Visual Art and DesignBachelor of Fine Arts

CIP: 500101

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Art and Design is a comprehensive program that provides training in foundational design using traditional and digital techniques. The program emphasizes visual theory, history and practical application while developing and expressing a personal style. The degree offers students the chance to explore the visual arts and build creative design techniques. The Visual Art and Design program is a creative degree offering specializations in either photography or illustration with the goal of developing professionals for design-related industries.

The Illustration specialization offers students an opportunity to develop the practical skills for visual expression of ideas. It couples art and technology in a way that is practical and offers students a strong working knowledge of both traditional and digital skill sets. The illustration specialization is project-based, enabling students to build a portfolio of high-quality work.

The photography specialization offers students the opportunity to develop technical skills in equipment and software, as well as enabling them to hone their conceptual and aesthetic views in lecture, seminar and experiential learning modes. Students will be able to build a portfolio of diverse multimedia photography to assist them in seeking a career in the field. Students interested in pursuing a career in photography in its various forms will find the photography major prepares them for the commercial marketplace as well as the artistic realm.

Core curriculum 37 credits
Course number Course name Course credits
DBR 100 Introduction to Belief Systems 3
DBR 200 World Belief Systems 3
DJC 100 Foundations of U.S. Justice 3
DJCP 100 Citizenship Project 2
DJC 200 Civic Engagement and Social Justice 3
DJLC 200 Language and Culture 2
DJCE 250 Career Preparation 2
DSS 100 Theories of Self 3
DSS 200 Societies and Institutions 3
DQR 100 Algebra and Personal Finance 3
DQR 200 Introductory Statistics 3
DSL 100 Scientific Inquiry 3
DSL 200 Science and Society 3
LYNN 101 First Year Seminar 1
Major requirements 42 credits
Course number Course name Course credits
CGD 115 Digital Imaging I 3
CGD 125 Digital Photography I 3
CGD 205 Vector Imaging I 3
FA 105 Principles of Design 3
FA 115 Basic Drawing 3
FA 125 Figure Drawing I 3
GVC 240 Color Theory 3
GVC 265 Digital Photography II 3
GVC 311 Visual Art History 3
GVC 360 Advanced Digital Imaging 3
GVC 395 Visual Communication Theory 3
GVC 442 Visual Art Practicum 3
GVC 480 Portfolio and Exhibition 3
GVC 493 Professional Practices 3
Electives 11 credits
Course number Course name Course credits
Elective 11

Photography specialization requires a minimum of one (1) elective credit to be at the upper level.

Illustration Specialization 30 credits
Course number Course name Course credits
CA 150 Digital Painting 3
GVC 335 Illustration 3
GVC 340 Digital Illustration 3
GVC 363 Painting III 3
FA 315 Expressive Drawing 3
FA 323 Painting I 3
FA 325 Figure Drawing II 3
FA 335 Comics and Sequential Art 3
FA 341 Drawing Anatomy 3
FA 343 Painting II 3
Photography Specialization 30 credits
Course number Course name Course credits
COM 150 Film Production 3
COM 390 Photojournalism 3
GVC 223 Fashion Photography 3
GVC 342 Applied Photography 3
GVC 343 Commercial Photography 3
GVC 365 Black and White Photography 3
GVC 375 History of Photography 3
GVC 399 Issues in Graphic and Visual Communication 3
GVC 400 Digital Photography III 3
GVC 455 Advanced Photography 3

Illustration specialization

4-year plan

Photography specialization

4-year plan