Course Catalogs

Visual Communications, BS

Contact

Renée Stevens, Chair
315-443-3367
rcsteven@syr.edu

Faculty

Seth Gitner, Ken Harper, Gregory Heisler, Paula Nelson, Milton Santiago, Michael Snyder, Renée Stevens, Bruce Strong, Jason Webb

Program Description

The Visual Communications program offers five tracks: Cinematography, Commercial & Advertising Photography, Design, Editorial Photography & Photojournalism, and Emerging. Students are encouraged to let their passions drive their focus and academic path, and the program supports and fosters the individuality of its students and their unique voices and vision. Collaboration with students from various programs across departments is highly encouraged. Students also study entrepreneurship, business, communications law and ethics, as well as develop relevant skills in writing, and presentation.

Cinematography

The Cinematography track focuses on lighting, lensing, composition, movement, crew management, color science, and photochemistry. Cinematic storytelling expands beyond motion picture and television production allowing the same skills associated with narrative cinematography to cross pollinate with other forms of visual storytelling such as documentary, branded content, industrial films, commercial advertising, music video, journalism, animation, social media, augmented reality, virtual reality, game design, and livestreaming. 

Commercial & Advertising Photography

The Commercial & Advertising Photography track covers the areas of advertising, commercial, fashion, portraiture, and illustration photography for print and digital publications. Courses cover lighting, concept, editing and sequencing as well as project management, critique and communication using visual language. 

Design

The design track emphasizes problem-solving, storytelling, design thinking, and a human-centered approach to design. This focus allows students to create smart, compelling, innovative solutions in print and pixels, including UI/UX, augmented reality, virtual reality, brand systems, product design, 2D and 3D design, and motion design.

Editorial Photography & Photojournalism

The Editorial Photography & Photojournalism track focuses on documentary storytelling and visual journalism across all genres and focuses on building foundational technical and creative skill sets. Additional courses include lighting; editing and sequencing; project management, building visual narratives; and critique and communication using visual language.

Emerging

The Emerging track focuses on multidisciplinary innovation and emerging media trends and technologies. Students gain foundational skills in photo, video, cinematography, and design while creating unique portfolios across skillsets.

Admission

A portfolio is not required for admission into the Visual Communications program; however, an optional portfolio submission is allowed and will be reviewed as part of the application. This optional portfolio should be sent separately to Associate Professor Renée Stevens, Chair, Visual Communications Department. Images should be presented on a personal website, a shared cloud folder, or through social media channels.

Please send relevant URLs to Professor Stevens at rcsteven@syr.edu.