2024-2025 Academic Bulletin
Visual Art, Communication & Design
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VACD Offices
Nethery Hall, Suite 224
269-471-6314
vacd@andrews.edu
Faculty
Heather Day
Stefanie Elkins
Alyx Halsey
Kaara Harris
Diane Myers - program director
David Sherwin
Douglas Taylor
Tamara Watson
Daniel Weber - chair
Emeritus
Gregory J. Constantine
Adjunct Faculty
Zechariah Ray
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.
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. In addition, we facilitate the Bachelor of Science in Communication for the Adult Degree Completion program (see Distance Education for more information).
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, and Photography Programs
The Department of Visual Art, Communication, and Design offers undergraduate degrees with majors in graphic design, photography, and fine art, which includes the disciplines of painting, drawing, and ceramics. Visual Art programs include Bachelor of Fine Art degrees with majors in Graphic Design, Photography, or Fine Art; Bachelor of Science degrees in Graphic Design or Photography; Bachelor of Art in Art; and a two-year Associate of Science in Photography. The BFA degree emphasize the development of a consistent, cohesive body of work and portfolio which includes a senior capstone project that includes the senior project class, ART496 Portfolio Development, and ART497 BFA Exhibition, which concludes in the culmination of a gallery exhibition.
Internships
Students enrolled in certain programs must complete required internship hours to satisfy the degree, including the graphic design and photography degrees, the Communication Management emphasis, the Journalism and Communication Media degree. Students pursuing an internship must submit applications for required internships during their sophomore and/or junior years, and may apply and complete multiple internships to satisfy the requirement. Students must fulfill the required number of clock hours to meet the requirements for their degree. All VACD majors are encouraged to participate in internships throughout the course of their time at Andrews. Department approval, typically granted by the professor of the internship course (ART487), must be obtained prior to the start of an internship.
International Academic Tours
VACD students have the opportunity to pursue international tours offering academic credit in related disciplines, including video and film courses, graphic design, art history, and photography. Previous tours include Cuba, India, Italy, Egypt, Jordan, and Iceland.
Minors
VACD also offers several minors in communication studies, communication arts (secondary education), public relations, painting and drawing, art history, graphic design, and photography.
ProgramsAssociate of ScienceBachelor of ArtsBachelor of Fine ArtsBachelor of ScienceMinorPre-Professional ProgramCoursesArt (Studio)Art HistoryCommunicationDesignPage: 1
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