Find Schools offering Visual Communications Degree Programs

• Advertising professionals focus on creating campaigns to make products appealing enough so consumers will want to spend their money on them.
• Visual communication professionals work specifically on the visual marketing campaign for products and services.
• Advertising and visual communication professionals work closely together to create a well rounded marketing strategy.

What is the field of visual communication and advertising?

Have you ever bought a product because it had the best packaging, or catchiest commercial? Companies that sell products and services hire specialists to create a visual representation of their product that is appealing to customers. In general, advertising is the practice of promoting products and services to convince people they want to purchase them. Businesses specializing in marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales team up to help the overall success of an advertising campaign. Within the advertising process is the creative services department, which develops the presentation of advertising these are the visual communication specialists. Examples of their work include television commercials, and advertisements published in newspapers, magazines, and on the Internet.

What education is needed to get into the field of visual communication and advertising?

A wide range of educational backgrounds is suitable for entry into the field of visual communication and advertising. A bachelor's degree is required, and it is recommended that people aspiring to get into this field major in English, marketing, or journalism. Beyond the formal education needed, most employers are looking for someone with both an eye for enticing others and experience in the field. During the college years it is highly recommended to take advantage of internship opportunities in advertising, marketing or public relations firms. Real world experience is something that can't be had in the classroom.

What career opportunities are there in the field of visual communication and advertising?

Though the world of business is always growing and in need of new creative people, this field has particularly high competition because of the potential for success and high salary. Many in this profession work against tight deadlines, so there are many who work long hours to get the job done. Most visual communication and advertising professionals start out in an entry level position and then climb their way up the ropes to a manager or team leader position.

How much money do visual communication and advertising professionals make?

The salaries in this field are all across the board. Entry level positions offer salaries ranging from $35,000 to $50,000 and manager salaries average around $64,000 a year. This is not to say that the earning potential stops there. Many managers in this field make well over $100,000 a year.

What are the leading schools offering programs in Visual Communications?