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BS in Visual Communication Design

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    • Academics
  2. Academics
  3. Kanbar College of Design, Engineering & Commerce
  4. School of Design & Engineering

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At a Glance

  • College

    Kanbar College of Design, Engineering & Commerce

  • Degree

    Bachelor of Science

  • Campus

    East Falls

  • Format

    On Campus

  • Credits

    121

  • Duration

    4 Years

Design the Future

Visual Communication Design is everywhere, shaping how we learn, communicate, navigate, advocate, and connect. At Jefferson, our Visual Communication Design B.S. program prepares students to lead the future of design, one that spans graphic design, UX/UI, motion, data, and emerging technologies, while staying grounded in the timeless foundations of visual craft, storytelling, and meaning-making.

In a field evolving as fast as the world around it, our students work on real-world projects and collaborate across disciplines from health care and education to culture and community. They become not just skilled makers, but strategic thinkers, inclusive designers, and adaptable professionals who can create well-considered, well-connected, and well-designed experiences across platforms.

Our curriculum is rigorous, responsive, and human-centered — a space where curiosity meets critical thinking, and design becomes a tool for impact.

At Jefferson, we believe design is not just what we do — it’s how we shape the world we want to live in, through graphic design, UX/UI, interaction design, and emerging communication design practices.

What We Teach:

Graphic Design & Visual Systems
Typography, composition, image-making, identity, and branding

UX/UI & Interaction Design
Research, wireframing, prototyping, accessibility, and emerging tech

Motion, Data, & Multi-Platform Experiences
Motion graphics, information design, service design, immersive storytelling

Collaboration, Context, and Critical Thinking
Real clients, real problems, ethical practice, inclusive outcomes

What You’ll Gain

  • Confidence designing across platforms and technologies
  • Fluency in industry software, tools, and frameworks — and how to adapt to new ones
  • The ability to lead and collaborate in interdisciplinary teams
  • A strong portfolio grounded in concept, strategy, execution, and relevance

Why Jefferson VCD?

  • Expert Faculty: Learn from practitioners and researchers who are leaders in their fields
  • Project-Based Learning & Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Solve real-world problems for clients and communities while collaborating with fields like healthcare, education, public health, and business.
  • Future-Focused Curriculum: Adapt to the changing design landscape
  • Inclusive & Ethical Design: Create equitable and accessible user experiences
  • A Supportive Studio Culture: Small classes, close mentorship, and strong faculty connections
 

Video: Take a Closer Look at Our Program

Hear firsthand from our students and faculty about what it's like to be a Visual Communication Design major.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full playlist of I Am ... videos.


Student Project Showcase

Visual Communication Design and Occupational Therapy students collaborated with industry partner Carousel Connections to help young adults with disabilities live independent and healthy lives, in their Inclusive Design elective.

Program Highlights

  • Named a top Graphic Design School for 15 years in a row by GDUSA

  • Student work is regularly recognized in local, national and international competitions and publications, such as Graphis New Talent, AIGA Philadelphia's Locally Sourced Student Design Competition, and the Information is Beautiful Awards

  • Students work on industry projects with clients to tackle real-world problems

  • Learning extends beyond the classroom through our excellent study abroad and internship opportunities

  • Students can join the AIGA (the Professional Organization for Design) student chapter to foster friendships and professional networks that last a lifetime

Career Opportunities

Depending on the specialization students choose in Visual Communication Design, the opportunities are extensive. Here are some of the types of positions held by former students: 

  • Graphic Designer
  • Web Designer 
  • Experience Designer
  • Interaction Designer 
  • UI/UX Designer
  • Product Designer
  • Entrepreneur, Information
  • Designer 
  • Digital Designer
  • Marketing & Brand Manager
  • Illustrator
  • Design Researcher

Graduates have received positions at The New York Times, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Chronicle Books, Push10, Comcast, Vanguard, 20nine, J2 Design, Health Union, Archer Group, Bailey Branding Consultants, Mohawk Paper, 76ers and GQ Magazine.

Internships

Students are encouraged to begin seeking an internship after their second year of study. Through established relationships with businesses in the greater Philadelphia area and our vast network of alums, we are able to share many varied internship opportunities with students. Internships are encouraged during the summer, but may also substitute for credit towards a degree. Most recently, students have held internships at QVC, Health Union, Cohere, Archer Group, Bailey Brand Consulting, The DICE Group and Cooper Graphic Design.

Get in Touch

Program

Name: Beth Shirrell
Position: Program Director & Associate Professor, Visual Communication Design
Email: Elizabeth.Shirrell@jefferson.edu
Contact Number(s):
  • 215-951-2116

Contact Admissions

Email: enroll@jefferson.edu
Contact Number(s):
  • 215-951-2800
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