Visual Communication Design

Develop boundless design solutions

Herron’s visual communication design (VCD) program empowers students to see the world differently, to shape their own futures, and to harness the potential for design to do good.

VCD students gain a deep understanding of design process, learn to work collaboratively, and develop skills needed for innovative design solutions. You will study a wide range of formal design principles as well as visual communication theory and history, and learn to navigate the evolving nature of emergent technologies through applied projects.

Classroom projects will introduce the standards of professional practice as you develop your ability to design effective outcomes and solutions that consider context as well as the relationships and experiences people have with design artifacts — from logos to branding systems, from book covers to animated type, from website design to concepts for smartphone apps.

Working across media, you will gain the processes, methods, and skills essential to creative problem-solving and a professional career in design.

Collaborative spaces

Herron’s eight visual communication design studios encourage a team-driven approach to projects. VCD students also have access to research and studio spaces including the Think It Make It Lab, woodshops, photo lighting studios, book arts studio, and the Herron Art Library.

Design for communities

Senior year in VCD brings a focus on experience design and related methods for engaging with people. Your final semester will culminate in a capstone project that you develop with a focus on either service experience or digital experience design, as well as a shared senior exhibition.

Plan of study

B.F.A. degree map

Critical courses and milestones for each semester towards a B.F.A. in visual communication design

IUPUI Campus Bulletin

Required course names and descriptions for a B.F.A. in visual communication design

There is a culture in the VCD studios … [that] has allowed us to grow without judgment, truly be ourselves, and enjoy the process of becoming designers.
Haley Francis-Halstead, visual communication design major

Facilities

Herron’s VCD classrooms and studios offer a collaborative studio environment and ample open space for discussions and presentations. To bring your design visions to life, the following resources are at your disposal.

Adobe Creative Cloud available for free download
Inkjet printers and tabloid size laser printers
Shared studio spaces with individual desks for sophomores
Dedicated workstations in a shared studio for juniors and seniors
Flat file storage for sophomores and juniors

Portable whiteboards for collaborative teamwork
Ceiling mounted projectors and screens for presentations
Large cutting mats, saddle staplers, and paper cutters
Access to the Think It Make It Lab and woodshop as well as ceramics, photography, printmaking, and sculpture facilities

Enhance your degree

Pursuing a minor or certificate can help broaden your perspective and give you a competitive advantage in your chosen field.

Minor in Art History

Minor in Book Arts

Minor in Studio Art & Technology

Professional opportunities

With Herron's intensive visual communication design program you will be prepared for a number of career opportunities. In junior year, you become eligible for your required design internship, which provides valuable professional experience and, for many students, leads to a job offer.

Pursue your calling as a professional: