Visual Communication Design Undergraduate Overview

Iridescent, web-like texture reflecting light.

Visual Communication Design Undergraduate Overview

The Visual Communication Design department's undergraduate curriculum is structured to encourage the development of both generalized and specialized activities, as well as hybrids of both. Students acquire a thorough intellectual understanding of the implications, strategies, and roles of visual messages as well as the visual abilities necessary for conceptualization and creation and the technical tools and business skills required in professional practice.

Focus Areas

The major areas of focus are physical media (print, objects, and environments) and virtual media (interactive and time-based media) and include:

Books/bookbinding
Coding/programming/scripting
Data visualization/diagrams/maps
Design issues
Film titles
Fonts
Identity systems
Illustrations
Image text narrative
Installations/wayfinding signage
Interface design
Letterpress printing
Methodologies
Museum exhibitions/kiosks
Packages/package graphics
Posters
Print production and offset printing
Digital/screen-based production
Publications/magazines
Strategy
Symbols/web icons
Theory
Typography
Websites/design for mobile phone and tablets
Video

Portfolio Review

Students must pass a Visual Communication Design department portfolio review in order to enroll in intermediate courses in the department. The following Visual Communication Design courses are required in order to submit a portfolio to the department Portfolio Review.

VCD 1001 Introduction to Visual Communication
VCD 1002 Illustration Technologies Lab
VCD 2011 Beginning Typography
VCD 2012 Type Technologies Lab
VCD 2001 Beginning Graphic Design
VCD 2002 Image Studio

Visual Communication Design Undergraduate Curriculum [PDF]

AIGA / CIPB

The department has an active AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) student chapter. Led by a faculty member, the chapter holds regular meetings, hosts the department’s noon hour lectures in which professionals from the city and faculty from the department present their work, conducts tours of Chicago studios, holds an annual Town Hall AIGA event at the school, oversees a biannual portfolio preparation seminar for all students preparing their work for submission to the department portfolio review.

The department also has a relationship with the CIPB (Chicago International Poster Biennial), an international competition representing leading designers from throughout the world. Every two years, together with CIPB, the department holds a series of events including juror-led student workshops, entry jurying, and jurors’ lectures.

Admissions Requirements and Curriculum

To apply to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), you must fill out an application and submit your transcripts, artist's statement, and letters of recommendation. And most importantly, we require a portfolio of your best and most recent work—work that will give us a sense of you, your interests, and your willingness to explore, experiment, and think beyond technical art, design, and writing skills.
To apply, please submit the following items:
Online Application
Artist’s Statement
Transcripts
Letter of Recommendation
Test Scores
Portfolio
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Portfolio:
Submit 10–15 pieces of your best and most recent work. We will review your portfolio and application materials for merit scholarship once you have been admitted to SAIC.
When compiling a portfolio, you may concentrate your work in a single discipline or show work in a breadth of media. The portfolio may include drawings, prints, photographs, paintings, film, video, audio recordings, sculpture, ceramics, fashion designs, graphic design, furniture, objects, architectural designs, websites, video games, sketchbooks, scripts, storyboards, screenplays, zines, or any combination of the above.
Learn more about applying to SAIC's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio, or view our portfolio preparation guide for more information.

Undergraduate Curriculum Overview

Studio	69
CP 1010 Core Studio Practice I (3) CP 1011 Core Studio Practice II (3) CP 1020 Research Studio I (3) CP 1022 Research Studio II (3) SOPHSEM 2900 (3) PROFPRAC 3900 (3) CAPSTONE 4900 (3) Studio Electives (48)
Art History	15
ARTHI 1001 World Cultures/Civilizations: Pre-History—19th Century Art and Architecture (3) Art History Elective at 1000 level (3) Art History Electives (9)
Liberal Arts	30
ENGLISH 1001 First Year Seminar I (3) ENGLISH 1005 First Year Seminar II (3) Natural Science (6) Social Science (6) Humanities (6) Liberal Arts Electives (6)
General Electives	6
Studio, Art History, Liberal Arts, AAP, or EIS
Total Credit Hours	120

* BFA students must complete at least 6 credit hours in a class designated as "off campus study." These credits can also fulfill any of the requirements listed above and be from any of the divisions (Art History, Studio, Liberal Arts, or General Electives).

