Visual CommunicationInformation Graphics/Publication Design

The school has been recognized twice as a Program of Excellence by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and is a proud component of the Scripps College of Communication recognized by the state as a Center of Excellence — the only college in the state to receive that distinction.

Graduates of the program earn a Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication. The degree program is designed to provide students with realistic and thorough broad-based professionally oriented training in visual communication while providing the necessary liberal arts and cultural background for a strong educational foundation.

Intensive training is offered in visual communication, across multiple disciplines and platforms: Publication design, data visualization, and informational graphics, with preparation for careers in the magazine, newspaper, corporate,  and non-governmental organization (NGOs) communication fields; interactive design and UX for web and digital mobile platforms for careers in a wide range of communication settings; documentary photojournalism for newspapers, magazines, NGOs, and online venues; and commercial photography, with preparation for careers in the fashion, product, and corporate communication and advertising fields, plus studio management.

Students interested in design might want to explore the design program offered through the School of Art + Design in the College of Fine Art, as well, to ensure they are selecting the program that best fits their goals.

Goals of the School

The goals of the School of Visual Communication are:

1. to equip students with the necessary skills to be successful in the media, and the background and motivation to enable them to compete for leadership roles in the field
_x000D_
2. to provide assistance and professional guidance in visual communication to working photographers, editors, and other personnel, newspapers, press services, magazines, industrial photographic departments, trade associations, multimedia and education media production units and cultural and scientific visual communicators
_x000D_
3. to set high standards for visual integrity and communication ethics
_x000D_
4. to foster and promote scholarly research and creative activities
_x000D_

• Top 13-45% of their graduating high school classes
• Average composite ACT score of 21-26
• Average combined SAT score of 1050-1230 (math and evidence-based reading and writing)
• Average high school grade point average of 3.58 (on a 4.0 scale)

• Provide a recent TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score. See minimum requirements below. IELTS reports should be sent directly from the testing agency. TOEFL results should be sent electronically directly from the testing agency (school code 1593). Duolingo English Test results can be shared online with Ohio University once your test has been certified.

  English Proficiency Minimum Score Requirements
  TOEFL Paper: 520 (composition score of 5)
  TOEFL Internet (IBT): 68 (writing subscore of 17)
  IELTS: 6.0 (no sub-score below 5.5)
  Duolingo English Test: 95

• Complete at least three years in a high school in an English-speaking system, including three years of high school English (not ESL) courses with a grade of B or better.

• Submit an ACT composite score of 21 with 21 ACT English and 21 ACT Reading subscores.

• Submit a 1060 SAT Total with 540 SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing subscore.

• Have completed the equivalent of Ohio University's English 1510: Writing and Rhetoric I (Freshman Composition) with a grade of C or better. Course equivalency will be determined during the application process.

Successful graduates find employment in a wide variety of publication and communication businesses including magazine, online, newspaper, and corporate communications, or start their own businesses as freelance visual communicators.

• Application form
• USD $70 international application processing fee
• Academic records from every secondary/post-secondary institution you have attended, with a certified or attested translation if the original document is not in English. Unofficial academic records may be submitted via email to [email protected] to receive an admissions decision. Official academic records must be provided upon arrival to campus, before the first day of classes, or sent by mail in envelopes sealed and stamped by one of the following:
  • Your school or university
  • Ministry of Education of your home country
  • EducationUSA or related binational organization
    
    Please note: We cannot accept scanned or faxed copies as official results. ​​​​​​​​Official academic records must be submitted by mail, as previously noted, to:
    
    Undergraduate Admissions
    Chubb Hall 120
    1 Ohio University
    Athens OH 45701 - USA
• Official proof of English proficiency, if available. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exams should be taken within the last 12 months.
• Proof of citizenship: a copy of your passport information page.
• Evidence of sufficient funding to support your educational and living expenses for a 9-month period. Learn more about the necessary amount on our Costs & Aid page. Your financial documentation must include:
  • A letter from your sponsor confirming the amount of funding that will be provided and stating your relationship to the sponsor (a PDF sample sponsor form is available but not required) and a letter or statement from your sponsor's bank confirming that the funding is available in an accessible account. The name on the bank document must match the sponsor letter and must be written in English.
  • If you will receive a government or other external scholarship, please provide proof of nomination of the award with your application packet.
• Optional materials can be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions via postal mail or by emailing [email protected]. Optional materials may include:
  • Standardized test scores, if applicable. Ohio University has adopted a test-optional pathway for freshman applicants to the Athens campus. If you choose to submit standardized test scores, they must be submitted directly from the testing agency: SAT (school code 1593) or ACT (school code 3314). Ohio University considers the Evidenced-based Reading and Writing scores from the SAT.
  • Essays
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Lists of extra-curricular interests and activities