I would respectively disagree and so would many design schools.
Design as the original poster is talking about is essentially about communication and although Typography is one of the essential skills needed, it is not the only one.
And we communicate through words, most of the time.
Typography is pretty important there. It certainly isn't the only skill that's necessary, but it's a great place to start and is often key to layout, especially in designs informed by the grid.
Design as the original poster is talking about is essentially about communication and although Typography is one of the essential skills needed, it is not the only one.