Visualization
The Visualization program at Texas A&M University focuses on the creation, design and development of the visual experience by teaching students the equal importance of art, technology, science and design.
As an undergraduate, you’ll take a sequence of studio classes to grow in your area of interest. These project-based studios are supported by courses that teach programming, art theory, the production pipeline and other technical skills.
About the Visualization Program
The Bachelor of Science in Visualization program fosters students’ artistic, scientific and technical abilities. Students develop the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the field. Each student chooses a concentration in which they develop a focused expertise. Interdisciplinary coursework complements their focus to provide a broad foundation of knowledge.
Areas of Emphasis
- Animation and virtual production
- Interactive design
- Game creation
- Media art
- Visual computing
Careers
Visualization graduates are prepared for a range of careers, including:
- Visual development
- Production management
- Asset development
- Technical artist
- UI/UX development
- Game design
- Game level design
- Game asset development
FAQs about Visualization
Do I need to have an artistic background to succeed in this program?
Yes. The visualization program combines artistic skills with technological prowess. Having an artistic background and an understanding of new or traditional arts will help you be successful in this major.
What kind of technical skills will I need in this program?
Comfort with technology is important. Skills in coding, 3D applications and/or 2D applications are helpful.
What kind of resources and facilities are available through your program?
We have a maker space, print lab, open access computer lab, and cintiques.
Are there any technology requirements to participate in this program?
Yes. The visualization program requires that all incoming students (freshmen, change of majors and transfer students) have a serviceable laptop computer and suggests a minimum system configuration. A PC is preferred at this time for animation and gaming areas of interest.
Curriculum
The four-year visualization undergraduate degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. The curriculum integrates aspects of fine arts, three-dimensional design and digital technology into the studio experience.
Degree Plan | Catalog 145 (2024– 2025)*
For more details about each course, view the listings in the Visualization Undergraduate Course Catalog.
For details on other courses, view the University Core Curriculum.
Year 1 30 credit hours
Fall Semester – 14 credit hours
ARTS 115 Drawing for Visualization 3 credit hours
MATH 150 or MATH 151 Functions, Trigonometry and Linear Systems or Engineering Mathematics I 4 credit hours
VIST 105 Principles of Design I 3 credit hours
VIST 131 First Year Seminar 1 credit hour
VIST 172 Foundations of Visual Computing 3 credit hours
Spring Semester – 16 credit hours
ARTS 149 or ARTS 150 Art History Survey I or Art History Survey II 3 credit hours
Art History Survey II. Survey of architecture, painting, sculpture and the minor arts from the 14th century to the end of the 20th century.
MATH 151 or MATH 152 Engineering Mathematics I or Engineering Mathematics II 4 credit hours
VIST 106 Principles of Design II 3 credit hours
VIST 110 Design Innovation 3 credit hours
VIST 173 Foundations of Visual Computing II 3 credit hours
Year 2 32 credit hours
Fall Semester – 16 credit hours
ARTS 339 or ARTS 349 Themes in Contemporary Art or The History of Modern Art 3 credit hours
The History of Modern Art: Chronological development of late 19th through 20th century art; emphasis on key artists, paintings, sculpture, photography and architecture. Prerequisite: Junior or senior classification or approval of instructor and undergraduate program coordinator.
PHYS 201 College Physics 4 credit hours
VIST 210 Time and Interaction 3 credit hours
VIST 272 Visual Computing 3 credit hours
VIST 275 Production Techniques 3 credit hours
Spring Semester – 16 credit hours
ENGL 104 Composition and Rhetoric 3 credit hours
VIST 206 Visual Studies Studio I 3 credit hours
Life and Physical Sciences 4 credit hours
Directed Elective 3 credit hours
Supporting Elective 3 credit hours
Year 3 30 credit hours
Fall Semester – 15 credit hours
VIST 305 Visual Studies Studio II 3 credit hours
VIST 339 Research Techniques in Visualization 3 credit hours
Communication 3 credit hours
Social and Behavioral Sciences 3 credit hours
Directed Elective 3 credit hours
Spring Semester – 15 credit hours
VIST 301 or VIST 494 Field Studies in Innovation or Internship 6 credit hours
Internship: Practical experience in a visualization related company; equivalent of 600 hours over at least 15 weeks; departmental pre-approval through the departmental internship coordinator required; post evaluation conducted following the internship. May be taken up to six hours for credit. Prerequisites: Upper division in Visualization and approval of Visualization intern coordinator.
