BFA in Design, Visual Communication Design


student works on computer

Shape the information people see, use, and experience. 

 

The Visual Communication Design program teaches students how to apply creative talent, evidenced-based design, and technical expertise to clarify, entertain, and move people through effective visual solutions.  

Visual communication is everywhere you look -- from chaotic city streets to peaceful park trails, ideas are presented, instructions are given, choices are influenced, and stories are told. KU Visual Communication Design students learn to challenge conventional methods and ideas through creative exploration, hands-on inquiry, and systematic design research.  

At KU, we prepare graphic designers, UX/UI developers, marketing creatives, and other multidisciplinary communicators to thrive as innovative practitioners and socially-engaged leaders in an ever-changing professional field. 

mockup of of branding for sports app

Work by Anna Matuella

three colorful ice cream cups

Work by Bhroovi Gupta

letterform design over a floral background

Work by Sydney Dietz


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 analyzing communication problems and inventing beautiful and appropriate solutions that respond to human needs and improve the quality of business, government, and everyday life. 

Explore Visual Communication Curriculum

students work with rulers and exacto knives at table

Facilities and Resources

VisCom's studio spaces, maker spaces, and labs provide the all the space, tools, and experiences needed to become the designer you aspire to be. Students have access to a wide range of tools to explore the relationship between conceptual inquiry and practical problem solving. From letterpresses and hand tools to laser cutters and virtual reality equipment, the opportunities to expand skillset through hands-on discovery is built into the learning experience.

Virtual and augmented reality labs allow students to learn how to develop immersive visual experiences. 

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. 

Student hangs large poster on wall

Careers

Career options for visual communication designers are expansive.

Our graduates work in mobile and web UX/UI design, branding, fashion, advertising, corporate marketing, publishing, packaging design, 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.

See Design Alumni Spotlights

two people look at student work in senior show

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.