This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2025-2026 VCU Bulletin. Courses that expose students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning may be added and notification of additional program approvals may be received prior to finalization. General education program content is also subject to change. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The B.F.A. in Communication Arts with a concentration in visual effects is designed for students seeking a specialization in the artistic, technical and narrative production of digital visual effects for live-action footage.
The communication arts courses for the concentration mirror those for the non-concentration B.F.A., with additional requirements focused on 2D and 3D software, digital filming, compositing, motion-capture and applicable post-production workflows. The approved cinema course will focus on the mechanics of screenwriting to serve as a foundation for interpreting narrative storytelling into a visual effects storyboard.
The 18 credits required in the concentration will combine art and technology to develop a broad understanding of digital visual effects. A students who intends to establish a professional career in post-production and visual effects will benefit from this concentration.
Student learning outcomes
Communication arts core outcomes
- Students will demonstrate proficiency in drawing, including the figure.
- Students will demonstrate conceptual and critical thinking.
- Students will articulate conceptual and visual ideas to communicate content.
- Students will demonstrate competence in the use of traditional media.
- Students will demonstrate competence in the use of digital media and emerging technologies.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of the historical and current context of communication arts.
- Students will demonstrate ethical and professional practices.
Visual effects concentration-specific outcomes
- Students will be able to develop visual effects, from a variety of sources, to completion.
- Students will demonstrate technical proficiency setting up scenes for visual effects.
Special requirements
A cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the major is expected for continuance in the program.
Degree requirements for Communication Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with a concentration in visual effects
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General education | ||
| Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser. | 30 | |
| Major requirements | ||
| • Major core requirements | ||
| COAR 201 | Figure Drawing I | 3 |
| COAR 202 | Figure Drawing II | 3 |
| COAR 203 | Digital 3D Studio | 3 |
| COAR 300 | Illustration: Drawing and Painting | 3 |
| COAR 320 | Concept Drawing | 3 |
| COAR 321 | Sequential Imaging | 3 |
| COAR 352 | History of Visual Communications I | 3 |
| COAR 353 | History of Visual Communications II | 3 |
| COAR 464 | Senior Portfolio | 3 |
| CREA 350 | Piloting the Enterprise | 3 |
| • Additional major requirements | ||
| COAR 210 | Visual Studies: Design | 3 |
| • Concentration requirements | ||
| COAR 308 | Cut Scene | 3 |
| COAR 332 | Digital Drawing | 3 |
| COAR 432 | 3D Image and Movement | 3 |
| COAR 435 | 3D Modeling for Concept Design | 3 |
| COAR 436 | Visual Effects I | 3 |
| COAR 437 | Visual Effects II | 3 |
| • Major electives | ||
| COAR upper-division electives | 3 | |
| Ancillary requirements | ||
| Art Foundation Program | ||
| ARTF 131 | Drawing Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 132 | Surface Research | 3 |
| ARTF 133 | Space Research | 3 |
| ARTF 134 | Time Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 139 | Project Studio | 2 |
| or ARTF 138 | Project Seminar | |
| ARTH 103 & ARTH 104 | Survey of Art I and Survey of Art II | 6 |
| Additional requirements | ||
| CINE 217 | Mechanics of Screenwriting | 3 |
| Arts upper-division electives | 6 | |
| Upper-division electives | 7 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.
| Freshman year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | Hours | |
| ARTF 131 | Drawing Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 132 | Surface Research | 3 |
| ARTF 139 or ARTF 138 | Project Studio or Project Seminar | 1 |
| ARTH 103 | Survey of Art I | 3 |
UNIV 111  Play course video for Introduction to Focused Inquiry: Investigation and Communication | Introduction to Focused Inquiry: Investigation and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| ARTF 133 | Space Research | 3 |
| ARTF 134 | Time Studio | 3 |
| ARTF 139 or ARTF 138 | Project Studio or Project Seminar | 1 |
| ARTH 104 | Survey of Art II | 3 |
| UNIV 112 Play course video for Focused Inquiry II | Focused Inquiry II (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Sophomore year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| COAR 201 | Figure Drawing I | 3 |
| COAR 203 | Digital 3D Studio | 3 |
| COAR 352 | History of Visual Communications I | 3 |
| UNIV 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CINE 217 | Mechanics of Screenwriting | 3 |
| COAR 202 | Figure Drawing II | 3 |
| COAR 210 | Visual Studies: Design | 3 |
| COAR 353 | History of Visual Communications II | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| COAR 300 | Illustration: Drawing and Painting | 3 |
| COAR 320 | Concept Drawing | 3 |
| COAR 321 | Sequential Imaging | 3 |
| COAR 432 | 3D Image and Movement | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| COAR 308 | Cut Scene | 3 |
| COAR 332 | Digital Drawing | 3 |
| COAR 435 | 3D Modeling for Concept Design | 3 |
| Arts upper-division elective | 3 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| COAR 436 | Visual Effects I | 3 |
| CREA 350 | Piloting the Enterprise | 3 |
| COAR upper-division elective | 3 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| COAR 437 | Visual Effects II | 3 |
| COAR 464 | Senior Portfolio | 3 |
| Arts upper-division elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division electives | 7 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Total Hours: | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.