BFA With Distinction—SAIC Scholars Program: The SAIC Scholars program is a learning community of BFA students pursuing rigorous study in both their academic coursework and their studio pathways. There are two opportunities for interested students to apply to the SAIC Scholars Program: at the time of admission to the school, and after they have completed 30 credits of study at SAIC. Students pursuing the latter option are required to formally submit an application to the Undergraduate Division. Once admitted to the SAIC Scholars Program, students are required to successfully complete a minimum of six designated scholars courses. Students who complete the program will graduate with distinction.

Course Listing

Title	Catalog	Instructor	Schedule
Introduction to Visual Communication	1001 (001)	Eliza Rosen	Mon 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description This research, discussion, and critique course develops a visual and verbal vocabulary by examining relationships between form and content, word and image. Study includes symbolic association and the problem of effective communication in a highly complex culture. Prerequisites Corequisite: VISCOM 1002.	Class Number 2064	Credits 3	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Sharp 1114
Introduction to Visual Communication	1001 (002)	Eliza Rosen	Tues 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description This research, discussion, and critique course develops a visual and verbal vocabulary by examining relationships between form and content, word and image. Study includes symbolic association and the problem of effective communication in a highly complex culture. Prerequisites Corequisite: VISCOM 1002.	Class Number 2065	Credits 3	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Sharp 1114
Introduction to Visual Communication	1001 (003)	Martha Chiplis	Tues 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description This research, discussion, and critique course develops a visual and verbal vocabulary by examining relationships between form and content, word and image. Study includes symbolic association and the problem of effective communication in a highly complex culture. Prerequisites Corequisite: VISCOM 1002.	Class Number 2066	Credits 3	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Sharp 1214
Introduction to Visual Communication	1001 (004)	Riesling Dong	Wed 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description This research, discussion, and critique course develops a visual and verbal vocabulary by examining relationships between form and content, word and image. Study includes symbolic association and the problem of effective communication in a highly complex culture. Prerequisites Corequisite: VISCOM 1002.	Class Number 2067	Credits 3	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Sharp 1214
Introduction to Visual Communication	1001 (005)	John Bowers	Wed 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM All Online
Description This research, discussion, and critique course develops a visual and verbal vocabulary by examining relationships between form and content, word and image. Study includes symbolic association and the problem of effective communication in a highly complex culture. Prerequisites Corequisite: VISCOM 1002.	Class Number 2094	Credits 3	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Online
Introduction to Visual Communication	1001 (006)	John Bowers	Thurs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description This research, discussion, and critique course develops a visual and verbal vocabulary by examining relationships between form and content, word and image. Study includes symbolic association and the problem of effective communication in a highly complex culture. Prerequisites Corequisite: VISCOM 1002.	Class Number 2103	Credits 3	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Sharp 1114
Introduction to Visual Communication	1001 (007)	John Bowers	Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description This research, discussion, and critique course develops a visual and verbal vocabulary by examining relationships between form and content, word and image. Study includes symbolic association and the problem of effective communication in a highly complex culture. Prerequisites Corequisite: VISCOM 1002.	Class Number 2106	Credits 3	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Sharp 1114
Illustration Technologies Lab	1002 (001)	Kimberly Karen Viviano	Mon 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM All Online
Description Digital visualization is essential to all contemporary creative communication. This class will familiarize students with the syntax, tools and methods of vector-based drawing and reinforce analogies to traditional methods of image-making covered in the First Year Program. Students will begin with an introduction to the computer as a graphic design tool: the relationship of vector to raster graphics and the peripherals. The focus on building proficiency with industry-standard Adobe Illustrator software will be reinforced via tutorials and short design exercises which target specific topics and techniques covered during lectures. Students apply technical competencies to formal design problems during the second half of this course and in Beginning Graphic Design class. Prerequisites Corequisite: VISCOM 1001 or VISCOM 1101.	Class Number 2068	Credits 1.5	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Online
Illustration Technologies Lab	1002 (002)	Kimberly Karen Viviano	Tues 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM In Person