Language, Philosophy and Culture 3 credit hours
Supporting Elective 3 credit hours
Or Semester Away: May be satisfied by study abroad, at another university, internship, or special arrangement by advisor or instructor. Electives may be taken online, distance education, at another university or college, or at a study abroad university.
General Elective 3 credit hours
Or select from any 300-499 course not used elsewhere. If you do not participate in study abroad, 3 hours will come from International and Cultural Diversity.
Year 4 28 credit hours
Fall Semester – 15 credit hours
HIST 105 History of the United States 3 credit hours
VIST 405 or VIST 409 Visual Studies Studio III or Capstone Studio 3 credit hours
Capstone Studio: Completion of the proposed capstone project; integration of core methodologies, concept development, drawing and design, art history, aesthetics, research, methodology and processes, scripting and programming and digital communication; required peer reviewed publication or other appropriate venue. May be taken two times for credit.
Government/Political Science 3 credit hours
Directed Elective 3 credit hours
Supporting Elective 3 credit hours
Spring Semester – 13 credit hours
HIST 106 History of the United States 3 credit hours
VIST 409 Capstone Studio 3 credit hours
Government/Political Science 3 credit hours
Life and Physical Sciences 1 credit hour
Directed Elective 3 credit hours
A grade of C or better must be made in all College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts courses. Students must also make a grade of C or better in any course used as an equivalent substitution for College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts courses that satisfy degree requirements.
*Subject to change
Preparing for the Visualization Program
High school students can take art, design, and coding courses to prepare for the visualization program. These courses are not required, but help prepare students for our program.
Students wishing to transfer into our program should work on developing their portfolio. While first-time-in-college freshmen do not need a portfolio to apply, transfer students do.
FAQ about preparing for the program
How much does it cost to attend?
The cost to attend varies depending on a variety of factors, including semester of admission, student type, how many hours you take per semester, and rate type. Use the Texas A&M Tuition Calculator to get the best estimate of your tuition cost per semester.
Additional costs to consider include course materials, housing, meal plans, parking, and fees.
What financial aid and scholarships are available to students?
Numerous scholarships and financial aid are available through Texas A&M University, the School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts, and the visualization program. Incoming freshmen applicants are considered for university scholarships through the ApplyTexas Application or the Coalition Application. Continuing students can apply for additional scholarships through the University Scholarship Application for Continuing Students. For more information about university scholarships, visit scholarships.tamu.edu.
Can I transfer into this program?
Yes, you can transfer in the visualization program (or change your major to visualization). In order to apply, you will need to provide a portfolio that demonstrates your best work and to meet the requirements.
Who can I go to with questions?
For more information about the B.S. in Visualization program, please contact Jill Raupe, academic advisor, at jill-d-raupe@tamu.edu.
Semester Away
All visualization may choose between studying abroad, studying at another university or serving an approved internship in an industry related to the student’s area of interest. Visualization students should spend their semester away during the fall or spring of their junior year, after taking VIST 206 and before taking VIST 405.
In the fall, students and faculty from the visualization program travel to Italy for an artistically focused semester abroad. In the spring, we offer a semester abroad in Germany with a technical focus. Students also have the option to participate in reciprocal exchanges to Australia (technical/animation), England (technical) or Singapore (technical/coding).
Helpful Resources
Get Involved with Research
Apply what you’re learning in the classroom in a different way. As an undergraduate, you can conduct interdisciplinary research with faculty and research labs. Expand your college experience by investigating new visualization techniques and presenting at conferences. Participating in undergraduate research will help you stand out in job interviews or prepare you for graduate school.