College of Liberal & Creative Arts
The 58-unit Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication Design integrates graphic design and digital media. We offer additional study addressing a changing technological landscape with new opportunities for education and profession in areas such as AR and VR. Students are prepared to collaborate with other design disciplines in technology, user experience, and creative problem-solving. We are on a laptop initiative; courses are flexible and can be accessed on campus as well as online.
Our program is a forward-looking Visual Communication Design curriculum. In addition to the traditional Graphic Design classes that concentrate on Typography, Layout, Flow, Structure, Composition, etc, we have introduced courses in UX, Game Design, and XR (Augmented and Virtual Reality). Our classes cover contemporary issues in design, including analysis of Artificial Intelligence, the impact of NFTs, and other major issues facing Communication and UX Designers.
In addition to our small classes and expert faculty, we have active student organizations, such as our AIGA Student Group (American Institute of Graphic Artists - the Vis Com Professional Organization. We have an active program of visiting designers and engagement with local companies. We've recently started a mentorship program with Chronicle Books and are building internship relationships with other local companies. We have department and college scholarships and competitions open for our students.
Access the list of the major requirements to better understand the structure of the major.
The roadmap puts all of your graduation requirements into an easy to follow semester by semester plan so you know what to take to stay on track. Whether you are a freshman or a transfer student, you'll be able to find a roadmap that best fits you.
Besides your major requirements, students must complete their GE and University requirements. Be sure to make sure you've completed all of these requirements for graduation.
To learn more about this major, check out the major department’s website below. You can also find out how you can access their faculty advisors who can assist you not just with course choices, but also answer questions about the field and discuss your career plans.
School of Design, Visual Communication Design
Fine Arts Building, Room 123
Phone: (415) 338-2211
Email: Design@sfsu.edu
Website: https://design.sfsu.edu/bachelor-science-visual-communication-design
Director: Professor Mari Hulick
Freshmen Student Advising Information
After choosing “Basic Subjects” GE courses in Steps 1-3 of your Orientation process (if you haven’t done so, log onto your Orientation Profile page to follow the “Pre-Orientation Advising Module”), STEP 4 Choosing Major Classes will show you if there are any classes you can take to satisfy major requirements for your first and/or second semester.
Once you have determined your Roadmap above, review the first section below and write down any course recommendations based on your corresponding major roadmap on your Freshmen Class Planner worksheet.
We welcome 2nd-semester Freshmen to take DES 220. And then we recommend they explore other DES Electives, such as DES 227 and 256 in their 3rd semester. We recommend they complete the DES requirements of 200 and 222 in their 3rd or 4th semesters.
Art Director, Front-End Web Designer, Front-End Web Developer, Designer, Senior Designer, UX Designer, Project Manager.
Transfer Student Advising Information
Please see the box above labeled “Major Curriculum/Roadmaps & GE/University Requirements” for information on what courses to take in your first semester at SF State. View our Frequently Asked Questions for Transfers for helpful tips and additional information.