Program Overview

Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication Design

The 58-unit Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication Design encompasses and integrates graphic design and digital media topics, offering additional study addressing advanced concepts and a changing technological landscape with new opportunities for education and profession. Students are prepared to collaborate with other design disciplines in technology, user experience, and creative problem solving.

Program Structure

The program is structured into several components, including foundation requirements, core courses, major requirements, major sequence classes, and major elective classes.

Foundation Requirements

The foundation requirements consist of 9 units, including:

• DES 200: Visual Design Literacy (3 units)
• DES 222: Introduction to 2-D Digital Design (3 units)
• DES 228: Introduction to Web Design (3 units)

Core Courses

The core courses consist of 13 units, including:

• DES 356: History Of Design And Technology (UD GE-C) (3 units)
• DES 370: Introduction To Design (1 unit)
• DES 300: Design Process (3 units)
• DES 322: Computer Graphic Imaging (3 units)
• DES 324GW: GWAR Research And Writing For Design (3 units)

Major Requirements

The major requirements consist of 15 units, including:

• DES 325: Graphic Design I (3 units)
• DES 327: Interactive Design I (3 units)
• DES 425: Graphic Design II (3 units)
• DES 427: Interactive Design II (3 units)
• Choose at least one of the following classes:
  • DES 525: Graphic Design III (3 units)
  • DES 527: Interactive Design III (3 units)

Major Sequence Classes

Students must select at least 3 courses from the following list, with no more than 3 units from 200-level classes:

• DES 226: Modern Letterpress
• DES 311: Image Making for Designers
• DES 411: Visual Storytelling for Designers
• DES 448: User Experience Design
• DES 475: Topics in Design
• DES 523: Information Design I
• DES 524: Information Design II
• DES 575: Contemporary Design Workshop
• DES 576: Practical Experience: Internship
• DES 625: Design Working Group
• DES 627: Advanced Projects in Visual Communication Design
• DES 628: Design Gallery
• DES 677: Exploration in Delightful Design

Major Elective Classes

Students must select at least 2 courses from the following list, with no more than 6 units from 200-level classes:

• DES 220: Introduction to Drawing for Designers
• DES 277B: Introduction to 3D Polygonal Modeling
• DES 256: Design and Society (C1-Arts)
• DES 277: Exploration in Meaning and Discourse
• DES 312: Climate Issues and Activism
• DES 367: Introduction to Game Design
• DES 699: Independent Study in Design (3 units)

Culminating Requirement

The culminating requirement consists of 6 units, including:

• DES 505: Senior Design Project (3 units)
• DES 570: Professional Practices For Design (3 units)

Laptop Requirement

Students are required to purchase a laptop with required software when they begin the major. Educational discounts on hardware and software are available through the SF State Bookstore and various online vendors.

Career Pathways for Visual Communication Design

Career pathways for visual communication design include:

• Branding and Agency Graphics
• Interactive Design
• Print Design
• Data Visualization
• User Experience (2D and Screen)