American University United States

Graphic and Visual Communication Design (BA).

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Graphic and Visual Communication Design BA at American University is your gateway to shaping visual culture and solving complex communication challenges through design. This undergraduate degree is for aspiring designers eager to explore the dynamic interplay between visual elements, audience perception, and societal impact. You will delve into critical areas such as typography, digital media, and design history, understanding how visual communication influences commerce, culture, and propaganda. This program equips you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to excel in a field that demands both creativity and strategic thinking.

You will engage in a rigorous, full-time, on-campus learning experience over four years, progressing through foundational principles to specialized practices. Your journey will involve hands-on work with digital and emerging media, image-making, and typography, culminating in advanced design projects. The curriculum includes opportunities for specialization in areas like data visualization, packaging design, and interactive media, with a significant design capstone project in your final year. You will graduate prepared for diverse career paths in branding, user experience design, and digital content creation, armed with a portfolio and the professional acumen to succeed.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Bachelor of Arts in Graphic and Visual Communication Design program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with the foundational skills and specialized knowledge necessary for a career in visual communication. The program explores principles of design, typography, digital media, and visual culture, progressing through specialized practices in areas such as branding, interactive media, and information design. Students will engage in hands-on projects and capstone experiences, with opportunities for further specialization through electives and a minor or second major.

1 Foundations (18 credit hours)

Visual Communication Design
Design for Understanding
The Artist's Perspective: Digital Photography
Principles of Photography
Typography I: Visible Language for Publications and Media
Digital and Emerging Media Design I
Graphic Design History: Visual Culture, Commerce, and Propaganda
Typography II: Type and Image

2 Specialized Practices I (9 credit hours)

Digital and Emerging Media Design II
Visual Concepts and Image Making for Design
Kinetic and Sequential Graphics
Data Visualization and Information Design
Packaging Design

3 Specialized Practices II (6 credit hours)

Visual Branding and Design Systems
Experience Design: Interactive Media and Mobile Devices
Design Capstone

4 Electives (6 credit hours)

Illustration
Selected Topics: Non-Recurring
Visual Branding and Design Systems
Experience Design: Interactive Media and Mobile Devices
Interactive Experience Design: Senior Projects
Independent Study Project
Internship
Selected Topics: Non-Recurring

5 Minor or Second Major

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 60,270.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 241,080.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,000.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on Washington Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

91%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Amusement & Recreation ServicesAnimation & Visual EffectsCorrections & RehabilitationEvent Promotion & ManagementFamily & Civil LawInternational & Human Rights LawLegal Aid & Public Interest LawPolice & Public SafetyStreaming & Digital ContentTheme Parks & Leisure

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Actors' Equity Association

Montgomery Police Department (Alabama)

Why Study Graphic and Visual Communication Design (BA). at American University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

American University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at American University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Graphic and Visual Communication Design (BA). at American University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require additional permits.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To qualify, students must meet specific English test requirements: Duolingo overall score of 120, TOEFL overall score of 85, IELTS overall score of 6.5, or PTE overall score of 60.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as graphic designers, illustration artists, multimedia designers, packaging designers, or marketing specialists.

What will I actually study in this course?

The design program teaches the theory

When can I start — what are the intake months?

This program accepts students in January and August. Make sure to apply before these intake months to secure your place.
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