Visual Communication (Graphic) Design

About this opportunity

The Visual Communication (Graphic) Design program was established 30+ years ago and is committed to excellence in educating designers with traditional and contemporary professional skills that address the emerging fields within the industry. Students can expect to work in design firms or corporate in-house departments that specialize in branding, information graphics, interaction, motion, exhibit, publication, interface, web design, and other design related fields.

Thesis

Visual Communication Design seniors are required to have an applied capstone project focused on a "social issue" topic that is exhibited publicly in a senior show in May of their final semester. 

Students are encouraged to fulfill their Barrett requirements by doing something related to the capstone project. Any other topic of interest must be approved by the professor of record.

The Design School and VCD also require a two-person committee that reviews the student in form of a defense after the senior exhibit.

The thesis director must be the professor of record for their final VCD studio, and the second committee member is consistent with Barrett policy.

Academic Preparation

At the end of the junior year during review, we advise students to consider their social issue topic during the summer. At the beginning of fall semester, final year, students select their social issue topic and beginning research. After selecting their social issue topic, Barrett students can decide on the extended topic relating to the issue.

Recommended Timeline

This should begin fall semester of their final year.

Other Honors Opportunities

Honor contracts have two requirements:

First: it must not be busy work, the area of focus must be a passion or interest of the student.

Second: The students are encouraged to experiment with leaving their comfort zone. To try a new way to approach and present their project.