Program Overview
Ohio State University's Visual Communication Design program (BSD) equips students with expertise in digital tools, user interfaces, and research-based design. The program emphasizes human-centered design, idea development, and professional practice, preparing graduates for careers in various design fields, including visual communication, branding, and user experience design. Graduates are well-equipped for success, with a median salary of $48,400 according to Coroflot's Design Salary Guide.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Overview: Visual Communication Design at Ohio State University is a Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD) program that explores a range of technologies and methodologies to support various specializations within the field. Students gain expertise in digital tools, user interfaces, research-based visual design, brand identity development, and way-finding system creation. They also learn about the production of printed materials such as books, brochures, packaging, and posters.
- Objectives: Upon completion of the program, students will:
- Cultivate a lifelong desire and ability to create new knowledge and foster problem-solving skills through creativity and the application of a creative process.
- Apply design thinking and the design process in all studio projects.
- Develop the ability to design and develop ideas for new products, spaces, and/or interfaces that may not have existed before.
- Apply design and creative skills learned in one studio to problems encountered in the new context of a successive studio.
- Develop an understanding of a human-centered focus on design and research.
- Conduct and complete user research studies for all studio projects.
- Create designed artifacts that will be evaluated by design professionals and potential users.
- Prepare for a successful career in the design profession.
- Prepare a portfolio that documents their creative work throughout the undergraduate program.
- Develop the skills of presenting themselves and their design competencies in a professional practice context.
- Develop an understanding of and familiarity with the tools and methods of the design profession.
- Demonstrate proficiency in model-making techniques using various materials to explore three-dimensional design ideas.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of relevant design technology in the problem-solving and creative process.
- Exhibit proficiency in both 2D and 3D design methodologies.
- Hone the skills that are central to communicating design ideas and solutions.
- Demonstrate proficiency in drawing, sketching, and digital visualization techniques for the purpose of exploring multiple ideas and using storytelling techniques to express them.
- Present and defend their design projects in public critiques.
- Be able to create documentation that describes the processes associated with a capstone thesis project.
- Develop an understanding of and appreciation for the role of the designer in environmental relationships.
- Synthesize knowledge and skills learned in a liberal arts environment and apply them to issues and problems in their specific area of design.
- Develop a knowledge of and appreciation for the concept of sustainable design practices.
Outline:
- Program Content:
- Digital tools and technologies
- User interfaces
- Research-based visual design
- Brand identity development
- Way-finding system creation
- Production of printed materials
- Human-centered design
- Design thinking
- Idea development
- Design methodologies
- Communication skills
- Portfolio development
- Professional practice
- Model-making
- Design technology
- Sustainability
- Course Schedule:
- Freshman Year:
- Survey Course
- Design Fundamentals 1-4
- Visual Principles 1-4
- Introduction to Design Practice
- Design History
- Sophomore Year:
- Introduction to Visual Communication Design 1-2
- Design Research 1
- Design Media 1-2
- Typographic Design
- Materials and Processes
- Junior Year:
- Intermediate Visual Communication Design 1-2
- Design Research 2
- Design Media 3
- Collaborative Design
- Professional Practice
- Senior Year:
- Advanced Visual Communication Design 1-2
- Design Research 3
- Design Seminar However, it can be assumed that a combination of lectures, studios, workshops, and project-based learning is employed.
- Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes a human-centered design approach and encourages collaboration with students from other design disciplines.
Careers:
- Potential Career Paths:
- Design consulting offices
- Corporate design departments
- Government design agencies
- Consumer and industrial product design
- Building and equipment systems design
- Public and corporate communication projects
- Large corporations
- Small graphic design firms
- Department stores
- Publishing companies
- Advertising agencies
- Television stations
- Self-employment
- Opportunities: Graduates are prepared for careers in various design fields, including visual communication, branding, user experience design, and environmental design.
- Outcomes: According to Coroflot's latest Design Salary Guide, the median salary for a visual communication designer is $48,400.
The Ohio State University
Overview:
The Ohio State University is a large, public research university with a main campus in Columbus, Ohio, and regional campuses in Lima, Marion, Mansfield, Newark, and Wooster. It is known for its strong academic programs, extensive research facilities, and vibrant student life.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to students, including:
Academics:
Colleges and schools, libraries, academic calendar, courses and classes, graduate school.Student Accounts:
Buckeye Link, BuckID, financial aid, student health insurance, Ohio State Account.Student Experience:
University housing, off-campus and commuter student engagement, dining services, organizations and involvement, inclusion, student health and wellness, recreational sports, counseling and consultation.Research:
Opportunities for business and industry, researchers, students, entrepreneurs, research administration, research stories.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Ohio State boasts a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for student involvement. Students can participate in a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities, including sports, arts, and community service. The university also offers a variety of housing options, dining services, and recreational facilities.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines.Research Opportunities:
Ohio State is a leading research institution with extensive facilities and opportunities for students to engage in research.Vibrant Campus Life:
The university provides a dynamic and engaging campus experience with numerous opportunities for student involvement.Affordable Education:
Ohio State strives to provide an affordable, high-quality education while minimizing student debt.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate:
Majors and programs in various disciplines.Graduate:
Degrees and programs in various disciplines.Professional:
Degrees and programs in various disciplines.Online:
Degrees and certificate programs.Other:
The university has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and it offers a variety of resources and support services to students from all backgrounds. Ohio State is also home to a number of notable research centers and institutes, including the Wexner Medical Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.