Cecil College Visual Communications Degrees & Certificates - Student operating a camera and directing some people.

Program Description

The Visual Communications Program at Cecil College is an optimal learning environment for student education in photography, digital imaging, graphic design, web design, video production, animation, gaming and multimedia. The program offers high quality learning experiences in a cooperative learning environment with outstanding faculty and state-of-the-art equipment, studios and labs facilitating career training, successful transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and/or personal development.

For more information about programs in visual communications, visit arts.cecil.edu.

Associate Degree Programs in Visual Communications

Digital Commerce (Associate of Applied Science)

This program is designed for students seeking initial employment, career advancement, and/or transfer to four-year programs and equips students with basic accounting, marketing, web design, and multimedia skills required to succeed in e-commerce. Students can explore a variety of aspects of the new digital commerce environment, such as: digital marketing analytics, search engine optimization, social media marketing, and 3D Printing. Students will develop the skills and knowledge to create, distribute, manage, promote and price products and services in an online environment.

Required Courses & Learning Outcomes

Refer to the college catalog for a list of required courses and learning outcomes for the Digital Commerce degree program.

Simulation and Game Design (Associate of Applied Science)

The Simulation Design and Gaming degree provides high quality, hands-on, career education in the areas of interactive and 3D design. Students will complete the process of developing 3D animation, visualization, simulation, and interactive experience. The program will prepare students for initial employment, career advancement, and transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

Required Courses & Learning Outcomes

Refer to the college catalog for a list of required courses and learning outcomes for the Simulation and Game Design degree program.

Visual Communications with Areas of Concentration (Associate of Applied Science)

This program is designed for students seeking initial employment, career advancement, and/or transfer to four-year programs in the fields of graphic design and multimedia, photography, video production, and web design. Each program concentration is tailored to align with the latest industry-standard equipment, professional practices, and software to help students innovate and succeed in an increasingly competitive environment.

Required Courses & Learning Outcomes

Refer to the college catalog for a list of required courses and learning outcomes for the Visual Communications degree program.

Certificate Programs in Visual Communications

Digital Commerce

This certificate equips students with basic accounting, marketing, web design, and multimedia skills required to succeed in e-commerce. Students can explore a variety of aspects of the new digital commerce environment, such as digital marketing analytics, search engine optimization, social media marketing, and 3D printing. Students acquire tools to create, distribute, manage, promote and price products and services in an online environment.

Required Courses & Learning Outcomes

Refer to the college catalog for a list of required courses and learning outcomes for the Digital Commerce certificate program.

Graphic Design

This certificate prepares students for entry-level employment in print preparation and electronic publishing. Job titles include graphic designer, colorist, scanner operator, digital imager, pre-press technician. The certificate program courses can be used in satisfying degree requirements.

Required Courses & Learning Outcomes

Refer to the college catalog for a list of required courses and learning outcomes for the Graphic Design certificate program.

Professional Photography

This certificate prepares student for initial employment in photography. Job titles include, commercial photographer, portrait photographer, industrial photographer, and photojournalist. The certificate program courses can be used in satisfying degree requirements.

Required Courses & Learning Outcomes

Refer to the college catalog for a list of required courses and learning outcomes for the Professional Photography certificate program.

Simulation Design and Gaming

This certificate provides high quality, hands-on, career education in designing computer and video games for learning, simulations, and gaming. The certificate program courses can be used in satisfying degree requirements.

Required Courses & Learning Outcomes

Refer to the college catalog for a list of required courses and learning outcomes for the Simulation Design and Gaming certificate program.

Video Production

This certificate provides high quality, hands-on, career education in television, film, documentary and commercial video production. The program helps students prepare for initial employment and career advancement. The certificate program courses can be used in satisfying degree requirements.

Required Courses & Learning Outcomes

Refer to the college catalog for a list of required courses and learning outcomes for the Video Production certificate program.

Web Design and Multimedia

This certificate prepares students for entry-level employment in web design and electronic publishing. The certificate program courses can be used in satisfying degree requirements.

Required Courses & Learning Outcomes

Refer to the college catalog for a list of required courses and learning outcomes for the Web Design and Multimedia certificate program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a major in visual communications right for me?

If you have creative instincts, a passion for the arts, an eye for design, and an interest in technology then a major in the visual communications may be just the right fit! Of course, if you love photography, film, web design, animation and gaming that is a great start. You also need determination, a strong work ethic, and good communication skills.

Why major in visual communications?

Whether you are interested in photography, film, web design, animation or gaming, Cecil College has you covered. Small class sizes and excellent facilities and equipment provide the perfect environment to explore and study visual communications. A rigorous curriculum will prepare you for transfer or career as a visual communications professional. At Cecil College, students acquire the knowledge needed to succeed in any arts-related career.

What can I do with an visual communications degree?

As a visual communications major, you will refine your creative abilities and learn how to put them to work in the real world. If you follow your artistic and technical passion and work hard, a visual communications degree can lead you to a profitable career in a variety of areas.

What careers can I pursue as a visual communications major?

Here are a few examples of career paths/job titles:

  • Animator
  • Art Critic/Writer
  • Art Teacher
  • Art Director
  • Arts Administrator
  • Arts Management
  • Asset Designer
  • Director
  • Editor
  • Exhibition Coordinator
  • Camera Person
  • Freelance Photographer or Videographer
  • Film Maker
  • Game Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Illustrator
  • Lab Technician
  • Photographer
  • Producer
  • Videographer
  • Web Designer
  • Painter
  • Storyboard Artist
  • Art Instructor

Admissions & Advising

Cecil College is an open enrollment institution. Get more information, find out how to apply, or meet with an advisor.

Transfer

Whether transferring coursework to Cecil College or transferring your completed degree or certificate to a four-year institution, transfer is a viable option to help meet your educational goals.

Transfer information for Maryland colleges and universities is available through the Articulation System of Maryland (ARTSYS) website at www.artsys.usmd.edu. Additional transfer information can be found on the Transfer Agreements page.

Faculty

Full-time Faculty

Daniel Krukosky
Department Chair, Arts & Communications
M.S., Wilmington University
(443) 674-1973
dkrukosky@nullcecil.edu

Jonathan Cone
Assistant Professor of Visual Communications
M.F.A., Rochester Institute of Technology
(443) 674-1470
jcone@nullcecil.edu

Mark Donohue
Associate Professor of Art
M.F.A., University of Delaware
(443) 674-1956
mdonohue@nullcecil.edu

Adam Jacono
Assistant Professor of Visual Communications
M.F.A., East Carolina University
(443) 674-1450
ajocono@nullcecil.edu

Lauren Vanni
Professor of Art & Art and Design Coordinator
M.F.A., University of Delaware
M.Ed., Arcadia University
(443) 907-1380
lvanni@nullcecil.edu

Adjunct Faculty

Cecil College's adjunct visual communications faculty are working professionals who bring real world experience into the classroom.