B.F.A. in Visual Communication

Entry Requirements for Undergraduate programs

1. Academic Qualifications: International students applying for undergraduate programs at NAU are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous educational qualifications.

2. English Language Proficiency:

   • IELTS: Overall score of 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.
   • TOEFL iBT: Overall score of 70 or higher.
   • DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 95.
   • PTE: Overall PTE score required is 56.

Score reporting is required.

To support their academic pursuits, NAU offers various scholarships and financial aid options. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and contributions to the community. International students are encouraged to explore the available scholarships to help ease the financial burden of studying in the United States. 

1. Global Achievement Award: This scholarship is available to incoming international undergraduate students and is based on academic merit. The Global Achievement Award provides partial tuition waivers, making quality education more affordable for deserving international students.

2. International Excellence Award: The International Excellence Award is a competitive scholarship available to outstanding international students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements. Recipients of this scholarship receive a substantial tuition reduction.

3. Into NAU Scholarships: Into NAU is a pathway program for international students, and it offers several merit-based scholarships for students entering NAU through the program. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and leadership potential.

4. Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: This scholarship is available to transfer students who are members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. It offers financial assistance to eligible international transfer students pursuing their bachelor's degree at NAU.

5. Diversity Scholarships: NAU values diversity and offers several scholarships that promote inclusivity and support underrepresented international students. These scholarships aim to foster a diverse and inclusive campus community.

6. Athletic Scholarships: Talented student-athletes have the opportunity to receive athletic scholarships, which are awarded based on athletic performance, skills, and potential to contribute to NAU's athletic teams.

7. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments at NAU offer scholarships to international students based on specific academic achievements and majors. Students are encouraged to inquire with their respective departments for available opportunities.

8. Graduate Assistantships: International graduate students may have the chance to secure graduate assistantships, which provide financial support and valuable professional experience through research, teaching, or administrative roles.

9. External Scholarships: NAU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities available through organizations, governments, and foundations that provide financial support for studying in the United States.

Application Process and Deadlines: Each scholarship has specific eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Visual Communication from Northern Arizona University (NAU) opens up a plethora of exciting career opportunities in the dynamic field of design and communication. Graduates of the B.F.A. in Visual Communication program at NAU are well-equipped to pursue rewarding careers in graphic design, UI/UX design, branding, digital media, advertising, web design, and entrepreneurship. With their creative talents, technical skills, and industry knowledge, they contribute to shaping the visual landscape and communicating messages effectively in today's visually driven world.

1. Graphic Designer: Graduates can pursue careers as graphic designers, where they utilize their design skills to create visual concepts, layouts, and illustrations for various print and digital media platforms. They may work in design studios, advertising agencies, publishing houses, or as freelancers, designing logos, brochures, posters, websites, and other marketing materials.

2. UI/UX Designer: With the rise of digital platforms and user-centric design, graduates can explore careers as user interface (UI) or user experience (UX) designers. They focus on enhancing the usability, accessibility, and overall experience of websites, mobile apps, and other digital products through intuitive and visually appealing design solutions.

3. Brand Identity Specialist: Graduates may specialize in brand identity design, where they develop visual identities and branding strategies for companies, products, or services. They create logos, brand guidelines, packaging designs, and marketing collateral to establish and maintain cohesive brand identities that resonate with target audiences.

4. Digital Media Specialist: In the digital age, there is a growing demand for professionals who can create engaging multimedia content for online platforms. Graduates can work as digital media specialists, producing visual content such as videos, animations, infographics, and social media graphics to convey messages and narratives effectively across digital channels.

5. Art Director/ Creative Director: With experience and expertise, graduates can advance to roles as art directors or creative directors, overseeing the visual aspects of creative projects and leading design teams. They collaborate with clients, marketers, and other stakeholders to develop concepts, manage projects, and ensure the quality and consistency of visual communication deliverables.

6. Web Designer/Developer: Graduates proficient in web design and development skills may pursue careers as web designers or developers, creating visually appealing and functional websites that align with client requirements and user expectations. They use their design expertise to craft layouts, graphics, and user interfaces while incorporating coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

7. Advertising and Marketing Specialist: Graduates can enter the advertising and marketing industry, working as visual communication specialists who conceptualize and execute creative campaigns to promote products, services, or brands. They collaborate with copywriters, marketers, and media professionals to develop compelling visual content for advertising campaigns across various channels.

8. Freelance Designer/ Entrepreneur: Many graduates choose to work as freelance designers or entrepreneurs, offering their design services independently to clients across diverse industries. They have the flexibility to work on a variety of projects, build their portfolio, and establish their brand while enjoying the freedom and autonomy of self-employment.