Program
The creative spirit has shaped, designed, and created much of what we value in our visual world. Become the artist you know you can be at Northwest College of Art.

The Visual Communication Program

The B.F.A. degree program in Visual Communication offers a well- rounded experience in the arts designed to prepare our students for entry-level practice as a creative professional. NCA’s double major policy allows flexibility for students to specialize and develop a unique style within the area of visual communications. This concentrated study focuses on technical skills, creative logic and the development of original concepts. Students implement experimentation and communicate ideas through professional quality projects with the final goal of a presentation portfolio. Majors (elective specializations) include Graphic Design, Fine Art, Photography, Interactive Design, Motion Design, and Entertainment Art.

Program Majors in Visual Communication

The foundation courses (semester 1–4) for all students in the Visual Communication program are identical.

Upper division courses (semester 5–9) include classes that are specific to individual majors.

Students will complete two majors in the Visual Communications program.

For specific classes included in each program, please refer to the appropriate program grid. Visual Communications major declaration will occur during the 3rd semester after the student has met and discussed their goals with the curriculum and Academic Advisor.

Double Majors at NCA

At NCA, we believe that there are several powerful benefits of getting a double major, which we require of all our students. The single greatest benefit, the one that matters to our students the most — it give our students options. Career options.

A double major allows our students to concentrate in two related areas of Visual Communication— to develop a broader set of skills than one major alone and therefore to potentially dramatically increase their career options.

Our double major requirement permits flexibility after college as our students build a career that they truly enjoy and find fulfilling. If for some reason once our students get out into the workforce utilizing the skills developed in one major and find that they don’t like it as much as they thought you would, our double major allows for some flexibility and the ability to change their course. If they were to only have taken one major, it might be extremely difficult or at least much more time consuming to make any type of career change. With two majors, that transition can be more seamless, allowing our students the opportunity to change what they do and to do work that makes them happy and fulfilled.

Program Length

The B.F.A. degree program in Visual Communication is typically 36 months (9 semesters). The program length may not exceed 54 months. The program length is not guaranteed and may be lengthened for various reasons including, but not limited to, class failure, suspension, program changes, course reduction or withdrawal. The program is considered full time programs.

NCA is a year round college with three 15-week semesters per 12 months.

September–December

January–April

May–August

Students who interrupt the program at any time will be considered to have withdrawn from the program and must reapply. The programs must be completed within 1.5 times the normal 36-month programs length to comply with the satisfactory progress policy. The program grids are intended to give you an ideal schedule and broad overview of the curriculum. Course names, titles, sequencing, prerequisites, credit value, content, instructor assignment, and/or scheduling is subject to change.

NCA’s accelerated and highly structured 36-month B.F.A. programs do not lend themselves to flexibility in terms of alternative scheduling due to students failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress.  Students who fail classes may be required to extend the length of their program in order to meet graduation requirements.

Credit Information

Clock hour definition

1 clock hour equals 60 minutes

Credit definition

15 hrs of lecture equals 1 credit

30 hrs of lab/studio equals 1 credit

45 hrs of Externship/Internship equals 1 credit

Credit conversion

Semester credit = 2/3 X quarter

Quarter credit = 3/2 X semester