Description Digital visualization is essential to all contemporary creative communication. This class will familiarize students with the syntax, tools and methods of vector-based drawing and reinforce analogies to traditional methods of image-making covered in the First Year Program. Students will begin with an introduction to the computer as a graphic design tool: the relationship of vector to raster graphics and the peripherals. The focus on building proficiency with industry-standard Adobe Illustrator software will be reinforced via tutorials and short design exercises which target specific topics and techniques covered during lectures. Students apply technical competencies to formal design problems during the second half of this course and in Beginning Graphic Design class. Prerequisites Corequisite: VISCOM 1001 or VISCOM 1101.	Class Number 2069	Credits 1.5	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Sharp 1108
Illustration Technologies Lab	1002 (003)	Kimberly Karen Viviano	Tues 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM In Person
Description Digital visualization is essential to all contemporary creative communication. This class will familiarize students with the syntax, tools and methods of vector-based drawing and reinforce analogies to traditional methods of image-making covered in the First Year Program. Students will begin with an introduction to the computer as a graphic design tool: the relationship of vector to raster graphics and the peripherals. The focus on building proficiency with industry-standard Adobe Illustrator software will be reinforced via tutorials and short design exercises which target specific topics and techniques covered during lectures. Students apply technical competencies to formal design problems during the second half of this course and in Beginning Graphic Design class. Prerequisites Corequisite: VISCOM 1001 or VISCOM 1101.	Class Number 2070	Credits 1.5	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Sharp 1108
Illustration Technologies Lab	1002 (004)	Kimberly Karen Viviano	Wed 6:45 PM - 8:00 PM All Online
Description Digital visualization is essential to all contemporary creative communication. This class will familiarize students with the syntax, tools and methods of vector-based drawing and reinforce analogies to traditional methods of image-making covered in the First Year Program. Students will begin with an introduction to the computer as a graphic design tool: the relationship of vector to raster graphics and the peripherals. The focus on building proficiency with industry-standard Adobe Illustrator software will be reinforced via tutorials and short design exercises which target specific topics and techniques covered during lectures. Students apply technical competencies to formal design problems during the second half of this course and in Beginning Graphic Design class. Prerequisites Corequisite: VISCOM 1001 or VISCOM 1101.	Class Number 2071	Credits 1.5	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Online
Illustration Technologies Lab	1002 (005)	Kimberly Karen Viviano	Wed 8:15 PM - 9:30 PM All Online
Description Digital visualization is essential to all contemporary creative communication. This class will familiarize students with the syntax, tools and methods of vector-based drawing and reinforce analogies to traditional methods of image-making covered in the First Year Program. Students will begin with an introduction to the computer as a graphic design tool: the relationship of vector to raster graphics and the peripherals. The focus on building proficiency with industry-standard Adobe Illustrator software will be reinforced via tutorials and short design exercises which target specific topics and techniques covered during lectures. Students apply technical competencies to formal design problems during the second half of this course and in Beginning Graphic Design class. Prerequisites Corequisite: VISCOM 1001 or VISCOM 1101.	Class Number 2095	Credits 1.5	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Online
Illustration Technologies Lab	1002 (006)	Richard Bresden	Thurs 3:30 PM - 4:45 PM In Person
Description Digital visualization is essential to all contemporary creative communication. This class will familiarize students with the syntax, tools and methods of vector-based drawing and reinforce analogies to traditional methods of image-making covered in the First Year Program. Students will begin with an introduction to the computer as a graphic design tool: the relationship of vector to raster graphics and the peripherals. The focus on building proficiency with industry-standard Adobe Illustrator software will be reinforced via tutorials and short design exercises which target specific topics and techniques covered during lectures. Students apply technical competencies to formal design problems during the second half of this course and in Beginning Graphic Design class. Prerequisites Corequisite: VISCOM 1001 or VISCOM 1101.	Class Number 2104	Credits 1.5	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Sharp 1108
Illustration Technologies Lab	1002 (007)	Richard Bresden	Thurs 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM In Person
Description Digital visualization is essential to all contemporary creative communication. This class will familiarize students with the syntax, tools and methods of vector-based drawing and reinforce analogies to traditional methods of image-making covered in the First Year Program. Students will begin with an introduction to the computer as a graphic design tool: the relationship of vector to raster graphics and the peripherals. The focus on building proficiency with industry-standard Adobe Illustrator software will be reinforced via tutorials and short design exercises which target specific topics and techniques covered during lectures. Students apply technical competencies to formal design problems during the second half of this course and in Beginning Graphic Design class. Prerequisites Corequisite: VISCOM 1001 or VISCOM 1101.	Class Number 2107	Credits 1.5	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Sharp 1108
