Visual Communication - Graphic Design

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication (BFA) with a concentration in Graphic Design

It is the job of the graphic designer to create imaginative visual solutions to communications problems. They decide the most effective way of getting a message across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods.

AIU offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication with a concentration in Graphic Design that can help prepare students to become creative and technically proficient graphic designers or art directors. This degree program integrates theory, practice, and team-oriented learning to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the field.

The Visual Communication program at AIU emphasizes the development of the thinking process and the ability to solve design problems creatively. Students can learn the principles, practical applications, technologies, and methodologies used in solving complex design problems in a creative and unique manner.

Career Opportunities

The BFA in Visual Communication with a concentration in Graphic Design can help prepare students who are interested in developing and advancing a career* as a/an:

• Art Director
• Design Manager
• Graphic Designer
• Art Editor (books, magazines and newspapers)
• Typographer
• Web Designer
• Multimedia Expert.

Challenging, Relevant Coursework

The BFA in Visual Communication features industry-relevant coursework taught by faculty members with experience in their respective field. Key topics addressed in this degree program include the history of visual communication; graphic design, typography and computer graphics for print- and screen-based applications; web design and multimedia; illustration and animation; and photography.

Upon completion of the program, the student should be able to:

• Demonstrate broad knowledge of their chosen specialization and its relevance within the wider context of Visual Communication, in a business environment.
• Understand the cultural, aesthetic, historical and theoretical issues relevant to the specialization and to the students' desired areas of work or postgraduate study.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the wide range of organizations that use the services of artists and designers, towards their business objectives.
• Employ their knowledge of a range of experimental and speculative strategies with which to test and develop ideas and push beyond the usual towards original innovative design solutions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the range of contemporary media and appropriate technical skills from which to select towards design solutions.
• Demonstrate ownership of and responsibility for a self-directed professionally executed portfolio of work.

It is the job of the graphic designer-or graphic artist-to create visual solutions to communications problems. They decide the most effective way of getting a message across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods. While a Bachelor's degree is required for most entry-level and advanced graphic design positions, creativity and effective communication and problem-solving skills are also crucial to success. And today, graphic designers must also be familiar with computer graphics and design software.

AIU offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication with a concentration in Graphic Design that can help prepare students to become creative and technically proficient graphic artists. This degree program integrates theory, practice, and team-oriented learning to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the field.

The Visual Communication program at AIU is designed to educate and develop artistic and imaginative students for careers in the fields of commercial art and design. The program emphasizes the development of the thinking process and the ability to solve design problems creatively. Students can learn the principles, practical applications, technologies, and methodologies used in solving complex design problems in a creative and unique manner.

Objectives

Students who successfully complete the program should be able to:

• Plan and create effective, cohesive design solutions using a variety of media.
• Use current software and technology to create digital compositions while applying color theory and graphic design principles.
• Plan and design interactive projects that demonstrate navigational and organizational methodologies.
• Apply project management and teamwork skills to address digital design industry issues.
• Develop skills for effective oral and written communication, presentation, and critical thinking.
• Apply business principles and practices that satisfy project requirements.
• Refine existing pieces for inclusion into a professional portfolio.