The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Art and Design is a comprehensive program that provides training in foundational design using traditional and digital techniques. The program emphasizes visual theory, history and practical application while developing and expressing a personal style. The degree offers students the chance to explore the visual arts and build creative design techniques. The Visual Art and Design program is a creative degree offering specializations in either photography or illustration with the goal of developing professionals for design-related industries. The Illustration specialization offers students an opportunity to develop the practical skills for visual expression of ideas. It couples art and technology in a way that is practical and offers students a strong working knowledge of both traditional and digital skill sets. The illustration specialization is project-based, enabling students to build a portfolio of high-quality work. The photography specialization offers students the opportunity to develop technical skills in equipment and software, as well as enabling them to hone their conceptual and aesthetic views in lecture, seminar and experiential learning modes. Students will be able to build a portfolio of diverse multimedia photography to assist them in seeking a career in the field. Students interested in pursuing a career in photography in its various forms will find the photography major prepares them for the commercial marketplace as well as the artistic realm.