Applied Visual Arts

Courses

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VCOM Web SiteThe Visual Communication program department has its very own Web site. View the program Web site to access more information such as testimonials, student work, student employment, transfer opportunities, and instructor biographies.

Major Description

Few career opportunities offer more excitement and chances for creative expression than Applied Visual Arts. The program prepares individuals to use artistic techniques to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences with illustrations and other forms of digital or printed media. Instruction includes areas of design principles, creative problem solving, concept design, illustration, layout, color, typography, advertising and signage. Students develop skills in techniques such as drawing, painting, collage, and computer graphics.

Nature of Work

A visual arts career is a profession of imaginary and creative expression and can range from designing a layout for an advertisement to illustrating visuals for a publication to creating an identity for a new company. There is a high level of computer graphic work in this field. Artists in the commercial field may design signage, create logos, illustrate, paint murals or work in other artistic and computer design areas.

Career Opportunities

Skilled visual artists find challenging careers in many areas of creative service such as publishing, advertising and visual merchandising. Many students take the opportunity to start their own business in a creative field, as the education in this field is diversified and covers a myriad of creative professions.

Program Delivery

Students can begin this program Fall or Spring semester. Courses are primarily offered during the day, however some courses are made available in the evening. Full- or part-time starts are available.

Advanced Standing

Previous college courses, certification, licensure and training may be considered for credit in the major. The responsibility for seeking credit rests with the student and can be initiated by completing the course SMGT2950 Prior Experiential Learning Portfolio Development (1 elective credit).

After DCTC

DCTC has transfer agreements for this program with the following colleges: Bemidji State University, Metropolitan State University, Southwest Minnesota State University and Saint Mary's University. See Transfer Credits for more information.

Student Outcomes

  1. Graduates completing the program will be prepared for employment in the visual arts field.
  2. Students will have a general knowledge of visual communications industries.
  3. Students will develop visual presentation, design, illustration, computer application and creative problem solving skills.
  4. See General Education outcome statement.

Academic Advisor

Dean

  • Sherralyn Cox
    Dean of Design and Health/Human Services

Faculty

Gwen Partin 651-423-8369 gwen.partin@dctc.edu BIO
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