Visual Communication Design Curriculum


The BFA in Design, Visual Communication Design program consist of a carefully-arranged sequence of courses that follow a four-year track from the fall semester of a student's year of admission to the program. 

The curriculum listed below is subject to change and each student's path to graduation is unique. Students should meet with their academic advisor at least once per semester to ensure proper enrollment and track to graduation.

First year - Fall
CourseHours
BDS 101: Think and Make I3
BDS 103: Drawing for Design3
ADS 325: Design Thinking and Research3
HA 150/160: Western Art History3
English 101: Composition3
First year - Spring
CourseHours
VISC 200: Foundations in Typography3
ILLU 200: Foundations in Image-Making3
ADS 340: History & Philosophy of Design3
HA 151/161: Western Art History3
ENGL 102 or ENGL 1053
ADS 320: KU Design Lecture Series1
Second Year - Fall
CourseHours
VISC 202: Elements of Type3
VISC 204: Principles in Visual Communication3
ADS 401: Design Ethics3
HA Elective Requirement3
KU Core Goal GE12 (Quantitative Literacy)3
ADS 320: KU Design Lecture Series1
Second Year - Spring
CourseHours
VISC 302: Typographic Systems4
VISC 304: Designing Understanding4
ADS 300: Fundamentals in UX Design3
KU Core: GE22 (Oral Communication)3
ADS 320: KU Design Lecture Series1
Third Year - Fall
CourseHours
VISC 404: Designing Social Interactions4
VISC 405: Branding4
Professional Studies Requirement3
KU Core Goal AE41 (Human Diversity)3
ADS 320: KU Design Lecture Series1
Third Year - Spring
CourseHours
VISC 402 or VISC 5204
Professional Studies Requirement3
KU Core Goal GE3N (Natural Science)3
Academic Concentration Requirement3
VISC 530: Portfolio1
ADS 320: KU Design Lecture Series1
Capstone Year - Fall
CourseHours
VISC 525: Senior Problems4
Professional Studies Requirement3
KU Core Goal GE3S (Social Science)3
Academic Concentration Requirement3
ADS 320: KU Design Lecture Series1
Capstone Year - Spring
CourseHours
VISC 402 or VISC 5204
Professional Studies Requirement3
ENGL 203, 205, 209, 210, or 2113
Academic Concentration Requirement3
ADS 320: KU Design Lecture Series1