Overview

The Visual Communication Design programme at Northern Kentucky University provides students with a comprehensive education in the art of visual storytelling and strategic messaging. This curriculum balances creative expression with pragmatic technical skills to prepare graduates for the global design economy.

Students engage in a rigorous academic environment where they develop their unique creative voices under the guidance of professional practitioners. The programme emphasises the importance of building strong peer-to-peer relationships and professional collaborations that extend well beyond the classroom setting.

The teaching philosophy focuses on transforming students into versatile thinkers who can navigate the complexities of modern media.

Why Visual Communication Design at Northern Kentucky University?

This programme is recognised for its excellence, having been rated as the top graphic design programme in Kentucky by Animation Career Review. Students have access to award-winning faculty members who are active artists, designers, and photographers within their respective professional fields.

The university provides significant professional exposure through industry-focused internships at design studios, advertising agencies, and galleries. These partnerships allow students to gain practical experience and build a professional network while contributing to the thriving arts and design sector.

Facilities and resources at the School of the Arts support a diverse range of creative pursuits, from traditional studio work to digital media. The curriculum is specifically designed to jump-start careers by focusing on the intersection of creativity and the practical requirements of the modern workforce.

Careers with Visual Communication Design

Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles within the expansive arts economy, which is a significant contributor to the global financial landscape. Common career paths include working as professional designers within dedicated design studios or creative agencies.

The skills acquired during the programme allow alumni to pursue opportunities in galleries, photography studios, and media organisations. Many graduates also find success as independent artists or consultants, leveraging the strong foundations in craft and vision developed during their studies.

The programme's focus on both B.A. and B.F.A. tracks ensures that students can tailor their career preparation to specific industry needs. Whether focusing on commercial design or fine arts, the curriculum provides the necessary tools for long-term professional achievement.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

History of Art: Renaissance Modernism

Computer Graphics for Design

Drawing

Visual Communication Design

Typography

Visual Communication Admittance Review

History of Art: Prehistoric through Goth

Photography

Interaction Design for Visual Communication Design

Painting

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-10 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-08-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Highland Heights, United States

Disciplines

Design Communication Studies View 1451 other Bachelors in Communication Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Complete An Online Application

Pay the $40 Application Fee

Submit Password Photocopy

Submit Your Official Transcripts

Submit Proof of English Fluency

Request your ACT and/or SAT Test Scores to be sent to NKU

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

15384 USD / year

≈ 15384 USD / year
Out-of-State

15384 USD / year

≈ 15384 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11496 USD / year

≈ 11496 USD / year

Living costs

Highland Heights

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Visual Communication Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Why Visual Communication Design at Northern Kentucky University?

Careers with Visual Communication Design

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Highland Heights

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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