The Visual Communications curriculum combines photography, writing, graphic design and critical thinking skills with essential learning in ethics and communications law. You’ll graduate from our program with the ability to work and think on a big-picture level, as well as becoming proficient with the latest technology and developing your critical thinking skills.
Multimedia Storytelling
Working in collaborative teams, students write, design and produce short fiction and non-fiction stories using digital media and the Internet. Emphasis on how story structures change with audience and delivery system.
Introduction to Graphic Design
Teaches underlying principles of visual communications and the fundamental strategies, tools and practices of graphic design; emphasizes visual problem-solving, including conceptualization, typography, layout, image editing and production of print and digital communications.
Introduction to Photography for Multimedia
Explores basic creative principles including composition and lighting; provides technical instruction; develops workflow and post-production processes; and teaches basic editing principles-all in the context of communications photography and multimedia storytelling.
Take a closer list at the courses for each track:
VIS 301
Video and Photography
This course advances students’ use of creative principles in lighting, composition and storytelling, and expands on technical skills in both video and photography.
VIS 324
Light and Concept
Course assumes foundational skills in camera controls. This course focuses on developing technical and conceptual lighting and postproduction skills used in still and video productions to create compelling editorial and commercial content in studio and on location.
VIS 405
Photographic Storytelling
Teaches principles and practices of photojournalistic/documentary/editorial storytelling for print, multimedia and video contexts. Topics include news, features, portraits and sports photography; picture story; and essay production.
VIS 425
Visual Editing and Project Development
Teaches students how to develop and edit their own work through semester-long projects while also editing the work of outstanding professionals and analyzing aspects of the editing profession.
VIS 439
Advanced Projects
Focuses on developing and collecting content for advanced photo and video/multimedia projects; emphasizes creativity, work ethic, personal intention and community-building skills in the service of becoming a better visual communicator. Additional work is required of graduate students.
VIS 485
Multimedia and Photojournalism Capstone
Students work individually and in collaboration to produce advanced still and multimedia photojournalism projects and develop portfolios that reflect their brand.
Top | Photojournalism | Advertising | Graphic Design | Cinematography
VIS 301
Video and Photography
This course advances students use of creative principles in lighting, composition and storytelling, and expands on technical skills in both video and photography.
VIS 324
Light and Concept
Course assumes foundational skills in camera controls. This course focuses on developing technical and conceptual lighting and postproduction skills used in still and video productions to create compelling editorial and commercial content in studio and on location.
VIS 405
Photographic Storytelling
Teaches principles and practices of photojournalistic/documentary/editorial storytelling for print, multimedia and video contexts. Topics include news, features, portraits and sports photography; picture story and essay production.
VIS 434
Commercial and Advertising Photography and Multimedia
This course focuses on production of advanced commercial and advertising content for multimedia and print. It builds on skills learned in previous lighting courses, while emphasizing professional business practices and working with live talent.
VIS 439
Advanced Projects
Focuses on developing and collecting content for advanced photo and video/multimedia projects; emphasizes creativity, work ethic, personal intention and community-building skills in the service of becoming a better visual communicator.
VIS 484
Commercial and Advertising Photo Capstone
Students work individually and in collaboration to produce advanced still and multimedia commercial projects and develop portfolios that reflect their brand.
Top | Photojournalism | Advertising | Graphic Design | Cinematography
VIS 317
Typographic Design
Explores essential history, concepts, skills and strategies for thoughtful and informed typographic decision-making in creating elegant and smart design solutions. Focuses on typeface design, the setting of text, and visual strategies.
VIS 327
Type and Image Design
Intermediate course for graphic design majors builds on foundational principles and skills in design, writing and imaging. Students create original print and digital design projects while also considering budgeting and processes.
VIS 447
Motion Design
Teaches technology and strategies in motion graphics and how to build rich storytelling experiences for publication on multiple platforms. Students create multimedia productions using still imagery, video, audio and type.
VIS 457
User Interface and User Experience (UI/UX) Design
Students will utilize design thinking to create human-centered experiences and useable interfaces for web and mobile, including an interactive prototype for a UI/UX project package.
VIS 467
Immersive Design
This advanced course teaches how to design and build immersive digital environments for the communications industry. Students explore best practices and theories, and develop the skills and vocabulary to design for mixed-realities using cutting edge technology.
VIS 487
Design Capstone
Students work individually and in collaboration to produce advanced graphic design projects and develop portfolios that reflect their brand.
Top | Photojournalism | Advertising | Graphic Design | Cinematography
CIN 313
Cinematography Fundamentals
Students explore the fundamentals of digital cinematography art and science utilizing large sensor digital cinema cameras and modern lighting instruments.
CIN 323
Cinematic Light and Lens
Students explore lighting design, grip & lighting instruments, lensing strategies and lens characteristics emphasizing application in cinematic storytelling.
VIS 403
Nonfiction Video Storytelling
Students explore production practices, digital image capture, sound capture, and postproduction processes used to tell compelling nonfiction stories.
CIN 433
Cinematic Storytelling
Students deepen their understanding of cinematographic art and craft. Emphasis on interpreting scripts from different genres into cinematic images.
CIN 510
Topics in Cinematography
Development of skills that enhance cinematographic storytelling. Different sections will focus on different specialized production practices such as camera movement, previsualization, emerging cinematography, color grading, and virtual cinematography.
TRF 510
Specialized Practice
These four-week mini-courses provide specific areas of study not covered in depth in other courses. Examples: Production Management, Budgeting, Color Correction, Editing, Lighting, Location Sound, Videography, and others based on faculty and student interest.
CIN 483
Cinematography Capstone
Students work individually and in collaboration to produce advanced cinematography projects and develop work portfolios that reflect their brand.
Top | Photojournalism | Advertising | Graphic Design | Cinematography