Virginia Commonwealth University - Communication Arts, Graphic Design and Kinetic Imaging Programs Profile

Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Communication Arts, Graphic Design, Kinetic Imaging; M. F. A. Design with Specialization in Visual Communications, Kinetic Imaging

Tuition Information:  Undergraduate residents $7,860, nonresidents $21,275; graduate residents $9,530, nonresidents $19,594 for the 2012 – 2013 school year.  Tuition does not include undergraduate resident fees of $2,025, undergraduate nonresident fees of $2,637, graduate resident fees of $2,091 or graduate nonresident fees of $2,603 per year. 

Contact Information:
Richmond, VA 23284
804.828.0100
www.vcu.edu/

Scope of Program:

B. F. A. candidates at Virginia Commonwealth University complete foundation coursework in drawing, surface research, space research, time studio and art history.  All students must pass sophomore and junior year portfolio reviews to continue in the major.  Communication Arts students concentrate on communication arts software, the business of communication arts, drawing studies, concept drawing, illustration, sequential imaging, art history, photography, typography, design and digital drawing.  All students create a portfolio.  Students may choose the scientific and preparatory medical illustration option if they wish.

Graphic Design students focus on typography, imaging, design form and communication, history of visual communication, printmaking, visual narrative, interaction, design technology and systems in design.  All students create a portfolio.  Kinetic Imaging students complete coursework in electronic animation, sound communication, 3D modeling, media arts, video and web page design.  All students complete a senior studio.

M. F. A. candidates in VCU's Design program may choose to specialize in Visual Communications.  Coursework includes visual communications workshops and seminars, research in visual communications and thesis preparation.  All students create a thesis and M. F. A. exhibition.

M. F. A. candidates in Kinetic Imaging complete coursework in topics in contemporary media, foundations in media, graphics studio and advanced sound.  All students complete a graduate seminar and create a thesis.

All B. F. A. and M. F. A. candidates must pay art fees of $1,850 per year.   Students in the Communication Arts, Graphic Design and Kinetic Imaging must purchase a laptop computer that meets departmental requirements.  A portfolio is required with the application to the B. F. A. and M. F. A. programs.  Art, merit and need-based scholarships are available, as are graduate assistantships and fellowships.  Residents of Virginia may apply for state-sponsored scholarships and grants.