Your perspective, designed. Visual Communication Design (VCD) students learn how to design static and interactive work, which can include motion graphics, product packaging, advertising pieces, and so much more.
About the Program
The Visual Communication Design (VCD) program teaches students the development of visual language systems for communication.
Our coursework aims strengthen students' skills as a designer and graphic artist. We emphasize practice, theory, methodology and history, which are the foundations of the discipline. These also align with practical work with real clients by the time students reach their senior year.
Designers in this program are able to think critically about how to tell a story using design elements rather than words. Students must be able to think not only about how one's work looks, but also about how other people will interact with it.
Featured Courses
After your foundation year, this program guides you through a series of independent studios and design intensives. You must complete 77–80 studio credits for your major, plus 45–46 academic credits. You must also complete a sophomore and junior review as a part of your inclusion in the program.
For a complete list of credit requirements, visit the course catalog.
Core Classes
DES 221 | Type I
DES 222 | Image Making and Meaning
DES 300 | Type II
DES 333 | Issues in Design
DES 334 | Design Systems
DES 335 | Experimental Typography
DES 390 | Special Topics
DES 440 | Sequential Graphics
DES 445 | Design Problem Solving
DES 450 | Senior Project
DES 460 | Senior Portfolio
Electives
3 credits in each of the following (12 total):
- PTG/DWG or DES
- SCL
- MDA or VDO or PHO
- ILS or GRA
Additional Requirements
PHO 220 | Intro Photography
3 credits of Mathematics (M 110, 112, 114, or 116)
6 credits in academic writing (WRT 110 and 111)
12 credits in Art History (ART)
12–13 credits from the All University Curriculum
20 credits from Foundation year
You, Career Ready
VCD majors become graphic designers who function as interpreters. They achieve this through critical thinking and intellectual flexibility.
Internships are an integral part of the program, as are the real clients who work with students in our Civic Design class. During senior year, students exhibit their work in our galleries, which is heavily attended by design professionals who are often looking to hire new talent. The VCD major has an exceptional job placement rate, and students enter the workforce with both a rich portfolio and a strong alumni network.
Additionally, our VCD faculty includes exceptional designers with years of experience in the field. They are here to encourage you every step of the way as you develop your personal design aesthetic and learn how to design to the needs of a client.
Millie Hamlin, '25,At the Hartford Art School and UHart, I got to collaborate with so many talented people. I think my college experience was incredible in that I was so happy to be involved in so many different programs, organizations, and projects.
Success Stories
Our people, thriving as creatives. At the Hartford Art School, we all live and breath the creative process. Read about some of our recent students' success stories here.
Visual Communication Design
Admission Requirements
There are a few ways students can apply for admission to Hartford Art School, all of which require a portfolio review. Visit our admissions section for step-by-step guidance, and remember that you can always give us a call. We’re here to help with any questions you may have.
Timothy Cohan
BFA Visual Communication Design, 2005
Tim Cohan currently works as an associate partner at Pentagram, the world’s largest independent design consultancy, where he and his team have tackled one of fiction’s dearest realms: the magical world of Harry Potter. Of all the types of design projects that visual communication design (VCD) graduates tackle, branding and logo work are some of the most common.
“You can be an independent designer, but big projects take big teams,” he says. “The better you are at collaborating and speaking up for yourself, the better you’ll do.”