The field of visual communications provides challenges and opportunities like no other. From studio arts to digital media, and advertising design to corporate identity development, visual communications professionals create and organize the information that we see every day.
Today’s visual communications professionals are often required to be involved in the entire creative and technical process, from concept through production. Today’s media and forms are no longer just two-dimensional, static, and print-based, but now include virtual space, digital media, and interactivity. This program helps prepare you to enter this dynamic and ever-changing career field.
Perhaps the most unique element of this program is a careful blending of fine art and design. Both aspects are viewed as integral parts of the total visual communications field, and our Visual Communications program strives to integrate and interrelate the fine arts with design.
The program also integrates the most recent advances in digital technology. This combination of fine art, design and technology will help prepare graduates for the contemporary visual communications workplace.
The core Visual Communications program is the Bachelor of Applied Arts (Visual Communications) degree. In addition, Medicine Hat College also offers 2 one-year certificates: the Post-Degree Visual Communications Certificate, available if you have already completed an art, design, or related degree; and the Post-Diploma Visual Communications Certificate, if you have already completed a two-year diploma in art, design, or a related field.
At the core of our applied degree is the work term component, which consists of two three-month paid work placements. These placements help you hone the skills you develop in college and build a resume that will be attractive to potential employers upon graduation.
Our graduates have launched successful careers in a diverse range of visual communications fields. The skills and knowledge you develop may be applied in just about every industry or location. Alternatively, many graduates choose to refine their entrepreneurial skills and develop their own businesses.
In the past, Visual Communications graduates have had excellent success in securing employment, both freelance self-employment and employment within existing firms and industries. Employment opportunities are available in a variety of workplace locations, including print shops, design studios, publishing houses, film studios, televisions stations, theatres, museums and art galleries,a nd other places involved in visual and digital production.
High School
Academic Transition Plan (ATP)
If you do not possess all of the admission requirements, the Academic Transition Plan (ATP) may provide conditional acceptance to this program, provided space is available. ATP is individualized to meet your needs.
First Year Fall ARFN 231 2D Fundamentals ARDR 241 Drawing IOne ofARHI 200 Introduction to Social and Historical ArtARHI 201 Survey of Western Art IOne ofARVC 213 Typography IARFN 232 Visual StudiesOne of ENGL 123 Fundamentals of Writing and SpeechENGL 202 Reading and Writing about Literature I
Winter ARFN 233 3D Fundamentals I ARDR 243 Drawing II One ofARHI 203 Survey of Western Art II ARHI 317 Modern Art I One ofARVC 213 Typography I ARFN 232 Visual Studies One ofENGL 125 Introductory Report Writing and Speech ENGL 203 Reading and Writing about Literature II
Second Year Fall ARVC 327 Print ProductionARHI 309 Design History I ARVC 331 Graphic Design I ElectiveElective
Winter ARHI 300 Critical Theory ARVC 333 Graphic Design II ARVC 394 Portfolio and Work Term PreparationElectiveElectiveSpring/Summer ARVC 395 Applied Visual Communications - Work Term I
Third Year Fall ARVC 396 Applied Visual Communications IElective,ElectiveElectiveOne ofMGMT 215 Entrepreneurship MKTG 171 Marketing MKTG 206 Advertising and Promotions
Winter ARVC 496 Applied Visual Communications II ARVC 498 Special Projects and Exhibition I ARVC 499 Special Projects and Exhibition IIElective Elective
Spring/Summer ARVC 495 Applied Visual Communications - Work Term II
Elective Course List ARDR 341 Drawing III ARDR 343 Drawing IV AREL 329 Web Page Design I AREL 338 Interactive Media I AREL 365 Video I AREL 370 Sound Design I AREL 429 Web Page Design II AREL 438 Interactive Media II AREL 467 Video II ARFA 304 Sculpture IARFA 305 3D Design IARFA 308 Sculpture II ARFA 351 Painting I ARFA 353 Painting II ARFA 357 Illustration I ARFA 372 Relief Printmaking I ARFA 373 Lithography I ARFA 375 Lithography II ARFA 377 Serigraphy I ARFA 378 Serigraphy II ARFA 379 Intaglio I ARFA 380 Intaglio IIARFA 407 3D Design IIARFA 490 Directed Study ARPH 335 Photography I ARPH 337 Photography II ARPH 435 Photography III ARVC 315 Typography II
Note: When selecting courses, be sure to choose your required courses first. In the event that a required course is in timetable conflict with an elective course that you desire, the required course is your first priority and you must therefore choose it. Because of scheduling complexities, high demand, and classroom or studio space constraints, we cannot guarantee the availability of all electives. If your first choice is full or unavailable for other reasons, you must be prepared to select an alternative. If there are special circumstances that require you to have a course that is full, you may appeal to the Visual Communications Coordinator to override your exclusion. You may consult the Visual Communications Coordinator to assist you with course selection at any time.
To successfully complete the Bachelor of Applied Arts (Visual Communications) degree you must
More than half of Medicine Hat College's Visual Communications courses are listed in the Alberta Transfer Guide as transferable to various other Alberta post-secondary institutions, which is only one indication of the extensive transfer opportunities that exist should you wish to begin your studies at Medicine Hat College but complete the program elsewhere.
The Bachelor of Applied Arts (Visual Communications) program requires the completion of two, 3 to 4 month Work Terms (ARVC 395 and ARVC 495). These Work Terms can only be completed after Academic Term IV and at least one of the two Work Terms must be completed prior to the last academic semester (Academic Term VI). These requirements may be adjusted in exceptional circumstances, with the permission of the Dean.
The two applied degree Work Term courses are paid work semesters designed to extend the learning process into the work environment. Medicine Hat College will make every effort to place students; however, work opportunities may fluctuate with a changing labour market. Moreover, you should be aware that work placement opportunities in Medicine Hat are limited, and that you may have to relocate to complete your work term semesters (work terms can be completed anywhere in Canada or even abroad). You should be prepared to cover your expenses for placement and should also be prepared to receive trainee or entry-level compensation at your place of employment.
You register for two Work Term semesters in addition to your academic requirements. Each Work Term is equivalent to 15 credits.
Medicine Hat College distributes over $300,000 in scholarships and bursaries each year. Applying online is easy!
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