BA in African and African-American Studies
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in African and African-American Studies at the University of ...
BFA in Design - Visual Communication - Graphic Design
Lawrence, Kansas
INTAKE: Jan, May & Aug
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Design with a specialization in Visual Communication - Graphic Design at the University of Kansas offers a comprehensive and dynamic education for individuals aspiring to enter the field of graphic design. This program is designed to foster creativity, technical proficiency, and critical thinking, preparing students to communicate visually in a variety of mediums. The BFA in Design - Visual Communication - Graphic Design program equips students with the skills needed to excel in the ever-evolving world of visual communication.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BFA in Design - Visual Communication - Graphic Design program is meticulously crafted to cover a broad range of design principles, digital tools, and conceptual thinking. Core courses include typography, layout design, branding, digital media, and interactive design. Electives allow students to specialize in areas such as motion graphics, user experience design, or advanced print design.
Research Focus: Research is a key component of the program, encouraging students to explore design trends, user behaviors, and innovative approaches in graphic design. Faculty members actively contribute to design research, and students have opportunities to engage in projects that contribute to the advancement of graphic design practices. The emphasis on research ensures that graduates are well-prepared to tackle contemporary challenges in the field.
Industry Engagement: The BFA program places a strong emphasis on industry engagement, recognizing the practical applications of graphic design in various professional contexts. Students have opportunities for internships, collaborations with industry professionals, and participation in design competitions. The program actively fosters connections with design agencies, advertising firms, and media organizations, providing students with exposure to real-world design challenges and industry best practices.
Global Perspective: The program integrates a global perspective into the curriculum, preparing students to navigate the global landscape of visual communication. Courses explore international design trends, cultural influences on visual storytelling, and the impact of design on a global scale. Students are encouraged to consider the cultural diversity of their audience, fostering an understanding of design as a universal language.
Facilities and Resources: The University of Kansas provides state-of-the-art facilities and resources to support the BFA in Design - Visual Communication - Graphic Design program. Design studios, computer labs equipped with industry-standard software, and collaborative spaces ensure that students have access to the tools needed to bring their creative visions to life. The university's commitment to providing a conducive learning environment contributes to the success and innovation of its graphic design students.
Location
Lawrence, Kansas
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 29764
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $85
Academic Requirements: Prospective undergraduate students are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 80% or above in their previous educational qualifications.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS Requirement: An overall IELTS score of 6.5 is required.
- TOEFL Requirement: A minimum overall score of 79 is often required.
- PTE Requirement: A minimum overall score of 53 is often required.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Kansas (KU) in the United States is fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community, and this dedication extends to providing scholarship opportunities for international students. These scholarships aim to support and recognize the academic achievements and contributions of students from around the world.
Global Jayhawk Scholarship: The Global Jayhawk Scholarship is specifically designed for incoming undergraduate international students. This merit-based scholarship takes into account academic achievements, leadership qualities, and a cultural diversity. The award amounts vary, and recipients are selected based on a competitive application process.
International Excellence Award: The International Excellence Award is another notable scholarship program at KU. It is open to both undergraduate and graduate international students across various disciplines. This scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and the ability to contribute to the university community. Recipients may receive partial to full tuition coverage.
OIP Scholarships: The Office of International Programs (OIP) at KU administers several scholarships to support international students. These scholarships may cover tuition, living expenses, or research-related costs. OIP scholarships often emphasize cultural exchange, community engagement, and academic excellence.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments within the University of Kansas offer department-specific scholarships for international students. These scholarships are often tied to academic performance, research endeavors, or contributions to the department's goals. Prospective students are encouraged to check with their intended academic departments for available opportunities.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program in Design with a specialization in Visual Communication - Graphic Design at the University of Kansas are well-prepared to embark on diverse and rewarding career paths within the dynamic field of graphic design. The program's emphasis on creativity, technical proficiency, and a global perspective equips individuals with a versatile skill set, opening doors to various exciting career options.
Graphic Designer: One of the primary career paths for BFA in Design - Visual Communication - Graphic Design graduates is becoming a graphic designer. Working for design agencies, advertising firms, or as freelancers, graphic designers create visually compelling designs for print, digital media, branding, and marketing materials.
Art Director: Graduates with leadership skills and experience may pursue careers as art directors. In this role, they lead and oversee the visual aspects of design projects, ensuring cohesive and impactful visual communication across various mediums, from print to digital platforms.
Brand Identity Designer: Specializing in brand identity, graduates can become brand identity designers. They focus on creating consistent and memorable visual identities for companies, ensuring that logos, color schemes, and brand elements effectively communicate the essence of a brand.
User Experience (UX) Designer: With a focus on digital experiences, BFA graduates can transition into roles as UX designers. They design user interfaces for websites, apps, and digital products, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for users interacting with digital platforms.
Web Designer: Graduates can pursue careers as web designers, creating visually appealing and user-friendly websites. They work on layout design, visual elements, and user interface design to enhance the overall user experience on websites and digital platforms.
Motion Graphics Designer: For those interested in dynamic visual communication, graduates may specialize in motion graphics design. They create animated visuals for videos, advertisements, and digital content, adding a dynamic and engaging dimension to visual storytelling.
Package Designer: Graduates can enter the field of packaging design, creating visually appealing and functional packaging for products. Package designers consider branding, user experience, and market trends to design packaging that stands out on store shelves.
Social Media Content Creator: With the rise of social media, graduates can become social media content creators. They design graphics and visuals for social media platforms, contributing to the creation of visually compelling and shareable content for brands and influencers.
Publication Designer: BFA in Graphic Design graduates can work as publication designers for magazines, newspapers, and online publications. They layout and design editorial content, ensuring that publications are visually appealing and effectively communicate information.
Interactive Media Designer: Individuals interested in interactive design can pursue careers as interactive media designers. They work on projects such as interactive exhibits, touchscreen interfaces, and digital installations, creating immersive and engaging user experiences.
Illustrator/Graphic Artist: Graduates can specialize as illustrators or graphic artists, creating original visual content for various purposes, including editorial illustrations, book covers, and digital illustrations for websites and marketing materials.
Digital Marketing Designer: With a focus on digital marketing, graduates can become digital marketing designers. They design visuals for online advertising campaigns, email marketing, and social media marketing, contributing to the visual communication strategies of marketing teams.
Educator/Design Instructor: For those passionate about education, graduates may choose to become educators or design instructors. They can teach graphic design courses at educational institutions, sharing their expertise and shaping the next generation of designers.
Freelance Designer/Entrepreneur: Many BFA graduates choose the path of entrepreneurship, establishing themselves as freelance designers. They can offer their design services independently, working on diverse projects for clients or creating and selling their own design products.
