Texas A&M University (TAMU or Texas A&M) is home to the School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts (PVFA). Within the school is a Visualization (Viz) program that provides multiple paths to study graphic design. At the undergraduate level, students can earn a BS in Visualization (BS-Viz), a Graphic Design minor, or both. At the graduate level, the PVFA provides and MS-Viz and MFA-Viz.
The TAMU BS-Viz explores 3D design, fine arts, programming, digital technology, and the production pipeline. All students benefit from collaborative, project based studios; access to the Aggie network and professional connections; the annual Visualization Industry Fair (VIF); and the competition Viz-A-GoGo—an annual screening and exhibition of student work. This event also features an Interactive/Gaming Showcase. Winning projects receive a Vizzie Award.
Other program benefits include access to state-of-the-art production facilities. Labs, and studios; industry internships; and a mandatory semester away in the third year of the BS-Viz. Students may study in places such as Italy, Australia, England, or Singapore or at another university anywhere in the U.S.
Course examples for the Texas A&M BS-Viz include Principles of Design 1-3; Digital Media; Communication; Drawing for Visualization; Visualization Techniques; Traditional Arts; 3D Visualization Techniques; Engineering Mathematics I-II; Visual Studies Studio 1-3; Scientific and Technological Developments in Visual Arts; Applied Perceptions; Research Techniques in Visualication; Life Drawing; and Art History.
To enhance the curriculum, BS-Viz students may add the 16-credit hour Graphic Design minor. Course examples include Graphic Design I-II; Color Theory; Multimedia Design and Development; History of Graphic Design; Introduction to Photography; Design I; and Designing for the Web.
The Visualization BS program at Texas A&M University culminates with the Capstone Proposal Development course and Capstone Studio. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles in advertising, multimedia design, publishing, marketing, packaging, web design, animation, and many others.
The MS in Visualization at Texas A&M University provides thesis and non-thesis options. Thesis students will complete 32 credit hours of study. Non-thesis students must complete 36 credit hours. Both options allow students to select an area of emphasis such as User Experience (UX) Design, Virtual Reality (VR), Computer Animation, Data Visualization, Interactive Design, or Computer Graphics.
MS-Viz students may also select electives in additional areas of interest. Student in both options will take Design Communication I; Form, Installation, and Environment; and Digital Image. Elective examples across options include Design Communication II-III; Rendering and Shading; Generative Art; 3D Modeling and Animation; Time-Based Media; Physical Computing for Art and Design; Computer-Aided Sculpting; Multi-Media Web Design; Image Synthesis; Advanced Animation; and Color Photography.
The MS-Viz thesis option culminates with a thesis and paper and a presentation by the student defending their work. While the presentation is presented to the committee, it is also open to the public, and students are encouraged to have local and competitive external exhibitions related to their thesis work.
The MS-Viz non-thesis option culminates with a capstone project and public presentation. MS graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in design, research, innovation, education, and consulting.
The Visualization MFA at Texas A&M University is one of the few programs of its kind in the United States and the only program of its kind in Texas. This terminal degree program combines visual arts and technology with emphasis options in User Experience Design; Data Visualization; Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR); Interactive Art; Computer Animation; Visual Effects; Gaming; and Visual Storytelling.
In addition to an emphasis area, students in the MFA-Viz program at Texas A&M will complete 20 professional study credit hours as well as courses and electives such as Form, Installation, and Environment; Contemporary Art Studio/Seminar; Design Communication I-III; Physical Computing for Art & Design; 3D Modeling and Animation; Computer Aided Sculpting; Image Synthesis; Multimedia Web Design; Digital Image; Color Photography; Advanced Animation; and Time-Based Media.
The MFA-Viz program culminates with a thesis and exhibition. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in research, design, education, innovation, and consulting.
Graduates of the Art, Design, Visualization, and Communication programs at Texas A&M University have been hired at places such as Amazon, the U.S. Army, ESPN, Oracle, IBM, Dell, AT&T, H-E-B, Techtronic Industries, Groupon, Brew House Productions, Audience Media Group, Premier Advertising, GCG Marketing, Culver Public Relations, Multiview Inc., LAM Partners, Customer Marketing Group, Career Something More Media, Grange Marketing, Laser Scientific, LAM Partners, Nift, and Safe.
Texas A&M University opened its doors in 1876 as the state’s first public Institution of higher learning. Today, College Station is the main campus for Texas A&M, with branch campuses in Galveston, Texas and Doha, Qatar. TAMU serves approximately 77,490 students enrolled in more than 400 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. Approximately 71,130 students study at the main campus. Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).