The BS in Visual Communication Design program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Students become competent in drawing, painting, illustration, and graphic design, supported by a sound foundation in art history, criticism, and aesthetic understanding. Liberal arts courses enable the development of knowledge and critical thinking while enhancing students’ abilities to develop the verbal and visual communication skills necessary for careers in the graphic arts. This BS program requires a minimum of 60 liberal arts credits and can accommodate a second liberal arts major or a range of study abroad experiences. Graduates are employed by many local and national advertising and design firms. The College has strong working relationships with many local graphics firms, providing students with an active internship program.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Creative, analytical, critical thinking and problem solving abilities for visual communication Acquire abilities to develop creative strategies and responses to visual communication problems, understand message hierarchies, typography, aesthetics, composition and the construction of meaningful images. Acquire the ability to connect those concepts to pragmatic contexts and for public interaction.
2. Vocabulary for critical evaluation, Understand and effectively use graphic design terminology and vernacular to define successful visual communication and related design aesthetic principles.
3. Media and skills Use specific media and processes as a means of developing personal aesthetic. Develop the skills needed for immediate entry into graphic design professions or graduate school. Develop an understanding of basic business practices, including the ability to organize design projects and to work productively as a member of teams.
4. Analyze design with regard to cultural context: Achieve a broad understanding of issues related to the cognitive, social, cultural, technological and economic contexts for contemporary design. Understand and apply knowledge of significant historical, global, and contemporary achievements and issues in design.