Student working on computer in riso lab

Shape the information people see, use, and experience.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Design with a concentration in Visual Communication Design empowers students to craft compelling visual solutions that effectively elucidate, entertain, and inspire audiences.

Visual Communication also known as Graphic Design permeates every aspect of our surroundings, whether it's the bustling city streets or peaceful park trails. It surrounds us, presenting ideas, providing instructions, influencing choices, and narrating stories. At KU, the Visual Communication Design program encourages students to question conventional approaches and concepts by fostering creative exploration, hands-on inquiry, and systematic design research. Through our program, they become innovative practitioners and socially-engaged leaders, ready to thrive in the ever-evolving professional landscape.

Course Lising :: Degree Plan


Careers

We equip our students to excel as graphic designers, UX/UI developers, marketing creatives, and versatile communicators across various disciplines. Career options for visual communication designers are expansive. Our graduates work in branding, fashion, advertising, mobile and web UX/UI design, publishing, packaging design, corporate marketing, exhibition and environmental design, motion graphics, and more. Our network of alumni spans the globe with KU graduates working in and leading large companies, boutique agencies, and independent practices.

At A Glance

No. 1
Recognized as the Best School at the National Student Conference 7 times. Earned accolades across various categories, including best senior portfolio, best junior portfolio, best sophomore portfolio, and best of show award.
18
The small studio size of 15 to 20 students provides personalized instruction and fosters the chance to develop a network of friends and future colleagues.
270K
Currently over 270,900 jobs in Graphic Design related fields. About 22,800 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. US Bureau of Labor.

Curriculum

Imagination, inquiry, craft, and collaboration animate our rigorous studio environment.  

Through a sequenced progression of studio projects, coursework, and career-focused experiences, you will expand your capabilities as a designer and gain critical insights into how to develop effective, accessible, and inclusive solutions for diverse audiences and consumers.  

Upon graduation, you will have expert-level skills in inventing beautiful and appropriate solutions that respond to human needs and improve the quality of business, government, and everyday life. 

students work with rulers and exacto knives at table

Resources

From letterpresses to laser cutters the opportunities to expand skillset through hands-on discovery is built into the learning experience.

Visual Communication Design studio spaces, maker spaces, and labs provide all the space, tools, and experiences needed to become the designer you aspire to be. You will have access to a wide range of tools to explore the relationship between conceptual inquiry and practical problem-solving. 

Bookmaking, print, and finishing labs allow students to create 2D and 3D creative projects, books, posters, and more. 

Photography facilities are equipped with an extensive variety of professional-grade cameras, studio lighting, and sound equipment.  

Digital fabrication labs include CNC routers, laser cutters, robotics, and other machine-driven tools. 

Color Lab Riso Lab

Internship Spotlight

Bhroovi Gupta wasn’t content with keeping her design talents confined to the classroom. Through her internship at renowned Kansas City firm Whiskey Design, the VisCom student's formidable future in the field has taken shape.