Richard Merritt (program director)

Visual Communication at Luther College is an interdisciplinary program comprised of faculty in Visual and Performing Arts (VPA), Communication Studies, Computer Science, Data Science, Management, and English. In short, visual communication is concerned with modes of production and distribution, as well as interpretation of codes, messages, and systems.

The Visual Communication major provides our students with a theoretical and practical framework necessary to create, understand, and critically engage media. This major is designed for students interested in career preparation for graphic design, web design, media production, marketing, user experience design, branding, and other pertinent fields.

Required for a major: 11 courses including VC 150, ART 206, COMS 133, CS 130, and ENG 211; three courses including one course from each area: COMS (COMS 234 or COMS 258), ART (ART 207 or ART 218), CS/DS (CS 150 or DS 120); three additional courses chosen from approved electives courses, including two courses at the 300 level. A senior project is also required. No more than two courses counting for another major or minor may be applied to the Visual Communication major. Writing requirement completed with ENG 211.

Approved Elective Courses: Students must take a minimum of three courses. Approved courses are listed below. Additional courses, including special topics, internships/experiential learning or study away courses of appropriate content, may be approved by the visual communication director.

ART 205, ART 231, ART 306, ART 307, ART 318, ARTH 364, COMS 250, COMS 335/WGST 335, COMS 358, CS 160, DS 320, ENG 231, ENG 232, MGT 351, MGT 364, MGT 368, and SOC 290.

Required for a minor: Six courses including VC 150, ART 206, COMS 133, and CS 130; two courses chosen from approved electives courses.