Visual Communication & Graphic Design Degree| Major

Program Overview

The Visual Communication and Graphic Design (VCGD) program offers an interdisciplinary studio art approach to computer-mediated art and design. With a strong focus on design process, typography, image-making, and critical thinking, this degree prepares students for a broad range of creative and professional opportunities in the design industry.

Why Study Visual Communication and Graphic Design?

This program focuses on creative and strategic design thinking, engaging students in creating conceptually strong and formally sound responses to various design challenges. Students will learn to design for:

• Print Media (books, brochures, posters, packaging)

• Interactive Media (web, usability, and design testing)

• Brand Identity and Advertising

The program emphasizes problem-solving, imagery, and typography to create impactful visual designs for the real world.

Admission Requirements

To enter the Visual Communication and Graphic Design program, students must:

• Achieve a cumulative GPA of

  2.5 or higher

  by the end of the first year.

• Earn the following grades:

  • B+ or better in foundational courses.

  • B or better in intermediate courses.

  • B- or better in design research and concepts courses.

Junior Review

Students will undergo a junior review to determine eligibility for the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA). A minimum 2.7 GPA in the major is required to graduate. Students who do not meet the program’s progress standards will be dismissed from the major.

Transfer Students must have a 2.7 GPA and submit a portfolio to the department advisor for review.

Degree Requirements

Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication and Graphic Design must complete 48-54 semester credits, including:

Core Courses

• Fundamentals of Graphic Design

• Typography

• History of Graphic Design

• Video Production

• Web Design

• Graphic Design I and II

• Digital Illustration

• Concepting and Design Research

• Advanced Typography

• Brand Identity

• Package Design & Environments

• Environmental Graphics

• Advertising & Design

Student Work and Testimonial

"The graphic design program gave me tools to experience my own creative skills and gave me the insight as to how to solve real world problems."

Brittney Alfieri '23, Visual Communication in Graphic Design Major