Art Degrees Online

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. 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 industry standard technology.

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

*Additional experience may be required for some positions.
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

Illustration is an art form. It’s a demanding medium of expression and communication. CVA illustration majors direct their creative intentions within a demanding curriculum that prepares them for professional practice and a lifetime of art making.

A sequence of six successive courses defines the illustration core curriculum. A three-semester immersion in digital, interactive and new media technology compliment these offerings and bring illustration majors up to speed with an ever-changing profession. Each illustration course builds on the skills and knowledge developed in its predecessor.

After completing their foundation year, illustration majors begin a specialized study of the basics. Emphasis is placed on improving drawing skills and exploring a variety of traditional and digital media. Process is stressed and students are challenged to find creative solutions to problems involving space, medium and content.

Advanced, digital and applied illustration courses encourage students to experiment in many disciplines and to become innovators with their own art making. They explore the connections between illustration and graphic design, typography and printmaking, painting and photography, and personal expression.

A studio practicum, internship opportunities, and a course in professional practice augment the curriculum. Combined with liberal arts coursework in illustration history, art history, aesthetics, math, humanities, and the natural and social sciences, these courses anticipate a final year capstone experience that includes a demanding studio and seminar thesis and professional portfolio development.

Students can customize advanced course content and the capstone experience to reflect their interest in a variety of creative mediums, among others, that include cartooning and character development, graphic novels, merchandising, animation, and editorial, publication, and book illustration.

BFA applicants

Submit a portfolio of your current work with a minimum of 20 pieces. These should include examples of graphic design, typography, conceptual visualization (drawing as examples of conceptual thinking) and your level of experience with technology. These examples may range from class assignments and self-initiated projects to professional work. In your artist’s statement, we recommend that you specifically address your interest and knowledge of graphic design as a professional practice.

MFA applicants

Submit a portfolio of your current design work with a minimum of 20 pieces. Additional materials may be included if they further demonstrate your conceptual abilities. Your artist’s statement should concisely address your objectives and goals as a designer in the context of current issues in design practice, as well as how they serve as a basis for graduate-level study. Candidates who have passed the preliminary selection process will be notified by mail in mid-February. At this time, candidates will be invited to visit CalArts in March for an interview and to meet faculty and students. The interview is an all-day event and an important component of the final selection process.