The emphasis is on technical knowledge, methodology, and aesthetic appreciation of interior design for the health, safety, and welfare of the public; equipping students with visual presentation and communication skills; imparting awareness for environmental, business, ethical, and other contemporary issues; and linking classroom knowledge to applications in the field.  These graduates can address complex design problems and manage projects.

The educational objectives for the A.S. Interior Design are:

  1. Demonstrate technical knowledge and application of the design process.
  2. Solve problems that are quantitative in nature.
  3. Analyze complex issues and apply sound design methodology in multidisciplinary fields of interior design technology.
  4. Practice effective communication skills in, oral, written and visual presentations.
  5. Increase knowledge and demonstrate solutions sensitive to health, safety and welfare of the public.
  6. Work collaboratively and effectively in technology and design related industries.
  7. Continue professional advancement through life-long learning.
  8. Understand the environmental, ethical, diversity, cultural and contemporary aspects of their work.
  9. Be responsible citizens.

Graduates typically find employment in residential design fields as designers, in retail or manufacturing settings as sales associates, in design and construction industries as manufacturer's reps for products, as CAD technicians for the interior design or architecture fields, or as self-employed designers.

Freshman Year

First Semester (15 credits)

  • ART 12000 Architectural Presentation, 3 credits.
  • COMM R110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication, 3 credits.
  • ENG W131 Elementary Composition I, 3 credits.
  • HER E109 Color and Design, 3 credits.
  • INTR 10300 Introduction to Interior Design, 3 credits.                                                                                     

Second Semester (18 credits)

  • ART 11700 Introduction to Construction Drafting with CAD, 3 credits.
  • ART 16500 Building Systems and Materials, 3 credits.
  • CGT 21100 Raster Imaging for Computer Graphics, 3 credits.
  • HER E209 Drawing for Interior Design, 3 credits.
  • INTR 15100 Textiles for Interiors, 3 credits.
  • MATH 15300 Algebra & Trig I, 3 credits.

Sophomore Year

Third Semester (18 credits)

  • ART 15500 Residential Construction, 3 credits.
  • CGT 22100 Graphical Representation in Architectural Documents, 3 credits.
  • INTR 12400 Space Planning for Interiors, 3 credits.
  • INTR 12500 Color and Lighting, 3 credits.
  • INTR 20200 Interior Materials and Applications, 3 credits.
  • INTR 20400 History of Interiors and Furniture, 3 credits.                                                                           

Fourth Semester (15 credits)

  • ART 21000 History of Architecture, 3 credits.
  • ART 22200 Commercial Construction, 3 credits.
  • INTR 22400 Residential I, Kitchen and Bath, 3 credits.
  • INTR 22500 3D Interior Design Studio, 3 credits.
  • INTR 22600 Commercial Systems I, 3 credits.                                                                             

Bachelor of Science in Interior Design Technology

This program is accredited by the Council of Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) as well as the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The Interior Design curriculum is a four-year Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree program that employs faculty from the areas of interior design, architecture, fine arts, computer graphics, construction and organizational leadership to provide students with the skills necessary to work as professional interior designers and be able to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam after approximately two years of work experience.

The emphasis is on technical knowledge, methodology, and aesthetic appreciation of interior design for the health, safety, and welfare of the public; equipping students with visual presentation and communication skills; imparting an awareness for environmental, business, ethical, and other contemporary issues; and linking classroom knowledge to application in the field.  These graduates can address complex design problems and manage projects.

The educational objectives for the B.S. Interior Design are:

  1. Demonstrate technical knowledge and application of the design process.
  2. Solve problems that are quantitative in nature.
  3. Analyze complex issues and apply sound design methodology in multidisciplinary fields of interior design technology.
  4. Practice effective communication skills in, oral, written and visual presentations.
  5. Increase knowledge and demonstrate solutions sensitive to health, safety and welfare of the public.
  6. Work collaboratively and effectively in technology and design related industries.
  7. Continue professional advancement through life-long learning.
  8. Understand the environmental, ethical, diversity, cultural and contemporary aspects of their work.
  9. Be responsible citizens.

Graduates typically find employment in residential or commercial design fields as designers, in retail or manufacturing settings as sales associates, in design and construction industries as manufacturer's reps for products, as CAD technicians for the interior design or architecture fields, or as self-employed designers.

 

Freshman Year

First Semester (15 credits)

  • ART 12000 Architectural Presentation, 3 credits.
  • COMM R110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication, 3 credits.
  • ENG W131 Elementary Composition I, 3 credits.
  • HER E109 Color and Design, 3 credits.
  • INTR 10300 Introduction to Interior Design, 3 credits.                                                                                      

Second Semester (18 credits)

  • ART 11700 Introduction to Construction Drafting with CAD, 3 credits.
  • ART 16500 Building Systems and Materials, 3 credits.
  • CGT 21100 Raster Imaging for Computer Graphics, 3 credits.
  • HER E209 Drawing for Interior Design, 3 credits.
  • INTR 15100 Textiles for Interiors, 3 credits.
  • MATH 15300 Algebra & Trig I, 3 credits.                                                                                  

Sophomore Year

Third Semester (18 credits)

