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BS in Visual Communication Design

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

Program

Beth Shirrell
Program Director & Associate Professor, Visual Communication Design

Contact Admissions

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Upcoming Events

We're excited to share our program events for Spring and Summer 2026. Join us this Spring for four exciting creative workshops in collage, bookbinding, printmaking, and creative coding, along with our three-day Graphic and Web Design Summer Academy tailored for high school students. 

Design Briefs: Workshops for Creative Minds

Three different Design Brief workshops offered

This Spring, Jefferson’s Visual Communication Design program is hosting a creative workshop series. Discover, learn, and connect with us as we explore creative coding, collage, and printmaking. This workshop series aims to ignite and amplify creative exploration, facilitate continuous learning, and inspire practical application. Each workshop is guided by a faculty member, alum, or expert in our field.

Whether you're just starting your journey (a prospective or current student) or a seasoned creative (alum or creative), these workshops are crafted to inspire and engage across all skill levels. 

There are no fees, materials are provided, and seats are limited.

  • Location:
    Thomas Jefferson University, East Falls Campus
    Hayward Hall, Room 104  
    4201 Henry Ave
    Philadelphia, 19144
    Campus Map | Google Maps

  • Dates & Times:
    11:00am–2:00pm
    Saturdays (see specific dates below)

Book Binding: Link Stitch Binding Technique Workshop

Book Binding

In this workshop, Jefferson VCD Professor Frank Baseman will teach you how to link stictch bind and sew your own blank book with multiple signatures.

Saturday, February 21, 2026
11:00 am–2:00 pm

Register on Eventbrite for the Book Binding Workshop:

Register here

Creative Code Workshop

Generate Art + Patterns with p5.js

In this workshop, VCD Professor, Renee Walker, will demonstrate how to use code as a tool to create variations in design systems. Through a variety of exercises how to generate different types of visuals — drawings, patterns, typography and photo manipulation — using code. The final outputs of the workshop will be combined into a zine, generated through code into a PDF that can be printed. The workshop is designed for Creatives of all levels. Programming experience is not necessary.

Saturday, March 28, 2026
11:00 am–2:00 pm

Register on Eventbrite for the Cerative Code Workshop:

Register here

Cut & Create Workshop with Collage Philadelphia

Collage

In this workshop, Collage Philadelphia’s founder and Jefferson VCD alum, Jacob Dombroski will introduce us to the art of image making and storytelling through collage. You’ll learn the history, various techniques, and engage in an immersive and interactive project where you'll scavenge, cut, curate, compose, and paste imagery based on a chosen theme.

Saturday, March 28, 2026
11:00 am–2:00 pm

Register on Eventbrite for the Collage Workshop:

Register here

2026 Graphic & Web Design Summer Academy

Jefferson’s Visual Communication Design (VCD) Summer Academy is an immersive week long experience that guides high school students interested in graphic and web design through the design process, from concept development to production. Participants will collaborate with our experienced faculty and current students to tackle a real-world design prompt.

The Academy unfolds in our VCD studios on the East Falls campus, providing students with access to industry-standard software, computers and cutting-edge prototyping equipment. Each day is structured to optimize learning, featuring project discussions, critiques, presentations by industry professionals, and skills labs. The academy concludes with a reception open to family and friends, where the final projects will be showcased.

Eligibility

Open to high school students grade 10-12. We encourage anyone excited about art and design to apply.

Time + Dates

Wednesday, July 13th – Friday, July 17th, 2026
9:00 am – 4:00pm, Daily

Closing Reception & Student Work Showcase:
Friday, July 17th, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Kanbar Performance Space

Location

Thomas Jefferson University - East Falls Campus
Hayward Hall, Room 104
4201 Henry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144

Directions

Jefferson - East Falls Campus Map (PDF)

Registration & Fees

Enrollment in this week long workshop is $500 with a $50 non-refundable deposit will reserve your space in this workshop. If you require a payment plan, please contact Elizabeth Shirrell, Elizabeth.Shirrell@jefferson.edu.

All necessary art supplies will be provided.

Lunch

Lunch will be provided each day. Students are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, any personal snacks, or a brown-bagged lunch if they do not wish to partake in the provided lunch.

Questions?

For any questions, contact Beth Shirrell at Elizabeth.Shirrell@jefferson.edu.

Learning Outcomes
  • Immerse in an experiential learning environment that combines practical application, technical proficiency, critical thinking, and industry exposure for a holistic learning experience.
  • Gain an understanding of diverse career paths in graphic and web design.
  • Develop the ability to conceptualize creative ideas and design with intention and impact using research, mood boards, and sketches.
  • Acquire hands-on experience with industry-standard software, computers, and cutting-edge prototyping equipment.
  • Develop critique skills that enable designers to provide and receive valuable, constructive, and professional feedback.
  • Create portfolio-ready work that showcases acquired skills and accomplishments during the academy.
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