2009-2010 - Bowie State University

their creative work and in various industries
Career Opportunities
The field of visual communication is a successful and expanding industry. Students will be exposed to a liberal
arts program that provides access to technology, research and training to enter this vast career with success.
There are various opportunities in advertising in print, multimedia, product and fashion design; as well as in
new media (motion graphics, video, animation and game design). The Baltimore/Washington metropolitan
area is a major center for the arts, government, entertainment and business, both nationally and
internationally. This rapidly expanding area will allow graduates to find creative employment and research
opportunities in related fields.
Additionally, VCDMA faculty actively assists students with obtaining internships and at times employment
opportunities in the field, both locally and nationally. The vast employment opportunities available for
art/visual communication graduates include:
• design and animation studios
• online design companies
• video game and development companies
• book, magazines and newspapers
• packaging firms
• publishing houses
• production design
• advertising agencies
• corporate design departments
• museums and galleries
• educational institutions
• government and non‐profit organizations
• cable, local and international television networks and stations
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
A student must officially declare Fine Arts as their major, and VCDMA as a concentration, by entering it on
his/her initial application for admission or by submitting the Declaration of Major/Program Form. All students
applying for admission to VCDMA programs are expected to demonstrate their skills via a portfolio that
highlights 10 (or more) examples of professional quality artwork; design, illustration, ceramics, drawing,
sculpture, digital art/graphics, photography and painting.
This should be submitted via a CD‐ROM or DVD‐ROM; or through slides. Work should be labeled with title,
brief description, medium, and dimensions. Students must also take the necessary prerequisites (carefully
read course descriptions) and meet with their academic advisor BEFORE registering for any class. The DFPA
Academic Advisor must approve all courses before registration. Students are accepted into the program and
then proceed after successfully completing required foundation, core and university courses, and faculty
portfolio reviews; they will continue onto an area of concentration as candidates/majors.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
VCDMA students must maintain a 2.5 or better in all major courses to meet requirements for graduation.
VCDMA students who show evidence of a fundamental weakness in an area of study will be required to take
additional study work in the deficit area, and/or repeat courses.
Failure to correct any deficiency, maintain a 2.5 or better in all major courses, and/or failed portfolio reviews
will be considered grounds for students to leave the VCDMA program.
176 2009‐2010 Undergraduate Catalog