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 curriculumStudent outcomesCost of attendance

students creating typographic artwork in a computer lab

Highlights

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Graduate with a strong portfolio demonstrating your skills

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Professional internship experiences prepare you for careers

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

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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

98%

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

2,054

high-impact experiential learning experiences completed by the undergraduate class of 2023

$4,000

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

Inside Nazareth's Art & Design Studios

    Portfolio

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

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

    Alumni Spotlight

    Mary Bonomo

    "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, who became an art director at The Martin Group marketing firm, whose clients include Wegmans, The Buffalo Bills, and Hillside Family of Agencies. She then became a creative and design manager at University of Rochester.