What Is Visual Communication Design?
The B.F.A. in VCD challenges students to think with a human-centered approach to creating and thinking as designers. Students learn through digital and hands-on challenges to develop critical narrative skills and refine their ability to think conceptually. Individual projects and research prepare each student to be a flexible thinker in an international community continually influenced by new ideas, tools and technologies.
VCD faculty have expertise in the field and the classroom. Their commitment to student
inspiration is unmatched.
Associate Professor Peter Fine practiced graphic design for 15 years and brings a wealth of knowledge to students
at UW. His latest work is The Design of Race: How Visual Culture Shapes America. Associate Professor Brandon Gellis focuses on identity in his work and has won multiple Juror’s Choice Awards.
What Can You Do with a B.F.A. in Visual Communication Design?
Students graduating with a B.F.A. in VCD can pursue many jobs and often go on to work in museums, galleries, illustration and design roles. Others start design businesses, and many join local creative communities.
- Graphic Designer
- Artist
- Interior Designer
- Photojournalist
- Teacher/Professor
- Internet Publisher
- Web/App Designer
- Fashion Designer
- Advertiser
- And more!
- George Washington University
- OPTiMO Information Technology
- Caballero Graphics & Design
- Interweave
- Jetset Magazine
- Talking Stick Resort
- Pei Wei
- Ricoh USA, Inc.
- Arizona Facility Supply
- Concept Pro Creative
- And more!
A visual communication design major focuses on using visual elements—like typography, color, layout, imagery and digital media—to convey messages and solve design problems. Students learn how to combine creativity with strategy to create effective designs for branding, advertising, web design, user interfaces, packaging, motion graphics and more. The major blends artistic skills with communication theory, giving students the tools to design with purpose and impact across print and digital platforms.
Visual communication design and graphic design are closely related, but visual communication design takes a broader approach. While graphic design focuses on creating visual content like logos, posters and digital media, visual communication design emphasizes how visuals convey ideas and information across a range of platforms—including branding, UX design, motion graphics and more. If you're interested in both creative expression and strategic communication, visual communication design offers a wider lens and more diverse career paths.
