Bachelor's Degree in Communication
Concentration: Visual Communication Design (BA)
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Visual Communication Design Concentration Overview
We live in a visual society. Purdue University Northwest’s communication degree with a concentration in visual communication design gives students the opportunity to explore the visual world. Visual communicators combine words, images and ideas in original ways to convey information.
The Visual Communication Design concentration teaches students various techniques for creative expression and visual problem-solving. Students transform ideas into engaging graphics, exploring digital and traditional forms of artistic production.
Courses integrate design, art and communication, providing opportunities to develop a competitive design portfolio that fits any creative vision.
Department of Communication and Creative Arts
We have two dedicated art studios with access to industry-standard technology that are available to students outside of classroom hours.
Visual Communication Design Concentration Curriculum
As a student in the visual communication design concentration, you will take a balance of general education courses, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences core courses, and communication courses. Our curriculum emphasizes real-world problem-solving, media and cultural studies, contemporary creative thinking and design methodology.
You’ll develop techniques skills using industry-standard digital technology to communicate in compelling, meaningful ways.
Start strong with core studio classes in design principles, drawing and typography.
Sample Courses
- AD 32800 – Visual Communication Design I
- AD 11200 – Typography
- AD 11300 – Basic Drawing
- AD 11400 – Drawing II
Continue to build skills through photography, digital imaging and multimedia courses.
Sample Courses
- AD 22200 – Introduction to Photography
- AD 22800 – Visual Communication Design Computing II
- AD 32102 – Web Design
- COM 2500 – Mass Media & Society
Refine your artistic voice with digital design techniques and discover the world of human expression. You can also complete an internship this year.
Sample Courses
- AD 25500 – Art Appreciation
- AD 29000 – Digital Drawing
- AD 31800 – Introduction to Interactive Multimedia Design
- AD 44800 – Visual Communication Design III
Explore painting and advanced visual communication techniques while assembling a professional portfolio. You’re also encouraged to complete an internship in the field.
Sample Courses
- AD 32900 – Visual Communication Design II
- AD 40300 – Portfolio Process and Presentation
- AD 30102 – Color and Composition
- AD 41900 – Motion Graphics
Visual Communication Design Concentration Highlights
As a Visual Communication Design student, flex your creative muscles in a variety of ways. Our students design everything from websites to product packaging.
Visual Communication Design Concentration Outcomes
With well-rounded knowledge and thorough understanding of both medium and message, you’ll graduate with a professional portfolio and a sought-after skill set for work in design studios, advertising agencies and corporations.
Visual Communication Design Concentration Career Paths
A visual communication design concentration from PNW prepares you for a number of careers in the field, including:
- Graphic Designer
- Digital photographer
- Layout artist
Visual Communication Design Concentration Beyond the Classroom
You’ll have many opportunities to get involved in on- and off-campus activities, including:
- The Public Relations Club
- Broadcasting Club
- The Pioneer
Visual Communication Design Concentration Scholarships
In addition to the scholarships available to all PNW applicants, students seeking a visual communication design concentration may also apply for program-specific scholarship awards, such as:
- Edwin F. and Elsie L. Buck Scholarship
Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Communication with a Concentration in Visual Communication Design at PNW
Purdue University Northwest’s Visual Communication Design concentration allows students to gain industry-relevant knowledge while enhancing their communication skills to include words, images and ideas.
To see how a bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in visual communication design from PNW opens doors, from art studios to corporate and non-profit leadership, take the next step today!