Beginning Graphic Design	2001 (001)	Mary Krysinski	Mon 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description In this course students explore the principles of visual communication by creating two-dimensional printed comprehensive layouts, and three-dimensional mock-ups. Stress is placed on process and development of solutions to problems; idea and form exploration; research; image and text development; compositional structure and hierarchy; verbal, technical, and hand skills. The course also covers the technical aspects of graphic design such as printing methods, papers, and binding. Students will produce 3?4 finished pieces exploring the use of image and type in both single page format, multi-page format, and possibly three-dimensional format. These projects are to be included in the VCD department's obligatory portfolio review for advancement into the VCD intermediate courses. Prerequisites Prerequisite: VISCOM 1001 and 2011	Class Number 2072	Credits 3	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Sharp 1213
Beginning Graphic Design	2001 (002)	Mary Krysinski	Tues 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description In this course students explore the principles of visual communication by creating two-dimensional printed comprehensive layouts, and three-dimensional mock-ups. Stress is placed on process and development of solutions to problems; idea and form exploration; research; image and text development; compositional structure and hierarchy; verbal, technical, and hand skills. The course also covers the technical aspects of graphic design such as printing methods, papers, and binding. Students will produce 3?4 finished pieces exploring the use of image and type in both single page format, multi-page format, and possibly three-dimensional format. These projects are to be included in the VCD department's obligatory portfolio review for advancement into the VCD intermediate courses. Prerequisites Prerequisite: VISCOM 1001 and 2011	Class Number 2073	Credits 3	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Sharp 1213
Beginning Graphic Design	2001 (003)	Mark Addison Smith	Thurs 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description In this course students explore the principles of visual communication by creating two-dimensional printed comprehensive layouts, and three-dimensional mock-ups. Stress is placed on process and development of solutions to problems; idea and form exploration; research; image and text development; compositional structure and hierarchy; verbal, technical, and hand skills. The course also covers the technical aspects of graphic design such as printing methods, papers, and binding. Students will produce 3?4 finished pieces exploring the use of image and type in both single page format, multi-page format, and possibly three-dimensional format. These projects are to be included in the VCD department's obligatory portfolio review for advancement into the VCD intermediate courses. Prerequisites Prerequisite: VISCOM 1001 and 2011	Class Number 2218	Credits 3	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Sharp 1214
Beginning Graphic Design	2001 (004)	Jiwon Son	Fri 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description In this course students explore the principles of visual communication by creating two-dimensional printed comprehensive layouts, and three-dimensional mock-ups. Stress is placed on process and development of solutions to problems; idea and form exploration; research; image and text development; compositional structure and hierarchy; verbal, technical, and hand skills. The course also covers the technical aspects of graphic design such as printing methods, papers, and binding. Students will produce 3?4 finished pieces exploring the use of image and type in both single page format, multi-page format, and possibly three-dimensional format. These projects are to be included in the VCD department's obligatory portfolio review for advancement into the VCD intermediate courses. Prerequisites Prerequisite: VISCOM 1001 and 2011	Class Number 2093	Credits 3	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design Location Sharp 1117
Image Studio	2002 (001)	Jiwon Son	Mon 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Image Studio is a course that challenges students to interpret, critically read text, conceptualize, and assess project parameters to implement design solutions. The creative process is a core focus throughout the assignments. The goal of this course is to explore the process of creating original imagery and visual information. We utilize digital and analog means to create design solutions to projects that also require fundamental explorations with typography. We explore a diverse means of image construction from paper collage to photography and Photoshop manipulation. Form studies examine design basics such as juxtaposition, repetition, and progression as well as the use of metaphor, analogy, and semiotics. The introduction of design context, audience awareness, and sequential narrative is also addressed. Prerequisites Prerequisite: VISCOM 1001 or VISCOM 1101.	Class Number 2074	Credits 3	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design, Digital Imaging Location Sharp 1214
Image Studio	2002 (002)	Donald Pollack	Wed 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM In Person
Description Image Studio is a course that challenges students to interpret, critically read text, conceptualize, and assess project parameters to implement design solutions. The creative process is a core focus throughout the assignments. The goal of this course is to explore the process of creating original imagery and visual information. We utilize digital and analog means to create design solutions to projects that also require fundamental explorations with typography. We explore a diverse means of image construction from paper collage to photography and Photoshop manipulation. Form studies examine design basics such as juxtaposition, repetition, and progression as well as the use of metaphor, analogy, and semiotics. The introduction of design context, audience awareness, and sequential narrative is also addressed. Prerequisites Prerequisite: VISCOM 1001 or VISCOM 1101.	Class Number 2075	Credits 3	Department Visual Communication Design Area of Study Graphic Design, Digital Imaging Location Sharp 1213

