Nov 08, 2024  
2023-2024 University Catalog 
    
2023-2024 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Visual Communication Design, B.F.A.: 120 units


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Offered by: College of Environmental Design, Art Department

The curriculum matrix for the degree program may be found here. The curriculum matrix is the alignment of courses (curriculum) with the desired goals and student learning outcomes of the program. It shows what is taught and how these outcomes are achieved through the completion of the degree program.

Visual Communication Designers create images that may interpret, inform, instruct, persuade, or entertain. This work addresses audience, content, and context, while meeting functional communication needs. We are concerned with the physical, cultural, societal, and technological aspects of creating visual work, whether that work is print-based design, interactive media, or environments.

Visual Communication Design Program: Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Ability to solve communication problems, including the skills of problem identification, research and information gathering, analysis, generation of alternative solutions, and prototyping.
  2. Ability to describe and respond to the audiences and contexts including recognition of the physical, cognitive, cultural and social human factors that shape design decisions.
  3. Ability to create and develop visual form in response to communication problems.
  4. Ability to effectively use typography and typographic principles.
  5. Fluency with the elements of design and the principles of organization, including color theory, composition, perspective, etc.
  6. Understanding information hierarchy, symbolic representation, and aesthetics.
  7. Ability to create and develop meaningful and original imagery.
  8. Have an understanding of tools and technology, including their roles in the creation, reproduction, and distribution of vital messages. Relevant tools include but not limited to, drawing, offset printing, photography and time-based and interactive media.
  9. Understanding design history, theory, and criticism from a variety of perspectives, including those of art history, linguistics, communication and information theory, technology, and the social and cultural use of design objects.
  10. Understanding the basic business practices, including the ability to organize projects and work productively as a member of teams.

Major Electives: 26 units


All major electives and approved electives courses must be passed with a grade of “C-” or better to receive major credit.

*Note(s):


*Repeatable one time.

Unrestricted Electives: 0-3 units


Select a sufficient number of courses so that the total from “Major Required”, “Major Electives”, “GE”, and “Unrestricted Electives” is at least 120 units.

General Education Requirements: 48 units


Students should view their Degree Progress Report (DPR) for information regarding their General Education requirements. Unless specific GE courses are required for their major, please refer to the list of approved courses in the General Education Program in the University Catalog, https://catalog.cpp.edu. When viewing the catalog, students should select the catalog year associated with the GE requirements listed in their Degree Progress Report.

Area A. English Language Communication and Critical Thinking (9 units)


At least 3 units from each sub-area
1. Oral Communication
2. Written Communication
3. Critical Thinking

Area B. Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning (12 units)


At least 3 units from each sub-area
1. Physical Sciences
2. Life Sciences
3. Laboratory Activity
4. Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
5. Science and Technology Synthesis

Area C. Arts and Humanities (12 units)


At least 3 units from each sub-area and 3 additional units from sub-areas 1 and/or 2
1. Visual and Performing Arts
2. Literature, Modern Languages, Philosophy and Civilization
3. Arts and Humanities Synthesis

Area D. Social Sciences (9 units)


At least 3 units from each sub-area
1. U.S. History and American Ideals
2. U.S. Constitution and California Government
4. Social Science Synthesis

Area E. Lifelong Learning and Self-Development (3 units)


Area F. Ethnic Studies (3 units)


Interdisciplinary General Education: 18 units


An alternate pattern for partial fulfillment of GE Areas A, C, and D available for students is the Interdisciplinary General Education (IGE) program.  Students should see an advisor for specific GE coursework required by their major.  Please refer to the University Catalog General Education Program section for additional information.

How IGE fulfills General Education Requirements:

GE Area Courses
A2 IGE 1100  and IGE 1200 
Category II students are eligible to enroll in IGE 1100 (Fall) and IGE 1200 (Spring) as a two-course sequence to fulfill GE Area A2. Students who choose this sequence will also satisfy GE Area C2. Category III and IV students need to enroll in English composition courses in the A2 GE course list.
C1 IGE 2350  
C2 IGE 1100 , IGE 1200 , IGE 2150 , or IGE 2250  
C3 IGE 3100  
D1 IGE 2150  or IGE 2250 
Also satisfy American Institutions Part A
D4 IGE 3100  

A single course cannot be double-counted across multiple GE Areas.

revised 07/12/2024

American Institutions: 6 units


Courses that satisfy this requirement may also satisfy GE Areas D1 and D2.

Graduation Writing Test


The Graduation Writing Test (GWT) is suspended until Fall 2025. Students entering Cal Poly Pomona before Fall 2025 are not required to take the Graduation Writing Test.

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