In the Visual Communication major, you will become a trained designer educated in traditional and contemporary media and grounded in historical and cultural knowledge.
- A minimum of 99 credits are required for this major, including 30 upper-division credits.
- Application to this major requires submission of an online portfolio and written statement in addition to the online major application.
- You will learn the effective application of fundamental elements and principles of visual communication design.
- As a condition of graduation in this major, you are required to participate in the Visual Communication Portfolio Exhibition during Spring Quarter of your senior year.
Visual Communication admission data
Admission to the Visual Communication major is selective and based upon a portfolio review and prior academic performance (the expectation is that students will have achieved a minimum of a “B” (3.0) average in SPU Art Foundations classes (ART 1105 Art Foundations 1-Surface; ART 1106 Art Foundations 2-Space; ART 1107 Art Foundations 3-Time; and ART 1205 Design Studio-Color) or equivalent transfer courses.
| Academic Year |
2017–18 |
2018–19 |
2019–20 |
| Average GPA of Admitted Students |
3.3 |
3.3 |
3.5 |
| Lowest GPA of Admitted Students |
2.8 |
2.2 |
2.3 |
| Number of Applicants |
18 |
19 |
25 |
| Number Admitted |
16 |
19 |
22 |
entering and completing the Visual Communication Major
In order to earn a degree, you must complete at least one academic major.
- Apply to the Visual Communications program in Banner by following these instructions.
- In addition to submitting the online application form in Banner, you must also submit the following:
- A written statement on why you are choosing to pursue studies in the Visual Communication major. This should be approximately 200 words.
- A specified portfolio for review. (See “Portfolio Guidelines” below.)
- Students on academic probation (with an SPU cumulative GPA below 2.0) will not be permitted to enter a new major or minor until they regain good academic standing.
- The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major or minor; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
- To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major or minor, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major or minor.
- You must complete the major or minor requirements that are in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year you enter the major or minor.
Junior transfers to this major
If you are a transfer student with class status beyond the sophomore level, you may apply to the major after an advising/work sample review with the head of the Visual Communication major. The last date to submit your portfolio for entrance into the major for fall admissions is June 15 prior to the Autumn Quarter that you intend to begin the program. The Visual Communication major has sequenced courses and will require a minimum of two years from the start of the admitted Autumn Quarter.
See degree requirements for a full list of required courses and electives within the major or minor program.
Portfolio guidelines
The Visual Communication major requires submission of a portfolio. Before submitting a portfolio, you must apply for entrance to the major in Banner by following these instructions. The application in Banner should be submitted after you have completed the following courses: ART 1105 Art Foundations 1: Surface; ART 1106 Art Foundations 2: Space; and ART 1107 Art Foundations 3: Time, or equivalent courses. For equivalency of previous course offerings and/or transfer credits, please consult with the head of the Visual Communication major.
Portfolios must include:
- A declaration that you intend to pursue studies in the Visual Communication major.
- Anticipated date of graduation.
- A current transcript.
- A document listing the address of your online portfolio.
- Required artwork samples: Three projects from each core course, for a minimum of nine pieces.
- A current transcript.
- Required artwork samples: Three projects from each core course, for a minimum of nine pieces.
The required contents may be emailed to the head of the Visual Communication major, or sent to the Art Department administrative office.
Application deadlines for this Major
Freshmen/sophomores: We have a rolling deadline with opportunities to submit your portfolio throughout your freshman and sophomore years. Please notify the head of the Visual Communication major to let them know you have submitted your application and portfolio. Deadline for the academic year is no later than June 15 for admittance the following Autumn Quarter.
Juniors/transfer students: The last date to submit your portfolio for entrance into the major for fall admissions is June 15 prior to the Autumn Quarter that you intend to begin the program. The Visual Communication major has sequenced courses and will require a minimum of two years from the start of the admitted Autumn Quarter.
Post-application review process
You will be notified by email of the status and final decision regarding your application. Portfolios can be collected at the Art Department administrative office during office hours. Criteria for acceptance will be based upon the quality of the work, grades, essay content, and success in academic coursework.