Visual Communication Technology
Students in the Visual Communication Technology (VCT) program earn their Bachelor of Science in Technology degree. It is an innovative program for students who are interested in creative & technical problem-solving.
Visual Communication Technology majors use print, photography, video, and interactive multimedia as problem-solving tools in a variety of work settings. With solid preparation and study in each of these areas, the major is complemented by a core of business and liberal arts classes, which differentiate BGSU’s program from most others of its kind. The major also offers a combination of theory and hands-on practice, including the opportunity to work with personable faculty who are committed to ensuring each student's success.
BGSU’s Visual Communication Technology major is a cross-media program. That means our students learn to use the primary visual media technology in a way that emphasizes both their uniqueness and their dependence on one another.
In VCT, your learning is not limited to the classroom. We offer a combination of classroom-based theory and hands-on practice in up-to-date labs, plus the opportunity to work with faculty who have varied experiences to share. Our cooperative education program lets you apply your learning in a real-world setting. VCT majors complete three cooperative education work experiences as part of their degree, providing the equivalent of one full year of work experience. These semester-long, paid co-ops help our students earn money while developing their professional skills. Many students secure their first permanent job with one of their co-op employers.
Visual Communication Technology is, and will continue to be, recognized as an innovative program for individuals who apply creative and technical problem-solving through the broad disciplines of digital and emerging media. It will be the program of choice for students who aspire to make a visual impact locally, nationally, and globally. Its unique curriculum, including online, blended and on-campus coursework, focuses on applied learning that will set BGSU apart from other programs and will lead to our recognition as educational leaders in these areas.
The VCT Program will fulfill its public good commitments to the State of Ohio by adding to the economy and overall expertise in the visual media disciplines. We strive to offer individuals a curriculum that enables them to effectively and efficiently complete a Bachelor of Science degree in a reasonable time and at reasonable cost. The VCT program will contribute to the success of the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering and Bowling Green State University, through the development and application of innovate strategies, techniques, and principles of applied learning in multiple modalities to address the evolving education needs of the population. The faculty will maintain cutting-edge expertise though strategic industry partnerships and focused professional development activities. The VCT program will continually evolve to provide the most relevant skills and knowledge to its students.
Student Work
Program Resources
Program Requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication Technology degree requires a minimum of 123 program hours: 12 hours of cooperative education, 27 hours of visual communication technology core, 27 hours of career concentration, and 31 hours in other required courses, and and 36 hours of BG Perspectives.
Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in the Visual Communication Technology major are expected to:
- Demonstrate critical-thinking skills as they relate to solving visual technology problems;
- Conceptualize and implement a visual technology solution in several media modes;
- Demonstrate operational level skill ability in each of the visual media areas of VCT;
- Research and produce an organized written rationale for using a specific medium to solve a specific visual technology problem;
- Apply knowledge of industrial applications to visual communication related technologies.
VCT 1030 Introduction to Visual Communication Technology~
This course provides an introduction to visual communication theory and processes. Students are exposed to multi-media development, video production, photography, and printing techniques as they relate to solving communication problems.
VCT 1040 Problem Solving for Visual Media~
Overview of the visual problem solving process and how it applies to the diverse formats used in visual communication technology. Focus is on problem solving that stimulates visual thinking. Includes visual problem solving analysis, freehand sketching and the application of design technology, using computer based vector and raster solutions.
VCT 2040 Concepts of Visual Communication~
Advanced visual communication concepts including problem solving, ideation, creative process, design technology, project management, client and industry research, proposal preparation, cost estimating/analysis, and professional communication systems.
VCT 2080 Introduction to Print Media~
Major printing processes; concentrations in image design technology, digital image assembly, image carrier preparation and image transfer. All new print media will be explored.
VCT 2660 Introduction to Interactive Media~
Introduction to basic interactive media concepts and techniques. Emphasis on basic design technology and production of effective media projects with a focus on network deployment.
VCT 2680 Video Fundamentals~
Basic principles of single-camera video and audio production theory, process, and techniques. This course provides students with hands-on experience in planning, shooting, and editing video presentations. Students are required to provide their own video camera.
VCT 2820 Photography I~
Basic photographic and digital editing techniques. This course provides an introduction to camera handling, lighting exposure, and composition. Experiences include creating digital image files, digital editing and output techniques.
VCT 3080 Fundamentals of Imaging Technology
Image/art preparation techniques for various publishing applications including print, CD ROM and other computer media. Digital imaging fundamentals of computer systems, type, graphic images and color.
VCT 4670 Visual Communication Technology Synthesis#
Techniques of visual communication problem solving and project management: including project coordination, scheduling, specification analysis, scheduling, cost/estimating aesthetic and technical qualities of client projects.
At least one course in each of the following:
- English Composition and Oral Communication
- Quantitative Literacy
At least two courses in each domain:
- Humanities and the Arts
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Natural Sciences
Each student enrolled in a baccalaureate program must satisfactorily complete GSW 1120 (Research and Composition II), one course approved for Cultural Diversity in the United States, and one course approved for International Perspectives.
Additional courses from any of the five categories listed above to reach a minimum of 36 credit hours.
- TECH 2890 Co-op~
- TECH 3890 Co-op
- TECH 4890 Co-op
21 hours must be 3000-4000 level VCT courses, including one 3-course sequence. See the VCT Program Checksheet for additional courses.
Photography
- VCT 3820 Photography II
- VCT 4600 Digital Photography
- VCT 4650 Commercial Photography
- VCT 3090 Image Preparation for Print Media
- VCT 4090 Advanced Print Media
- VCT 4560 Digital Color Applications
Interactive Media
- VCT 3500 User Experience
- VCT 3660 Applied Interactive Media Production
- VCT 4820 Advanced Concepts of Multimedia Production
Video
- VCT 3690 Intermediate Video Production
- VCT 4690 Advanced Video Production
- VCT 4800 Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality
University (15 hours)
- Computer Science (CS1010 or CS 1000) ~
- Statistics (STAT 2000** or MATH 115**)
- Public Speaking (COMM 1020** or 3060)
- Technology Systems in Societies (TECH 3020)
- Technical Writing (ENG 3880)
Math (4 hours)
- Mathematics (MATH 1190** or higher)
Business (9 hours)
- Accounting (ACCT 200 or higher)
- Marketing (MKT 3000 - prereq ECON 2000**)
- Principles of Organization and Management (MGMT 3050)
Free Electives (3 hours)
- This course needs to approved by your academic advisor or faculty mentor
~ All VCT Core Courses and other required courses are in Bold and must be taken to matriculate.
# Senior status and minimum of 17 hours completed in the VCT cognate. Meant for final semester.
* Select from Career Concentration (CC) courses listed as VCT 3000-4000 level courses and approved Non-VCT courses, noting requirement to fulfill at least one of print, video, interactive media, photo sequences.
** These courses may be used to meet BG Perspective requirements, but hours are counted only once.
Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2012 - 2013. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
The Visual Communication Technology program is accredited by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE) and is in good standing. For more information about ATMAE, click here.
Professional Licensure (If applicable)
Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.
Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Engineering Technology program does not lead to professional licensure.
Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
The Engineering Technology program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.