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Visual and Communication Arts

High-end equipment gives students the edge

High-end equipment gives students the edge

EMU's extensive collection of quality cameras, lenses and other equipment give students the edge in internships and careers.

Dual major wins scholarship for photography business

Dual major wins scholarship for photography business

Writing about her photography business, Eastern Mennonite University junior Andrea Cable won a $2,500 scholarship in Insureon’s "Small Business, Big Impact" essay contest.

Professor Steven Johnson Focuses on Conservation Photography

Professor Steven Johnson Focuses on Conservation Photography

Steven Johnson and his students use conservation photography to document rare and unusual species and encourage their conservation.

James Souder '13 wins scholarship from Yale

James Souder '13 wins scholarship from Yale

Souder graduated from EMU in 2013 with an environmental and social sustainability degree and minors in photography, biology and economics. This spring he will complete a master’s degree in environmental management at Yale with a specialization in industrial ecology and green design.


The Visual and Communication Arts Department (VACA) offers majors in studio art, art education, communication, digital media and photography. These majors prepare students to pursue professional jobs in a variety of careers and to pursue graduate work in an array of programs.

Majors and Minors

Our majors prepare students to move comfortably from the studio, to the gallery, to the field and to the screen in their creative activities. Curious about the vocational possibilities for EMU alums? Visit our VACA careers page.

Art
Art
Art Education
Art Education
Communication
Marketing
Digital Media
Digital Media and Communication
Photography
Photography
Journalism Minor
Minors

Minors:

  • Art
  • Digital Communication
  • Digital Video Production
  • Photography
  • Theater

Teaching Endorsements:

  • Art, Grades PreK-12

VACA Faculty

Steven Johnson
Department Chair and Professor of Visual and Communication Arts

Steven Johnson

Specialties: Underwater photography, wildlife photography

Teaches Courses Like: Conservation Photography, Web Design, Advanced Photoshop

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Jerry Holsopple
Professor of Visual and Communication Arts

Jerry Holsopple

Specialties: Documentary video, alternative photographic and printing processes

Teaches Courses Like: Motion Graphics & After Effects, Documentary Video Production, Alternative Photo Processes

Learn More
Cyndi Gusler
Professor of Visual and Communication Arts

Cyndi Gusler

Specialties: Painting, printmaking, ephemeral art, mural painting

Teaches Courses Like: Advanced Painting, Printmaking

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Anna Westfall
Assistant Professor of Visual and Communication Arts

Anna Westfall

Specialties: Multi-disciplinary art, sculpture installations

Teaches Courses Like: Three-Dimensional Design, Ceramics

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Kirsten Beachy
Assistant Professor Visual and Communication Arts

Kirsten Beachy

Specialties: creative non-fiction, faculty advisor for The WeatherVane student newspaper and The Phoenix, EMU’s literary and visual arts journal

Learn More

Program Distinctives

  • Careers

    Careers include:

    artist, art educator, photographer, graphic designer, video producer, web-producer, industrial designer, visual artist, web designer, video editor, journalist, photo-journalist, fine artist, interior designer, communications, art therapist, community arts activist, production craftsperson, CD-ROM developer, advertising, broadcasting, screen printer, photographer, exhibit designer, gallery director, curator, fashion designer, theater set, lighting or sound designer, illustrator, arts administrator, framer, gallery preparator and graduate study in visual art, communication or film and video. See more on our careers page.

    Some art careers require education beyond the undergraduate level.

  • Facilities and Equipment

    VACA students have access to state-of-the-art equipment check out what's available on our equipment page.