Nevada State University Catalogs - Visual Media B.A.

Visual Media B.A.

Mission Statement

The Bachelor of Arts in Visual Media is a unique program in Nevada, designed to help students engage with and thrive in a culture that is increasingly visual and digital. As video-sharing sites like YouTube have revolutionized the internet, video has become a core communication strategy, allowing viewers to see and experience information dynamically. The Visual Media program equips students to understand and produce these images, giving them powerful communication tools and strategies to thrive in a media-rich culture. 

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Visual Media program can

  • Explain the historical development of visual media;
  • Analyze the role of contemporary media using a variety of critical and theoretical approaches;
  • Using multiple tools and skillsets to craft compelling visual narratives;
  • Create a final portfolio that shows an understanding of the ways in which criticism and production intersect;
  • Apply their knowledge and production skills to promote community groups or non-profit organizations.

Curriculum

Core Curriculum (31-44)

English (3-8 credits)

Refer to the English section of the Core Curriculum

Study and Technology Skills (0-2 credits)

Refer to the Study and Technology Skills section of the Core Curriculum

Mathematics (3-5 credits)

Refer to the Mathematics section of the Core Curriculum

Natural Sciences (7-8 credits)

Refer to the Natural Sciences section of the Core Curriculum.

Social Sciences (3 credits)

Refer to the Social Sciences section of the Core Curriculum.

Fine Arts (3 credits)

Refer to the Fine Arts section of the Core Curriculum.

Humanities (6 credits)

Refer to the Humanities section of the Core Curriculum.

Constitution (3-6 credits)

Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum.

Cultural Diversity (3 credits)

Refer to the Cultural Diversity section of the Core Curriculum.

Major Requirement (54)


Foundations (12 credits)

FIS 110Language of Film

3.00

ART 141Introduction to Digital Photography

3.00

VIS 261Concepts and History of Digital Media

3.00

VIS 290Introduction to Digital Cinema

3.00

Credits in an Area of Speciality (21 credits)

Digital Cinema Production
VIS 110Storyboarding

3.00

VIS 111Writing the Narrative Screenplay

3.00

VIS 292Introduction to Digital Editing

3.00

VIS 341Sound Design for Media Product

4.00

FIS 326Cinematography

3.00

VIS 490Advanced Digital Cinema

3.00

VMT 490Senior Projects

3.00

Or
Animation
ART 101Drawing I

3.00

VIS 110Storyboarding

3.00

VIS 112Introduction to Animation

3.00

VIS 120Introduction to Computer Animation

3.00

VIS 320Advanced Digital Animation

3.00

VIS 492Advanced Digital Editing

3.00

VMT 490Senior Projects

3.00

Theory and Criticism (12 credits)

Select four (4) courses from the following:
COM 220Visual Communication

3.00

VIS 362Introduction to Contemporary Critical Theory in Art and Technology

3.00

VMT 361Concepts of Media Arts

3.00

ENG 476BHistory of the American Film

3.00

ENG 477CGenre Studies in Film

3.00

FIS 410Major Figures in the Cinema

3.00

FIS 470Women in Film

3.00

FIS 400Film Theory

3.00

FIS 495/ENG 477AFilm and Literature

3.00

Portfolio (3 credits)

VMT 496Senior Portfolio

3.00

Electives (6 credits)

Any FIS, VIS, or VMT course not already used

6.00

Summary of credit requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Visual Media

College Core Curriculum

31-44

Major Core Requirements

54

Electives (at least 15 credits must be upper division)

22-35

Total Credits

120