The Modern Launches New Programs

The Modern launched an exciting new campaign to encourage students to design their path to a creative future. They introduced new Career and Degree Pathways, Learning Styles, and Programs to prepare students for the most in-demand creative careers.

Through The Modern’s 2023 institutional assessment and improvement process, the management team identified opportunities to update its popular Design Program and expand two elective course sequences into programs focused on User Experience Design and Motion Graphics and Video Design. After reviewing employer demand and feedback, they found that the new programs would help students build stronger skills and portfolios in each area. These opportunities for improvement were incorporated into The Modern’s 2024 Institutional Assessment and Improvement Plan.

In January 2024, President Jessica Barry and Chief Academic Officer Korinne Toadvine developed a plan to update the Design Program and create new programs. Korinne worked with instructors, Program Advisory Committee members, which includes employers and alumni, and Director of Career Services Katie Looney to identify specific employer needs in each area and developed curricula to address those needs. Through this process, The Modern developed three programs that lead to an Associate Degree in Applied Business (AAB):

• Graphic Design AAB Program

• Motion Graphics and Video Design AAB Program

• User Experience Design AAB Program

Each program's curriculum includes The Modern’s Core courses, where students develop a strong foundation in design and skills in the Adobe Creative Suite, design fundamentals, and photography; Career Pathway courses that prepare students for their specific design career; and General Education courses aligned with the design curriculum. Students will study professional development, develop a professional portfolio and personal brand, and gain industry experience through The Modern’s Externship course.

The Ohio State Board of Career Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, and US Department of Education approved the new programs earlier this year, allowing The Modern to offer residential, hybrid, and online options.

In preparation for the launch, The Modern promoted two full-time instructors to lead the new programs. Tess Cortés leads the Motion Graphics and Video Design Program. Tess is an award-winning digital media artist with more than 20 years of experience in higher education. She joined The Modern as an adjunct instructor in 2018 and was promoted to full-time instructor in 2022, teaching motion graphics and art courses. Paul Garcher is leading the User Experience Design Program. Paul’s professional experience spans user experience design, branding, art direction, and project management. He joined The Modern as a full-time instructor in 2020, teaching user experience design courses.

This fall, The Modern hired two user experience design adjunct instructors, Jelly Cramer and Carlos Portis. Carlos Herriott joined The Modern as an adjunct motion graphics and video design instructor. Korinne Toadvine intends to add a full-time instructor position to each program as the programs grow.

Offering multiple Associate Degree programs is new to The Modern, so President Jessica Barry and Creative Director Justin Morter developed a platform that makes selecting a program an easy 3-step process. First, students choose a Career Pathway that fuels their passion. Next, they select a Degree Pathway that aligns with their goals. Then, they pick a Learning Style that works best for them. Justin visualized the process and collaborated with User Experience Design Program Director Paul Garcher and Adjunct Instructor Chris Beach to design and launch a new website.

The Modern is now accepting applications for classes starting on January 8^th, 2025. Please visit themodern.edu to learn more about these exciting new programs or to apply.

“Our future is bright because we continue to focus on what is most important–preparing students for the most in-demand creative careers in our region,” said President Jessica Barry. “Adding new program options will improve student portfolios and expand career opportunities.”