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 | Drawing Studies: The Figure Observed | 3 |
| COAR 202 | Drawing Studies: The Figure in Context | 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 Focused Inquiry I | Focused Inquiry I (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 | Drawing Studies: The Figure Observed | 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 | Drawing Studies: The Figure in Context | 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.