  • ART 15500 Residential Construction, 3 credits.
  • CGT 22100 Graphical Representation in Architectural Documents, 3 credits.
  • INTR 12400 Space Planning for Interiors, 3 credits.
  • INTR 12500 Color and Lighting, 3 credits.
  • INTR 20200 Interior Materials and Applications, 3 credits.
  • INTR 20400 History of Interiors and Furniture, 3 credits.                                                                             

Fourth Semester (15 credits)

  • ART 21000 History of Architecture, 3 credits.
  • ART 22200 Commercial Construction, 3 credits.
  • INTR 22400 Residential I, Kitchen and Bath, 3 credits.
  • INTR 22500 3D Interior Design Studio, 3 credits.
  • INTR 22600 Commercial Systems I, 3 credits.                                                                                

Junior Year

Fifth Semester (18 credits)

  • Art History Selective, 3 credits.
  • Humanities or Social Science Elective, 3 credits.
  • INTR 30400 History of American Interiors and Furniture, 3 credits.
  • INTR 32400 Residential Interior Design Studio II, 3 credits.
  • INTR 32500 Environmental Lighting Design, 3 credits.
  • OLS 25200 Human Behavior in Organizations, 3 credits.                                                                                     

Sixth Semester (15 credits)

  • CEMT 28000 Quantity Survey, 3 credits.
  • CGT 32100 Advanced Digital Pictorial Illustration, 3 credits.
  • INTR 32600 Commercial Interior Design Studio II, 3 credits.
  • INTR 39000 Internship, 3 credits.
  • TECH Selective, 3 credits.                                                                           

Senior Year

Seventh Semester (15 credits)

  • CEMT 34700 Construction Contract Admin. and Specifications, 3 credits.
  • Humanities or Social Science Elective, 3 credits.
  • INTR 42600 Healthcare Design Studio, 3 credits.
  • INTR 45200 Building Systems, 3 credits.
  • INTR 45300 Business Practices, 3 credits.                                                                               

Eighth Semester (12 credits)

  • INTR 42800 Capstone, 3 credits.
  • INTR 48000 Senior Thesis, 3 credits.
  • INTR 49500 Sustainable Design, 3 credits.
  • OLS 37100 Project Management, 3 credits.                                                                                    

Technical Communication Program (TCM)

Associate Professor W. Worley (Director)
Associate Professor M. Hovde
Lecturer G. Harley

The Technical Communication Program offers specialized courses for students in engineering and technology programs that help them prepare for the writing and speaking tasks they will perform as part of their professional work. These courses build on students' previous experiences in written and oral communication and help them learn to present technical information effectively to audiences in organizational settings. In addition, the program works with other schools and local industry to prepare students for careers as technical communicators.

Certificate in Technical Communication

The Technical Communication Certificate is offered by the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology in cooperation with the Department of English, the Department of Communication Studies, and the Hoosier Chapter of the Society for Technical Communication. Any student formally admitted to the university may be a candidate for the certificate. Students who earn the certificate will have demonstrated they have the core competencies necessary for entry-level positions as technical communicators: the ability to gather and transform technical information for a variety of audiences and the ability to design, develop, and edit effective documents using rhetorical principles and current technology.

Technical or Scientific Specialty

A technical or scientific major or minor or technical interest demonstrated by 10 credit hours of courses, including CIT 10600 or 11200 or an equivalent introductory computer course.

Required Courses: 13 credits

Students will select one course in each of these five areas:

  1. Introduction to Technical Communication (choose one) - 3 credits
    • TCM 22000 Technical Report Writing (online sections available)
    • TCM 23000 Principles and Practices of Technical Communication (under development)
    • TCM 32000 Written Communication in Science and Industry (online sections available)
    • TCM 38000 Technical Communication in the Healthcare Professions (online only)
  2. Visual Technical Communication - 3 credits
    • TCM 35000 Visual Elements of Technical Documents
  3. Editing - 3 credits
    • ENG-W 365 Theories and Practices of Editing
  4. Advanced Applications of Technical Communication (choose one) - 3 credits
    • TCM 39500 Independent Study
    • TCM 42000 Field Experience
    • TCM 42500 Managing Document Quality (fall)
    • TCM 45000 Research Approaches for Technical & Professional Communication (spring)
    • ENG-W 315 Writing for the Web (online only)
  5. Career Development (choose one) - 1 credit
    • TCM 25000 Internship and Career Planning
    • TCM 43500 Portfolio Preparation

Professional Preparation

Near the end of their coursework, students may complete a professional portfolio, suitable for job hunting, which includes three to five documents of various types that demonstrate a range of skills and competencies. Practicing technical communicators will review the portfolio and provide responses. As an alternative, students may take TCM 25000 Internship and Career Planning, a course that prepares them for professional employment.

Supplemental Courses:

  • ENG-W 412 Technology and Literacy
  • IET 36400 Total Quality Control
  • INFO-I 270 Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction Principles and Practices
  • INFO-I 275 Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction Theory
  • INFO-I 300 Human-Computer Interaction
  • INFO-N 262 Script Writing
  • JOUR-J 390 Corporate Publications
  • JOUR-J 463/563 Desktop Publishing
  • OLS 27400 Supervisory Management
  • OLS 37500 Training Methods
  • OLS 38500 Leadership for Quality & Productivity
  • TCM 37000 Oral Practicum for Technical Managers
  • TCM 49900 Selected Topics in TCM