BS in Visual Communication Design at Thomas Jefferson University

Study BS in Visual Communication Design at Thomas Jefferson University, a Bachelor degree offered on the East Falls campus in Philadelphia, United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for May 1, 2027.

About BS in Visual Communication Design

Mission

The Visual Communication Design program at Thomas Jefferson University emphasizes the role of design as a vital cultural, social, economic, political and environmental force in society. Rooted in the universal principles of design that shape our world and the human experience, graduates learn to make and think critically in order to identify and solve a wide variety of modern problems.

Every student in the program learns the foundations of visual aesthetics, design research, the creative process and a variety of tools and technology. Students can extend this core knowledge to either the Graphic Design Communication or Web Design & Development specialization in order to find their unique place within the ever-changing and expanding design profession.

By fostering curiosity, faculty empower students to develop individual points of view and equip them to investigate and tackle the complex challenges of our profession and the world. We provide students with opportunities to explore a range of techniques and applications, to collaborate with peers and faculty from other programs, to work on industry projects, and to engage with the professional design community.

About our Program

One of our strengths is our close-knit community, and that is by design. Faculty work closely with all Visual Communication Design students as they progress through a series of 8 core design studios. This begins with design foundations, and progresses through courses in typography, user experience, branding, digital strategy, systems design and culminates with a self-authored, senior design capstone project and portfolio.

The program provides training in a diverse combination of skills, including a strong understanding of design principles, typography and image making, the capacity to plan and design for human-centered products, interactions and experiences, an ability to harness the latest digital technologies and experience working in collaborative interdisciplinary environments.

These educational experiences are enhanced through our faculty’s expertise, industry and client sponsored projects, internships, guest speakers, workshops, studio visits, study abroad opportunities and minors.

We also think it’s important to let everyone know about our incredible student design group, they foster a community of support, forming life-long friendships and unmatched opportunities for professional development outside of our classes.

Students who pursue a major in Visual Communication Design have interests in:

Visual Arts
Graphic Design
Web/Digital Design
Coding
Image Making
Interactive Media
Technology
Branding
Information Design
Design Research
Human Centered Design
User Experience Design

Program Highlights

Named a Top Graphic Design School for 10 years in a row by GDUSA
Student work is regularly recognized in local, national and international competitions and publications, with over 60 Adobe Design Achievement Awards in the past 5 years.
Students work on industry projects with clients to tackle real-world problems
Learning extends beyond the classroom through our excellent study abroad and internship opportunities.
Students can join the AIGA (the Professional Organization for Design) student chapter to foster friendships and professional networks that last a lifetime.

Career Opportunities

Depending on the specialization students choose in Visual Communication Design, the opportunities are extensive. Here are some of the types positions held by former students:

Graphic Designer
Web Designer
Experience Designer
Interaction Designer
UI/UX Designer
Product Designer
Entrepreneur
Information Designer
Digital Designer
Marketing & Brand Manager
Illustrator
Design Researcher

Graduates have received positions at The New York Times, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Chronicle Books, Push10, Comcast, Vanguard, 20nine, J2 Design, Health Union, Archer Group, Bailey Branding Consultants, Mohawk Paper, 76ers, and GQ Magazine.

Internships

Students are encouraged to begin seeking an internship after their second year of study. Through established relationships with businesses in the greater Philadelphia area and our vast network of alums, we are able to share many varied internship opportunities with students. Internships are encouraged during the summer, but may also substitute for credit towards a degree. Most recently, students have held internships at QVC, Health Union, Cohere, Archer Group, Bailey Brand Consulting, The DICE Group and Cooper Graphic Design.

Disciplines

Kanbar College of Design Engineering & Commerce

Requirements and Admission Criteria for BS in Visual Communication Design at Thomas Jefferson University

Entry Requirements

Students who have taken coursework outside of the United States should submit a course-by-course academic credential evaluation from a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member credentialing organization. Applicants who do not have a NACES evaluation are required to submit official transcripts, along with an official English translation, to Jefferson for review. Thomas Jefferson University reserves the right to outsource student academic credentials to our NACES member partner for evaluation.

In addition to the required application materials listed above, all international applicants must provide one of the following marks of English proficiency:

TOEFL Exam: minimum 80 IBT or IBT Home Edition (no sub-score below 20); exam must have been taken within last two years
TOEFL Essentials Exam: minimum 8.5 (no sub-score below 8); exam must have been taken within last two years
IELTS Exam: minimum 6.5 (no sub-score below 6); exam must have been taken within last two years
Duolingo Exam: 115
Pearson PTE Academic Exam: 53
SAT: 500 Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW)
ACT: 19 English minimum
ELS 112 Certificate of Completion
Completion of English Composition I & English Composition II at a college or university in the United States with a “C” or better

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

Tuition and Fee Information for BS in Visual Communication Design at Thomas Jefferson University

Application Fee 50

How to Apply for BS in Visual Communication Design at Thomas Jefferson University

We offer two pathways to apply for admission. To get started, submit either the Common Application or MyJefferson Application. Our application fee is $50.

The Admissions Committee emphasizes a holistic review process that examines the entirety of an applicant's academic aptitude, motivation, problem-solving skills, leadership potential and life experiences.

Transcripts: Official high school transcripts are required. Official transcripts may be submitted electronically by your school counselor to [email protected] or sent by postal mail to the address below.
Letter of Recommendation: Submit one letter of reference that provides insight into your academic competence. A reference from a teacher or counselor is encouraged. You will be prompted to provide recommender information when submitting your application for admission.
Personal Essay: Submit a writing sample to share more information about yourself. Some programs require applicants to address a specific topic and submit a supplemental essay so please carefully review the instructions and prompts when submitting your application.
Portfolio (Optional): Students applying to a Jefferson design program are encouraged, but not required, to submit a portfolio of their creative works.
Healthcare Experience (Optional): Students applying to an Accelerated Dual Degree program in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy or Physician Assistant Studies are encouraged, but not required, to submit a summary of any health-related activities, community service, shadowing or internship hours that you have achieved. Please review the instructions when prompted within the application.

BS in Visual Communication Design at Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University

United States of America, Philadelphia