B.F.A. in Visual Communication Design

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: $70

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 71 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 48 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 100.

Kent State University offers a range of scholarships to international students to help them manage the cost of tuition and make their education more affordable. 

Global Scholarship: The Global Scholarship is a merit-based award for undergraduate international students. It ranges from $2,000 to $7,500 per year and is renewable based on academic performance. Applicants are automatically considered for this scholarship upon admission.

International Freshman Scholarship: This scholarship is designed for first-time, incoming international undergraduate students. It provides awards ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 per year. Students are automatically considered when they apply for admission.

International Transfer Student Scholarship: Transfer students from international institutions are eligible for this scholarship, which offers awards from $4,000 to $9,500 per year. The scholarship is based on academic merit, and applicants are considered upon admission.

Kent State University Honors College Scholarship: Exceptional international undergraduate students may apply for the Honors College Scholarship. It covers in-state tuition and offers additional funding for research and study abroad opportunities.

Global Diversity Scholarship: Kent State recognizes the value of diversity on campus. This scholarship, awarded to incoming undergraduate international students, provides $4,000 per year for up to four years.

Other Scholarships: Kent State University also offers various department-specific scholarships and awards. These scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria and application processes, so students should check with their academic departments.

External Scholarships: International students can explore external scholarship opportunities, such as government scholarships, private foundation scholarships, and international organizations' funding programs.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Visual Communication Design from Kent State University are well-prepared to embark on diverse career paths within the visual communication and design fields. The program equips students with the creative, technical, and strategic skills necessary to excel in various roles, including graphic design, multimedia arts, and digital content creation.

Graphic Designer: One of the most common career paths for graduates is to become a graphic designer. In this role, professionals create visual content for print and digital media, including advertisements, brochures, websites, and branding materials. Graphic designers use design principles and software tools to communicate messages effectively and attractively. They may work in design studios, advertising agencies, or as freelance designers.

Art Director: Art directors oversee the visual aspects of creative projects, including advertising campaigns, magazines, and websites. They are responsible for guiding the design team, making decisions about visual style, and ensuring that the final product aligns with the client’s vision and brand identity. Art directors often collaborate with other creatives such as copywriters and marketers to produce cohesive and impactful visual communications.

User Experience (UX) Designer: UX designers focus on enhancing the usability and overall experience of digital products such as websites, apps, and software. They conduct user research, create wireframes and prototypes, and test designs to ensure that digital interfaces are intuitive and user-friendly. This role requires a deep understanding of user behavior and design principles, making it a critical area within the tech and design industries.

Brand Designer: Brand designers work on creating and maintaining a company’s brand identity, including logos, color schemes, typography, and other visual elements. They ensure that all brand materials are consistent and effectively communicate the brand’s message and values. This role often involves collaborating with marketing teams to develop brand strategies and design assets that resonate with target audiences.

Multimedia Artist: Multimedia artists create visual content that incorporates various media forms, including animation, video, and interactive elements. They may work on projects such as animated videos, video games, or digital art installations. Multimedia artists need a strong foundation in visual design as well as proficiency in multimedia software and tools.

Web Designer: Web designers specialize in creating visually appealing and functional websites. They design layouts, graphics, and user interfaces that enhance the user experience and align with the client’s goals. Web designers must stay updated with web design trends and technologies, and often work closely with developers to bring their designs to life.

Motion Graphics Designer: Motion graphics designers focus on creating animated visual content for various media, including television, film, and online platforms. They use animation techniques to bring graphics and text to life, creating engaging and dynamic visuals for advertisements, title sequences, and digital media. This role combines creativity with technical skills in animation and video editing.

Illustrator: Illustrators create custom artwork for a wide range of applications, including books, magazines, advertising, and merchandise. They use drawing and painting techniques to produce illustrations that convey specific ideas or narratives. Illustrators often work as freelancers or within creative agencies, collaborating with clients and art directors to meet project requirements.

Creative Director: Creative directors oversee the overall visual and conceptual direction of creative projects. They manage design teams, develop creative strategies, and ensure that projects align with the client’s vision and brand objectives. Creative directors play a key role in shaping the artistic direction of campaigns and visual content across various media.

Freelance Designer: Many graduates choose to work as freelance designers, offering their services to a variety of clients and projects. Freelancing provides flexibility and the opportunity to work on diverse assignments, from graphic design to multimedia projects. Freelance designers need strong self-management skills and the ability to market themselves effectively to attract and retain clients.