Program Details
Communications Arts with concentration in Visual Effects, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Fine ArtsVirginia Commonwealth University
The B.F.A. in Communication Arts with a concentration in visual effects is designed for students seeking a specialization in the artistic, technical and narrative production of digital visual effects for live-action footage. The communication arts courses for the concentration mirror those for the non-concentration B.F.A., with additional requirements focused on 2D and 3D software, digital filming, compositing, motion-capture and applicable post-production workflows. The approved cinema course will focus on the mechanics of screenwriting to serve as a foundation for interpreting narrative storytelling into a visual effects storyboard. The 18 credits required in the concentration will combine art and technology to develop a broad understanding of digital visual effects. A students who intends to establish a professional career in post-production and visual effects will benefit from this concentration.
Outcomes
Upon completing this program: Students will demonstrate proficiency in drawing, including the figure. Students will demonstrate conceptual and critical thinking. Students will articulate conceptual and visual ideas to communicate content. Students will demonstrate competence in the use of traditional media. Students will demonstrate competence in the use of digital media and emerging technologies. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the historical and current context of communication arts. Students will demonstrate ethical and professional practices. Students will be able to develop visual effects, from a variety of sources, to completion. Students will demonstrate technical proficiency setting up scenes for visual effects.
Program Overview & Guidance
| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | High skill level of drawing from life and figure drawing including proportions, rendering, modeling/shading. Interest in illustration, comics, concept drawing, games, and visual effects. Understanding of Photoshop, Indesign, & Illustrator. Some basic knowledge of 3D modeling software. Passion for visual storytelling that welcomes rigor and technical excellence in one's creative practice. |
| Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes A cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the major is expected for continuance in the program. |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Complete General Education courses that are equivalent to VCU's General Education course choices with grades of C or better, and/or complete ART courses that are equivalent to VCU's Art Foundation requirements with grades of C or better. Then apply to your major. VCU Art Foundation courses must be sucessfully completed before entering the Communication Arts program. The minimum GPA requirement to enter the Communication Arts program is 3.0
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Double majoring with the art majors Painting & Printmaking, Sculpture, Craft, Photography, Kinetic Imaging can be done fairly easily. Minors that work well with Communication Arts are Animation, Creative Writing, Media Studies, Painting & Printmaking, Marketing. |
| Program Successes & Highlights | The program works to ensure successful completion of the degree by all Communication Arts students, Successful students work with their academic advisor and professors to ensure on time program completion and graduation. High performing and dedicated students do go on to work in their field of interest. |
Program Credit Requirements
Applicable Admissions Agreements
There are no Applicable Admission Agreements for the Program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, or Associate of Science degree or the General Education Certificate before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements waived. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have earned an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, or Associate of Science degree or the General Education Certificate before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements waived. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service. |
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College Level Information
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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Careers Where This Degree Applies
Cost To Complete