Visual Communication Design

Bachelor of Fine Arts
Studies in graphic design, web design, advertising, typography, illustration, and integrative liberal arts provide you with essential skills for visual communication in digital and analog media.

The curriculum prepares you for a broad range of creative careers and focuses on professional preparation and portfolio building. Integrated professional networking includes experiences with local chapters of the American Institute of Graphic Arts and the American Advertising Federation, internships, guest speakers, and agency tours.

Course curriculum • Student outcomes • Cost of attendance

students creating typographic artwork in a computer lab
mortarboard graphic

Graduate with a strong portfolio demonstrating your skills

checkbox graphic

Professional internship experiences prepare you for careers

globe graphic

Study abroad options include Italy and France programs specifically for art and design majors

pathway graphic

Get hired in advertising, marketing, multimedia and web design, packaging design, and branding

a student wearing a vibrant purple dress confidently balances herself on a sturdy railing
a circular arrangement of multicolored pencils
a congregation of students conduction a design critique in a computer lab

Career Paths

  • Art director
  • Creative director
  • Digital media designer
  • Graphic designer
  • Publication designer
  • UI/UX designer
  • Web designer
Internships
  • American Cancer Society
  • Antithesis Advertising
  • Butler/Till Media
  • Clark CSM
  • Dixon Schwabl
  • JWT, New York City
  • Lime Design
  • Martino Flynn
  • Mason Marketing
  • Minerva Design
  • Partners + Napier
  • Roberts Communication
  • Rochester Business Journal
  • Strong National Museum of Play
Employers
  • Big Arrow Group, New York City
  • Butler/Till Media
  • CypherWorx
  • Edge Advertising
  • Harris Corporation
  • Martino Flynn
  • Mason Marketing
  • Mirus Group
  • Partners + Napier
  • Rochester Institute of Technology Cary Graphic Arts Press
  • The Martin Group
  • The Ski Company
  • Tool Studios, Denver, CO
  • Trampoline Design, Glens Falls, NY

99%

of new Nazareth grads are employed or in grad school within six months of graduation

2,285

high-impact experiential learning experiences completed by the undergraduate class of 2025

$4,000

Our SPARK Grant provides up to $4,000 for you to pursue internships, research, and study abroad. SPARK details »

Portfolio

A portfolio is not required for admission, but submitting your portfolio for scholarship consideration is highly recommended. View portfolio details and register »

Related Programs

Inside Nazareth's Art & Design Studios

    play video
    Program Director
    Marina Volpini BFA graphic design degree program, visual communication major, Nazareth University

    Alumni Spotlight

    “Nazareth provided such a well-rounded education and experience. I learned so much about design through the VCD program at Nazareth. Beyond specific design tools, I learned a lot of tangential skills that come with the territory of being a good designer. Think: client interaction, relationships, networking, collaboration in teams and groups. I felt encouraged and empowered to take risks, try new things, and was supported throughout all of it.”

    — Marina Volpini ’23, who became a graphic design specialist at University of Rochester Office of Advancement