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.
Graphic Design Major
Design is a vital tool for businesses competing in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace. NCA Design students begin their training with a balanced foundation that includes drawing and painting, color theory, photography, digital graphics, and design courses. Further studies in graphic design, typography, web design, and design production help students develop the strong technical and conceptual skills they will need in a competitive job market. The Graphic Design major prepares students for a variety of entry-level positions working as print designers, package designers, brand and identity designers, or art directors.
Fine Art Major
Our Fine Art major prepares serious students for entry-level careers in fine art or illustration. Fine Art majors work towards becoming freelance illustrators, studio artists, and fine artists who may contract with publishers and design firms, or work with galleries. The curriculum begins with foundation courses in drawing, photography, painting, and media. Further study in drawing and painting in studio courses with a focus on personal development and technical ability will prepare students for a career in the fine arts. As skills and confidence increases, Fine Art students are encouraged to explore greater independence, to use critical thinking skills, and to develop their own personal style.
Photography Major
The Photography major is designed to help prepare students to succeed in the competitive world of professional photography. It has an applied emphasis designed to help prepare our students to engage at an entry-level in one of several professional fields of photography, including but not limited to advertising, illustration, editorial, portrait, journalistic or a fine art sub-discipline.
Interactive Design Major
The Interactive Design major provides skills, concepts, and tools for students interested in interactive design as a creative form of expression and communication, and as a profession. The knowledge and skills learned in this major are designed to enhance the preparedness of those visual communication students wishing to enter the design, communication, and interactive media industries.
Motion Design Major
Motion design allows artists and designers to create complex visual messages by blending together elements of film, music, and graphic design, and can include such work as the typography and graphics, which can be seen in the opening credits of a film, web-based animations or advertising, or 3D logos for television networks. The motion design major teaches our students both the art and the technology that go into creating this form of visual communication.
Entertainment Art Major
In the Entertainment Art major students explore the use of professional-level software to create 3D digital images and animation for print, interactive multimedia, motion design, digital games, and for the Web. The purpose of the Entertainment Art major is to provide our students with the conceptual understanding, technical skills, practical expertise, and educational opportunities to explore the art of 3D digital modeling and animation, to become successful visual communicators and storytellers who may choose to work in the entertainment arts industry as modelers, animators, illustrators, or concept artists.