BFA in Visual Communication Degree Overview

Welcome to the overview of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication degree program. This intensive baccalaureate program prepares you for exciting professional opportunities in the fields of advertising and design. With a focus on artistic expression and creativity, this program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the Visual Communication industry.

The program offers various concentrations, including Art Direction, Design, and New Media. Each concentration provides a unique specialization within the Visual Communication field, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals. Whether you aspire to be an art director, graphic designer, or multimedia designer, this program will provide you with a solid foundation to succeed in your chosen path.

To enter the program, you are required to pass a portfolio review. This ensures that students admitted to the program have demonstrated a strong artistic ability and potential for growth. Throughout your studies, you will undertake a core set of art courses, laying the groundwork for your concentration. In your junior year, you will dive deeper into your chosen specialization and further develop your skills through advanced coursework.

The Visual Communication program has a rigorous assessment schedule in place to track your progress and ensure continuous improvement in your portfolio. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in competitive shows and exhibitions, where you can showcase your work and gain recognition within the industry. In your final year, you will undergo an exit review, which serves as a culmination of your achievements and prepares you for graduation.

Please note that courses beyond the sophomore level are taught at El Centro College in Dallas. This location offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant design community, expanding your network and giving you valuable real-world experience.

Key Takeaways:

• The BFA in Visual Communication degree prepares you for professional opportunities in advertising and design.
• The program offers concentrations in Art Direction, Design, and New Media, allowing you to specialize in your area of interest.
• Entry into the program is through a portfolio review, ensuring a high standard of artistic ability.
• The program includes core art courses and advanced coursework in your chosen concentration.
• Visual Communication students have the opportunity to participate in competitive shows and exhibitions and undergo an exit review in their final year.

The concentration in New Media within the BFA in Visual Communication program focuses on computer-based multimedia and motion design. Students study a range of media, including motion graphics, modeling, animation, video, gaming concepts, interactive web, and mobile apps. This concentration prepares students to become innovative multimedia designers with a broad understanding of software applications and the evolving field of Visual Communication.

By exploring the intersection of technology and design, students in the Concentration in New Media gain the skills necessary to create visually stunning and engaging multimedia content. Through hands-on projects and coursework, students develop proficiency in motion graphics, modeling, and animation techniques, enabling them to bring their creative visions to life.

One key aspect of this concentration is the exploration of gaming concepts and interactive web design. This allows students to discover new ways of engaging audiences and creating immersive experiences. Additionally, students delve into the world of mobile apps, focusing on user interface design and the optimization of content for mobile devices.

“The field of New Media is constantly evolving, with new technologies and platforms emerging all the time. Our concentration in New Media equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to stay ahead in this rapidly changing industry,” says Professor Jane Thompson, an expert in motion graphics and interactive web design.

“Through the Concentration in New Media, students develop a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between design, technology, and user experience. This prepares them for a wide range of multimedia design careers in industries such as advertising, gaming, and web development,” adds Professor Mark Johnson, a leading expert in modeling and animation.

The concentration in New Media offers a variety of courses that provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this field. Here are some highlights:

• Advanced Motion Graphics
• Interactive Web Design
• 3D Modeling and Animation
• Video Editing and Post-Production
• Game Design Principles
• Mobile App Development

Through these courses, students gain practical experience using industry-standard software and tools. They learn how to create visually compelling motion graphics, develop interactive websites, design 3D models and animations, edit and enhance videos, conceptualize gaming experiences, and build mobile apps.

The Concentration in New Media opens doors to exciting career paths in multimedia design, interactive media development, and digital marketing. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to work as multimedia designers, motion graphic artists, web developers, and mobile app designers. Their versatile skill set and in-depth understanding of emerging technologies make them valuable assets in various industries.

The BFA in Visual Communication offers a wide range of career opportunities in advertising, design, art direction, graphic design, and multimedia design. With this degree, you can explore various paths in the creative industry and pursue your passion for visual communication.

Whether you have a specialization in art direction, design, or new media, the skills and knowledge gained through the program will equip you for success in your desired field. Here are some of the exciting career paths available to Visual Communication graduates:

• Graphic Designer: Create visually appealing designs for a variety of mediums, including print and digital media.
• Multimedia Designer: Design and develop interactive and engaging multimedia projects, such as websites, mobile apps, and presentations.
• Art Director: Lead the visual and creative direction of advertising campaigns, ensuring effective and impactful communication.

“The BFA in Visual Communication offers a comprehensive education that prepares graduates for diverse and exciting career opportunities in design, advertising, art direction, and more.” – [Name], Creative Director

By showcasing your work in national and international competitions, you can gain recognition and open doors to even more job opportunities. Many industry professionals recruit talent through these competitions, giving you a chance to stand out and land your dream job.

With the demand for visual communication professionals growing rapidly, this degree provides you with a competitive edge in the job market. Companies across various industries are always looking for skilled individuals who can effectively communicate through visual mediums.

Take advantage of the Visual Communication career opportunities that await you. Start building your portfolio and honing your skills, and discover a world of creativity and professional growth.

To earn a BFA in Visual Communication, you will need to fulfill specific requirements and follow a structured curriculum. Here is an overview of the key elements:

1. University Studies curriculum: You will be required to complete a 42-semester hour University Studies curriculum. This program is designed to provide a well-rounded education and includes courses in areas such as English, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences.
2. Core art courses: Alongside the University Studies curriculum, you will also need to complete a core set of art courses. These courses will help you develop fundamental skills in various artistic disciplines and lay the groundwork for your concentration in Visual Communication.
3. Portfolio review: Entry into the junior year of the program is determined through a portfolio review. To be eligible for the review, you must maintain a minimum GPA and average in your core art classes. This review process ensures that students entering the concentration have a solid foundation and the necessary skills to succeed.
4. Course transfer: If you have taken courses at other accredited institutions, you may be able to transfer them towards your BFA. However, courses falling outside the common course numbering system will be subject to a portfolio review to determine their equivalency.
5. El Centro College: All courses beyond the sophomore level are taught at El Centro College, located in downtown Dallas. This provides you with the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant design community and gain valuable real-world experience.

For students residing in Commerce, shuttle service is available between the Commerce campus and El Centro College, making it convenient to access the courses offered at El Centro College.

Note: The image above showcases the requirements for earning a BFA in Visual Communication.

Embarking on a journey to attain a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication opens up a world of possibilities for honing your creative potential and exploring dynamic career paths in the realms of advertising and design. Whether you choose to specialize in Art Direction, Design, or New Media, this program equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge through a curriculum packed with innovative courses and guidance from experienced faculty.

Upon completion of the program, you’ll find yourself well-prepared for a diverse range of Visual Communication career opportunities. The comprehensive education provided by the BFA in Visual Communication not only equips you with the technical expertise needed to excel in your chosen field but also offers you a platform to showcase your work in competitive shows and exhibitions.

So, seize the opportunity to delve into this exciting program and unlock your true creative potential. With the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication, you’ll gain the tools and expertise to thrive in the ever-evolving creative industry, setting yourself up for a fulfilling and successful career.

• https://coursecatalog.tamuc.edu/undergrad/colleges-and-departments/humanities-social-sciences-arts/art/bfa-visual-communication-emphasis-new-media/
• https://www.tamuc.edu/programs/visual-communication-new-media-bfa/
• http://mycatalog.txstate.edu/undergraduate/fine-arts-communication/art-design/communication-design-bfa/