This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2026-2027 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
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Students will be able to create digital 2D and 3D computer-generated imagery for real-time and pre-rendered contexts, demonstrating proficiency across the production pipeline from concept development to final output.
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Students will be able to apply principles of storytelling, visual design and cinematography to create expressive, coherent and believable CGI sequences.
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Students will be able to execute contemporary industry-standard workflows, including collaborative production pipelines and technical methods used in professional visual effect and video game/real-time graphics productions.
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Students will be able to resolve problems during production through analysis, iteration, group critique and refinement.
Special requirements
Successful completion of ARTF 131, ARTF 132, ARTF 133, ARTF 134 and a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to major in communication arts with a concentration in visual effects. VFX studios are exclusively offered in sequence, beginning in the spring semester.
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 I: ____ | 3 |
| COAR 203 | 3D I: Digital 3D Sculpting | 3 |
| COAR 210 | Concept I: ____ | 3 |
| COAR 311 | Type and Presentation | 3 |
| COAR 321 | Illustration I: Sequential | 3 |
| COAR 352 | History of Visual Communications | 3 |
| COAR 450 | Business of Art: ____ | 3 |
| COAR 464 | Senior Project I: ____ | 3 |
| COAR 465 | Senior Project II | 3 |
| • Concentration requirements | ||
| COAR 309 | 3D II: ____ | 3 |
| COAR 310 | VFX I: Synthetic Photography | 3 |
| COAR 432 | 3D III: ___ | 3 |
| COAR 435 | 3D IV: ____ | 3 |
| COAR 436 | VFX II: Studio | 3 |
| COAR 437 | VFX III: Studio | 3 |
| • Major electives | ||
| Art history elective 1 | 3 | |
| COAR upper-division electives | 6 | |
| 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 | ||
| Upper-division electives | 16 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Students may take COAR 355 or an ARTH course.
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.
Recommended course sequence/plan of study
| 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 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Sophomore year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| COAR 201 | Figure I: ____ | 3 |
| COAR 203 | 3D I: Digital 3D Sculpting | 3 |
| COAR 210 | Concept I: ____ | 3 |
| COAR 352 | History of Visual Communications | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| COAR 309 | 3D II: ____ | 3 |
| COAR 310 | VFX I: Synthetic Photography | 3 |
| COAR 321 | Illustration I: Sequential | 3 |
| Art history elective | 3 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| COAR 311 | Type and Presentation | 3 |
| COAR 432 | 3D III: ___ | 3 |
| COAR 436 | VFX II: Studio | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Upper-division elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| COAR 435 | 3D IV: ____ | 3 |
| COAR 437 | VFX III: Studio | 3 |
| COAR 450 | Business of Art: ____ | 3 |
| COAR upper-division elective | 3 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| COAR 464 | Senior Project I: ____ | 3 |
| COAR upper-division elective | 3 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Upper-division elective | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| COAR 465 | Senior Project II | 3 |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Upper-division elective | 7 | |
| Term Hours: | 13 | |
| Total Hours: | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.