Why Choose Nazareth for Visual Communication Design?

The program combines studies in graphic design, web design, advertising, typography, illustration, and integrative studies in the liberal arts, providing you with essential competencies for visual communication. Program curriculum is focused on preparing you for a broad range of careers in the creative field. Professional networking is integrated into your experience through associations with local chapters of American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and the American Advertising Federation (AAF), internships, guest speakers, and agency tours.

You will develop creative problem-solving skills and visual responses to communication problems, using digital and analog media for design. Working independently and in collaborative teams, you'll learn to create effective and refined images for a broad range of target audiences. In-depth learning culminates the final year in development of a professional portfolio and placement in a professional internship experience. Graduates find employment in advertising, marketing, multimedia and web design, packaging design, and branding.

All programs in the Art and Design Department are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). This accreditation means that our faculty, curriculum, and facilities meet or exceed national standards.

B.F.A. Degree Highlights

  • Focus on professional preparation and portfolio building.
  • Benefit from the combination of a strong studio curriculum in digital and analog media and a liberal arts education.
  • Choose to enrich your experience through 70+ study abroad options, including Italy and France for art and design majors.
     

Program Details

Options, Requirements, and Course Descriptions

Portfolio

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

Inside Nazareth's Art & Design Studios

    Mary Bonomo, alum of BFA graphic design degree program, visual communication major, Nazareth College

    Alumni Spotlight: Mary Bonomo ’15

    "Naz prepared me for my current job through the awesome internship requirement. Doing three internships in college really helped me figure out exactly what kind of work environment I would excel in, and this knowledge propelled me to make career decisions that are best for my professional future,” says Bonomo, assistant art director at The Martin Group marketing firm, whose clients include Wegmans, The Buffalo Bills, and Hillside Family of Agencies.

    Example Careers

    • 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