Visual Communication Design

About the visual communication design major

Visual communication design has the capacity to benefit business and society, and the designer plays a pivotal role in that process. The visual communication design program allows you to study a wide range of design principles and visual communication theory and history. You'll learn the evolving nature of emerging technologies and discuss relevant theories while undertaking real-world practical projects.

As a student, you'll gain valuable experience working collaboratively with:

Artists
Business strategists
Clients (locally and nationally)
Designers
Research experts
Writers

Skills and abilities this major develops: technical skills, design, problem solving, project management, and personal branding (Herron School of Art and Design, 2019).

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IU Indianapolis’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Student organizations

Herron’s student organizations will help you build professional and personal relationships within your discipline.

Career services

Guidance from Herron Career Services is tailored to your needs at all levels throughout your journey—including internship and networking with alumni.

Study abroad

Herron's study abroad programs are a powerful way to discover the historical impact of art and design in the world and over time while making memorable friendships.

Opportunities after graduation

Employment of graphic designers is projected to grow 2% from 2023 to 2033, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 21,100 openings for graphic designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024).

According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary reported for visual communication design graduates with a B.F.A. was $40,542, and the median salary was $43,680.

The national median annual salary for graphic designers was $58,910 in 2023 (Occupational Outlook Handbook).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Visual communication design majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:

Art history
Art therapy
Arts administration
Fine arts
Graphic arts
Museum studies

Quick facts

Sample coursework

Design methods for innovation
Drawing
Elements and principles
History of visual communication
Studio art and technology
Studio elective
Typography

Possible careers

Advertising executive*
Creative/art director
Digital artist
Exhibit designer
Graphic/website designer
Production designer

*This career requires additional training or education.

Where could I work?

Angi
Communications
Design firms
Eli Lilly and Company
Media and communications
Salesforce

Complementing interests

AArtistic

EEnterprising

SSocial

Get your interest code

Where to get more information

Herron School of Art and Design

(HR 126 or 317-278-9400)

Professional Association for Design

Herron Career Services

Arts, Humanities, and Human Services Cluster

This major is part of the Arts, Humanities, and Human Services (AHHS) cluster. The AHHS cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in art and design, education, general studies, journalism, liberal arts, and social work. The AHHS cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the AHHS cluster

Learn about other clusters

Meet with an advisor or career consultant

Schedule an appointment