The visual communication program in the Fine Arts Division at Loyola University Chicago prepares students to enter the workforce as design professionals, with graduates employed in graphic design studios, internal design teams, branding firms, cultural institutions, and other creative agencies. Students learn graphic design history, theory, and practice, in a rigorous program that covers the essentials needed by professionals. Graduates of the program have career opportunities in branding and corporate identity, advertising, web design, motion graphics, interface design, package design, mobile interactive design, digital product design, exhibit design, print and publication design, and more.

Curriculum

Suggested Sequence of Courses

The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework.  An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study.  Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.

College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements

All Undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to take two Writing Intensive courses (6 credit hours) as well as complete a foreign language requirement at 102-level or higher (3 credit hours) or a language competency test.  More information can be found here.

Additional Undergraduate Graduation Requirements

All Undergraduate students are required to complete the University Core, at least one Engaged Learning course, and UNIV 101.  SCPS students are not required to take UNIV 101.  Nursing students in the Accelerated BSN program are not required to take core or UNIV 101.  You can find more information in the University Requirements area.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate:

• An understanding of the role of visual communication in the culture at large
• An understanding of and experience in the variety of forms of visual communication from print to digital media, mastering the basics of visual form, color, typography, photography, layout, and interactive media
• Technical skills used to produce visual communication digitally and by hand
• Knowledge of key historical periods in the history of graphic design
• Skills in critical thinking, written and oral communication, visual literacy, and the conceptualization of self-developed projects
• Readiness for a career through a capstone project, an internship experience, and the preparation of a portfolio and related professional documents