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 is for students interested in narrative illustration and entertainment design; students will explore the powerful and timeless relationship between art and narrative through drawing.
In the sophomore year, students will expand their artistic skills and conceptual understandings with courses in figure drawing, 3D modeling, visual studies of design, typography and the history of visual communication. In the junior year, students will build upon the sophomore experience with courses in digital drawing, concept drawing, sequential imaging, advanced 3D imaging and mixed-media illustration. In the senior year, students will refine their personal studio methods, develop expertise in their areas of focus, organize a portfolio and prepare for professional opportunities.
Student learning outcomes
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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.
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.
Students who wish to transfer into the communication arts program must first apply to the Art Foundation program for evaluation. A transfer student must demonstrate equivalent preparation at other institutions and submit a portfolio of work for review by communication arts faculty. Transfer students admitted into the communication arts program must complete all major requirements determined to be missing from their academic design experience.
Communication arts studios are exclusively offered in sequence, beginning in the fall semester.
Students are required to meet regularly with the department's undergraduate academic adviser each semester to make sure they are completing courses as required.
Degree requirements for Communication Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
| 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 202 | Figure II: ____ | 3 |
| COAR 203 | 3D I: Digital 3D Sculpting | 3 |
| COAR 210 | Concept I: ____ | 3 |
| COAR 300 | Illustration III : ____ | 3 |
| COAR 301 | Figure III: ____ | 3 |
| COAR 311 | Type and Presentation | 3 |
| COAR 321 | Illustration I: Sequential | 3 |
| COAR 332 | Illustration II: ____ | 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 |
| • Major electives | ||
| Art history elective 1 | 3 | |
| COAR upper-division electives | 18 | |
| 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 |
| Upper-division electives | 10 | |
| 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 202 | Figure II: ____ | 3 |
| COAR 311 | Type and Presentation | 3 |
| COAR 321 | Illustration I: Sequential | 3 |
| Art history elective | 3 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| COAR 301 | Figure III: ____ | 3 |
| COAR 332 | Illustration II: ____ | 3 |
| COAR upper-division elective | 6 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| COAR 300 | Illustration III : ____ | 3 |
| COAR 450 | Business of Art: ____ | 3 |
| COAR upper-division elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division elective | 4 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| 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 |
| COAR upper-division elective | 6 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Total Hours: | 120 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.