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Visual   
Communication

 

The School of Visual Communication (VisCom) draws talented students from around the globe to elevate their artistic talents to the highest level. We’re all about storytelling in the most compelling way, whether through photojournalism, commercial photography or multimedia. The VisCom faculty is top-notch, with industry experience that ranges from National Geographic to the Times of Oman and clients from IKEA to Procter & Gamble, and our students benefit from that expertise and those connections to launch successful careers.

Undergraduate Tracks

Photojournalism

Photojournalists are on the front lines of history, and VisCom alumni make regular appearances on the Pulitzer Prize list. This major prepares students to be visual reporters, adhering to high ethical standards and pursuing objective truth, while creating images that provide important context, add emotional impact, or tell compelling stories entirely through photography. 

Commercial Photography

Commercial photography students create images that showcase fashion, still life, portraiture and architecture. They gain expertise in lighting and styling, learn best practices in studio management and participate in exhibitions, while building an impressive portfolio of work.

Multimedia

Through coursework, capstone media projects and internships, multimedia students integrate audio, video, still images and illustrations for multiple platforms. This major prepares graduates to work as interactive designers, website developers, motion graphic designers and mobile app designers.

Information Graphics/Publications Design

Students can create infographics, maps, illustrations, and layouts for feature and news presentations.

TIME’s Top 100 Photos of 2023 — a prestigious tribute to documenting global events — features graduates of Ohio University’s School of Visual Communication (VisCom):

  • Michael Swensen (BSVC ’21) for Getty Images (an image of former President Donald Trump in East Palestine, Ohio, after the toxic-chemical train derailment in February).
  • Drew Angerer (BSVC ’12) of Getty Images (U.S. Congressional hearing on unidentified flying objects).
  • Maddie McGarvey (BSVC ’12) for The New York Times (Donald Trump rally in Erie, Pennsylvania).
Three alumni, left to right: Maddie McGarvey, Drew Angerer and Michael Swensen

SCRIPPS

COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION