Visual and Critical Studies (MAVCS-CT-KE) Certificate

Location(s): Kendall College of Art & Design

Graduate Certificate

In the Visual and Critical Studies Certificate program, you’ll explore the influence of visual images on everyday life through a theory-driven, integrative, and experimental course of study. By focusing on the strategic points of cultural context, material conditions, and critical theory, you’ll learn to investigate visual culture through a synthesis of multiple qualitative research methods and concepts and to communicate your analysis through scholarly writing suitable for peer-reviewed journals.

Students from the fields of fine art, design, library or information science, anthropology, sociology, political science, cultural studies, etc., may find the addition of this certificate advantageous to advancing the development of their research, practice and career.

Admission Requirements

Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a 3.00 or higher GPA (on a 4.00 scale).
Apply on-line through the application portal.
Request official transcripts from all institutions of higher education that you have previously attended. Ferris graduates need not submit transcripts for coursework completed at Ferris.
KCAD encourages outstanding candidates to apply at all times, and we will accept and consider applications after priority deadlines.

These requirements also apply to Transfer Students.

Courses - 18 Credit Hours Required

KGVC 511 - Introduction to Visual Studies Credit Hours: 3
KGVC 512 - Cultural Criticism: History, Theory, and Practice Credit Hours: 3
KGVC 513 - Research and Methods Credit Hours: 6
* KGVC ___ Seminar in Visual and Critical Studies Credit Hours: 3
KGVC 611 - New Media Literacy Credit Hours: 3

Graduate Certificate Requirements

Completion of 18 credits of Visual and Critical Studies Seminars.
Be in good standing with the college.

* Seminars in Visual and Critical Studies

KGVC 520 - Semiotics, Post-structuralism & Deconstruction Credit Hours: 3
KGVC 521 - Representation of the Other Credit Hours: 3
KGVC 522 - Metaphysics and Representation Credit Hours: 3
KGVC 523 - Paris and the Visual Culture of Modernity Credit Hours: 3
KGVC 524 - Biomedical Imaging & Identity Credit Hours: 3
KGVC 526 - Ethics & Visual Representation Credit Hours: 3
KGVC 527 - The Sequenced Image: Theory and Practice Credit Hours: 3
KGVC 612 - Writing Practicum Credit Hours: 3 TO 6
KGVC 512 - Cultural Criticism: History, Theory, and Practice Credit Hours: 3
(Cross-list with Art History)

Contact Information

KCAD Graduate Admissions

Phone: 616.259.1118

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]