BFA in Studio with Thesis Option (Liberal Arts or Visual Critical Studies)

BFA students may complete a nine-credit, research-based academic thesis as part of their studies within the 120 credits for the BFA in Studio degree. BFA with Thesis course sequences are offered over 3 semesters through the departments of Liberal Arts or Visual and Critical Studies (VCS). Students who are interested in one of the thesis options should follow the steps outlined below in the beginning of the junior year.

Requirements for the BFA: Studio Art with Liberal Arts Thesis

Step One: Students are required to meet with the Chair of the Liberal Arts department in the beginning of their junior year.

Step Two: With the Department Chair's approval, the student enrolls in the following courses beginning in the spring term of their junior year:

SOCSCI or HUMANITY 3900 Academic Research and Writing (3 credits)
LIBARTS 4800 Undergraduate Thesis: Research/Writing I (3 credits)
CAPSTONE 4900 Liberal Arts Undergraduate Thesis: Research/Writing II (3 credits)

Step Three: The completed thesis must be approved by both the Thesis II instructor and the Chair of Liberal Arts. Students must make a formal presentation and participate in the Undergraduate Thesis Symposium in their senior year.

Requirements for the BFA: Studio Art with Visual and Critical Studies (VCS) Thesis

Step One: Students are required to meet with the Visual and Critical Studies Undergraduate Coordinator in or by the beginning of their junior year.

Step Two: With the VCS Coordinator's approval, the student enrolls in the first of the three-course sequence beginning in the spring term of their junior year:

VCS 3010 Tutorial in Visual & Critical Studies (3 credits)
VCS 4800 Undergraduate Thesis Seminar: Research & Writing I (3 credits)
CAPSTONE 4900 VCS Undergraduate Thesis Seminar: Research & Writing II (3 credits)

Step Three: Completion of thesis must be approved by both the Thesis II instructor and the VCS Undergraduate Coordinator. Students must make a formal presentation and participate in the Undergraduate VCS Thesis Symposium in the senior year.

Total credits required for minimum residency	60
Minimum Studio credit	42

Take the Next Step

Upcoming Admissions Events

Undergraduate Admissions Events

Meet with us, learn more about SAIC and our curriculum, and get feedback on your work. LEARN MORE.

Undergraduate Overview