Jan. 28 Transition to Virtual Operations, Campus Closed

Bowie State University will be transitioning to virtual operations for all classes and office operations on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The campus will be closed to all non-essential personnel, and all campus activities are canceled. All buildings except residence halls will be closed. Essential personnel should report on time. This is due to the extended time required to clear the extensive snow and ice accumulation on campus. University crews are making every effort to resume campus operations, as a safe return to in-person learning and work remains our top priority. Only essential personnel and residential students are permitted access to the campus on Jan. 28. For more information, please visit BowieState.edu/weather.

VCDMA Major

Advertising Design

The Advertising Design concentration addresses the current demand and industry needs for artists, designers and problem solvers. The concentration also focuses primarily on print, graphic and web design, and will include additional coursework in advertising design, business and marketing, and provide art students an overview of the business of art/design.

Students are empowered to continue their success and studies at the graduate level and beyond. Students will focus primarily on illustration and print design; and the integration of web design, multimedia and new media. Thus making graduates in this area more marketable and in demand. The Advertising Design concentration prepares students for careers in graphic design, visual communication, advertising and print and web-based industry.

Expected Student Learning Outcomes

After successful completion of coursework, portfolio reviews, exhibitions, internships and senior thesis projects, students will be able to:

Organize the advanced elements of the visual language creating harmonious and unique designs for advertisement and communication

Demonstrate the organizational principles that underline the effective manipulation of the optical elements in 2D and 3D space

Demonstrate a full command of a variety of software packages and develop creative and effective problem-solving skills

Apply techniques and concepts in image and page layout, typography, elements and principles of design

Create professional examples, comps/mock-ups in visual communication including web, print, package and product design

Apply research on target audience/demographics to design strategies

Develop advertising and visual marketing campaigns and case studies in design

Advertising Design Advisement Checklist 4-year plan (pdf)

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