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

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

The life of a photographer can be as varied as the subjects they capture. But all successful professional photographers share certain traits: they must posses both a keen eye and technical expertise. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the most successful photographers are those with business savvy, creativity, and an ability to take advantage of emerging technologies. Real-world experience and a relevant Bachelor’s degree are two key qualifications for those beginning a career in the field.

AIU offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication with a concentration in Photography that can help prepare students to become creative and technically proficient professional photographers. 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.

Animators are the artists who bring entertainment to life. They draw by hand and use computers to create the pictures that form the animated images or special effects seen in movies, television programs, and computer games. Others draw storyboards for television commercials, movies, and animated features.

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