Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 
    
2017-2018 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Visual Art, Communication & Design


Nethery Hall, Room 224
269-471-6314; Fax 269-471-3125
visartndes@andrews.edu
www.andrews.edu/art/
www.andrews.edu/communication
www.facebook.com/aucomm

Faculty
Steven L. Hansen, Chair

Dwyane A. Cheddar 
Stefanie P. Elkins-Bates
Kari A. Friestad
Paul B. Kim
Beverly J. Matiko
Diane J. Myers
Rhonda G. Root
David B. Sherwin
Douglas A. Taylor
Marc G. Ullom
Sharon J. Prest Ullom
Desrene L. Vernon-Brebnor
Rachel E. Williams-Smith

Emeritus
Gregory J. Constantine

Adjunct Faculty
Pablo Fernandez
Brian D. Manley
Donald L. May
Peggie Ncube
Inez Reyes
Delyse Steyn
Kristine Walker-Fraser

Mission

We, the Andrews University Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design, mentor students in a nurturing, spiritual environment to be Christ-centered, socially responsible individuals by developing their creative gifts for visual and verbal communication.

Department Goal

The goal of the department is to prepare students to become scholars, market-ready practitioners, graduate students and future professors who are able to effectively develop, shape, and deliver uplifting content through journalism, communication, art, film, photography and design. Our purpose is to mold students’ minds and to increase their talents so they think critically, discern clearly, and communicate creatively and constructively, with a Christ-like mindset for service.

Communication, whether visual or verbal or nonverbal, is all about connection—shaping, sending, sharing, and receiving messages and meaning through a variety of channels—interpersonal, small group, public, or mediated. The mediums of communication may vary from producing a television show, designing a magazine, writing an editorial, photographing, or painting a portrait, but the goal is always to create human connection.

Lambda Pi Eta

Lambda Pi Eta is the National Communication Association (NCA) affiliated honor society.

Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Chapter

The Andrews University PRSSA chapter is affiliated with the Western Michigan Public Relations Society of America. At the national level students are eligible for PRSA’s publications, scholarships, award programs, leadership training and a national conference.

Communication Club

We have an active Communication Club that you are encouraged to participate in. The club provides you with opportunities to gain meaningful extracurricular experience, engage in enjoyable and professional social activities, and have access to privileges (such as special tours or workshops, or opportunities) only granted to club members.

Computer Policy

The Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design regards the computer as a tool integral to the success of students in their professional development. It is required that all students purchase a laptop computer and software to meet the department guidelines. Because computer technology is continually changing, a revised policy is drafted each fall semester. A list of software is available in the department. Specific requirements change so it is important to make sure the software listed is compatible with the laptop you choose to purchase. Use of the computer in the curriculum varies by course.

Communication Degrees

A bachelor’s degree in Communication is very useful for preparing you for a wide range of career options, including being a political aide, public relations manager, talk show host, sales representative, graphic designer, photojournalist, market researcher, camera operator, corporate communication manager, copy editor, producer, magazine editor, and marketing/advertising manager. A master’s degree in Communication can position you as an expert in your chosen area of concentration, further expanding your career options, and opening higher-level opportunities for professional advancement—as well as preparing you to pursue a terminal degree.

The three undergraduate degrees in Communication have a variety of emphasis areas. We also offer a Master of Arts program with two degrees (an MA and an MDiv/MA dual degree), and a graduate certificate program. In addition, we facilitate the Bachelor of Science in Communication for the Adult Degree Completion program (see Distance Education for more information).

Internships

Students enrolled in the Communication Management emphasis or the Journalism and Communication Media programs must submit applications for required internships during their sophomore and/or junior years. Students must fulfill the required number of clock hours to meet the requirements for their degree. All majors are encouraged to participate in the internship program. Department approval must be obtained prior to the start of an internship.

Practicum

Practicum refers to the out-of-class opportunities on campus and in the immediate area for developing skills valuable to the communication professional. Students are encouraged to apply to the department for such opportunities.  These experiences will be documented in a Portfolio as evidence of the student’s involvement in the practical application of theory.

Visual Art & Design Degrees

Students can graduate with a double BFA major or a BFA with a BA in Art History. Credits cannot be duplicated within the 45-credit BFA emphasis. In the second BFA emphasis, 39 credits are required, and excludes ART 485 Thesis Project (3), ART 496 Portfolio Development (3), and ART 497 BFA Exhibition (1).

Programs

    Associate of ScienceBachelor of ArtsBachelor of Fine ArtsBachelor of ScienceCertificateMinorPre-Professional ProgramMaster of ArtsMasters Dual Degrees

    Courses

      Art (Studio)Art HistoryCommunicationDesignPage: 1 | 2