Visual Communications

The Visual Communications program inspires you to be creative, think critically and communicate effectively. If you value lifelong intellectual and aesthetic growth, this program will open countless possibilities. Our goal is to build a community of creative designers, photographers, and content creators in Nashville and beyond.

Award-winning Student Art Work

Associate of Applied Science

aas

The Associate of Applied Science program puts students in a creative environment with state-of-the-art technology to learn principles of visual communications, current imaging technology, business practices, and portfolio development. With concentrations in Graphic Design and Photography, students can focus on the skills needed to pursue a creative career.

Length

Two years

COSTS

About $9,490 total in tuition and fees.

More About Costs

COURSE LIST

Catalog

Advising Sheets

After Nashville State

Transfer to a four-year institution or join the workforce. Ask our Career Services team for assistance!

More About Careers

Campus Availability: The majority of Visual Communications courses are only offered on our White Bridge campus, however some may be available online. To check current course offerings check class schedule.

Ready to apply?

How to Apply

Visual communications can vary based on your interests. Choose from one of two paths that we teach to focus your efforts.

Graphic Design

Design and produce advertising, logos, magazines, posters, and more. The Graphic Design concentration of the Visual Communications A.A.S. gives you real-world experience using the latest technology. As a graphic design student, you will have the opportunity to learn:

How to develop creative briefs and style guides
Design fundamentals for print, web, and social media
Typography
Color Theory
Branding
2D & 3D design
Portfolio development
Merchandise, product, and package design
Pricing, ethics, and business for designers
Client development and management
Marketing and promotion

Photography

Take stunning photos and turn your passion into a successful career. The Photography concentration of the Visual Communication A.A.S. teaches the necessary skills of digital camera operation, lighting, portraiture, digital image editing, composition, darkroom, digital printing techniques, and more. As a photography student, you will have the opportunity to learn:

Digital Camera Operation
Studio and location lighting for portraits and product
Traditional film and darkroom skills
Color Theory and creative composition
Advanced digital photography techniques
Photo retouching and enhancement
Image compositing and creative editing techniques
Digital printing techniques and color management
Video production and editing
Pricing, ethics, and business for photographers
Marketing and Promotion
Portfolio and website development

Award Winning Students

Our students are excellent but don’t just take our word for it. In 2023, nine students from our Visual Communications program took home twelve prestigious student American Advertising Awards (ADDYs) in eight categories.

Emily Naff

Associate Professor of Photography and Visual Communications

The creative talent and dedication of Nashville State students is a continuous source of inspiration for me and the other faculty. It is a privilege to work with our students as they develop their creative vision and hone their skills to prepare for professional and creative careers.

Professors like Emily Naff are here to help you go above and beyond your career goals to achieve excellence and gain national recognition. Learn from Naff and others like her by enrolling in the Visual Communications degree program.