BS in Visual Communication Design
At a Glance
Program
Curriculum
Our visual communication design degree is built on a foundation of design thinking, visual craft, and real-world application. You'll progress from foundational courses in typography, visual systems, and interaction design through specialized electives in motion, UX/UI, information design, service design, and emerging technologies.
TOTAL: 132 credits
First Year (34 credits)
Major Courses
Design Essentials (Fall)
Drawing Essentials (Spring)
Digital Imaging (Fall)
Introduction to Graphic Design (Spring)
A Survey of the History of Art
One [1] Free Elective
Hallmarks Core
Pathways Seminar
Writing Seminar I: Written Communication
American Visions
Mathematics
Ethics
DEC Core
Finding and Shaping Opportunities
Second Year (34 credits)
Major Courses
Introduction to Typography (Fall)
Visual Narrative (Spring)
Principles of User Experience (Fall)
Foundations of Web Design and Strategy (Spring)
Art History Elective
History of Graphic Design
Hallmarks Core
General Science
Global Diversity
Writing Seminar II: Multimedia Communication
DEC Core
Systems Thinking and Sustainability (Science)
Third Year (34 credits)
Major Courses
Advanced Typography (Fall)
Advanced Web Design and Strategy (Fall)
Introduction to Branding (Spring)
Dynamic Type Systems (Spring)
One [1] VCD Elective
One [1] Free Elective
Hallmarks Core
American Diversity
Global Citizenship
Contemporary Global Issues
DEC Methods
Research Methods
Fourth Year (30 credits)
Major Courses
Systems Design Integration (Fall)
Capstone Prep and Professional Practice (Fall)
Capstone for VCD (Spring)
Design Theory and Criticism (Spring)
Three [3] VCD Electives
Hallmarks Core
Philosophies of the Good Life
VCD Electives
Package Design, Illustration, Issues in Information Design, Intro to Service Design, Experiential Graphic Design, Game Design, Javascript, Photography, Advanced Publication Design, Design for Accessibility, Animation, Virtual Reality, Marketing, etc.