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Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2026-2027

Kinetic Imaging

School of the Arts

 
Program description

The Department of Kinetic Imaging prepares students to use video, animation, coding, and sound for the purpose of art-making, self-expression and experimentation. The kinetic imaging programs are designed for students who want to study video art, sound art, creative coding, and  experimental two-dimensional and three-dimensional animation. Emphasis is placed on artistic uses of the media.


The department offers an undergraduate curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Kinetic Imaging as well as a graduate level program that results in a Master of Fine Arts in Fine Arts.

Career opportunities

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Kinetic Imaging prepares students to be multidisciplinary artists. This opens pathways into career fields ranging from being an experimental artist to working for an animation studio or contemporary art gallery or media production company. Skills gained in sound design and video editing translate to careers in media and entertainment, live events, and performing arts as well as emerging fields such as AR, VR, and immersive live experiences.

Change of major requirements

Completion of the Art Foundation Program is a prerequisite for entry into all fine art and design departments.

Students are required to submit their application and required portfolio here.


Typical application deadlines are November 1 (for spring applicants) and April 1 (for fall applicants).

Bachelor-level job titles
  • Animator
  • Audio Sound Editor
  • Audio Sound Producer
  • Electro-Acoustic Sound Artist
  • Media Technician
  • Motion Graphics Technician (Designer)
  • Multimedia Artist
  • Multimedia Designer
  • Multimedia Production Specialist
  • Video Production Editor
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Art Director
  • Marketing Manager
  • Museum Director
  • Producer
  • University Arts Professor
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • Quantitative Foundations requirement only
Science required
  • Natural Sciences requirement only
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.0 major GPA
Transfer Maps

Contact information

Department name:
Department of Kinetic Imaging
Building/room location:
The Depot Annex
Phone:
(804) 828.2787
Email:
kineticimage@vcu.edu
http://arts.vcu.edu/kineticimaging/
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
  • Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services.
  • Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
  • Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app.
  • Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones.
  • Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni.
  • Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
  • Explore The Vault to learn about employers and job titles related to your artistic interests.
  • Digitally archive studio and personal work.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Learn foundational and technical skills needed to master your direction within your department.
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
  • Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
  • Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
  • Consider a minor in art history or world studies to augment and round out your VCUarts degree.
  • Make an appointment with your education abroad advisor on Navigate: junior year is the best time to study abroad while completing fine arts studio or major requirements in locations like Florence, Lima, and London.
  • Attend student art exhibitions, Richmond’s First Fridays art walk, and other regional art events.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Talk to your professors about what electives can help lead to your dream job: consider the skills you will need and choose classes to get the most out of your learning experience.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Discuss possible directions in the arts as they relate to your goals and courses.
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Design a community-engaged research project.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
  • Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
  • Consider studying abroad in your junior year or the summer between your junior and senior years.
  • Take advantage of opportunities such as being published in our VCU magazines or having your work displayed on the Library’s Big Screen.
  • Attend regional art events, faculty and student exhibitions, programs, workshops, and our Midday Muse collective.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center.
  • Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. 
  • Attend career and internship fairs to begin applying for internships and other professional development opportunities.
  • Begin building a professional online website of your work and arts endeavors.

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree.
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Discuss your senior projects with your professors and advisor and ask for their feedback before you present your work in the Kinetic Imaging Senior Show.
EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field.
  • Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
  • Investigate all of the global events and groups that have caught your interest during your VCU experience.
  • Meet with your academic, professional mentor, or career advisor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey.
  • Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Apply for internships and other professional development opportunities.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy 6-8 months before graduation.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2026-2027

Kinetic Imaging

School of the Arts

MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
  • Attend one career event sponsored by Career Services.
  • Complete and activate your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
  • Learn more about potential careers by using Forage in the Navigate 360 app.
  • Review your Career Works 4 year career planning tool and start working on your milestones.
  • Seek research opportunities by checking out the Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry webpage.
  • Access your free credit report and begin making responsible credit choices to prepare for your future.
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile with help from VCU Career Services, make at least 10 connections, and check out the VCU alumni career programs page.
  • Connect with the Student Alumni Council to connect to VCU alumni.
  • Make a 4-year affordability plan with your financial counselor.
  • Explore The Vault to learn about employers and job titles related to your artistic interests.
  • Digitally archive studio and personal work.
Experience Year 2
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Schedule an appointment with your major advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Learn foundational and technical skills needed to master your direction within your department.
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty and apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
  • Take a service-learning class to get involved with local organizations while earning credit.
  • Volunteer to address a social issue and check out Hands on Greater Richmond for opportunities.
  • Consider a minor in art history or world studies to augment and round out your VCUarts degree.
  • Make an appointment with your education abroad advisor on Navigate: junior year is the best time to study abroad while completing fine arts studio or major requirements in locations like Florence, Lima, and London.
  • Attend student art exhibitions, Richmond’s First Fridays art walk, and other regional art events.
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Build a professional resume and upload it to Handshake.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Meet with a coach at the Financial Success Center to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Talk to your professors about what electives can help lead to your dream job: consider the skills you will need and choose classes to get the most out of your learning experience.
Year 3
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • Meet with your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Discuss possible directions in the arts as they relate to your goals and courses.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood association, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Design a community-engaged research project.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office to explore post-graduate scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
  • Motivate your peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed: Student Leadership Conference or at TEDxVCU.
  • Consider studying abroad in your junior year or the summer between your junior and senior years.
  • Take advantage of opportunities such as being published in our VCU magazines or having your work displayed on the Library’s Big Screen.
  • Attend regional art events, faculty and student exhibitions, programs, workshops, and our Midday Muse collective.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through Big Interview or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services or the Writing Center.
  • Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. 
  • Attend career and internship fairs to begin applying for internships and other professional development opportunities.
  • Begin building a professional online website of your work and arts endeavors.
Excel Year 4
  • Apply to graduate for your undergraduate degree.
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Discuss your senior projects with your professors and advisor and ask for their feedback before you present your work in the Kinetic Imaging Senior Show.
  • Attend professional association conferences that offer student rates or scholarships.
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Read scholarly articles about internationalization in your field.
  • Serve in a leadership role on campus in a local community organization.
  • Investigate all of the global events and groups that have caught your interest during your VCU experience.
  • Meet with your academic, professional mentor, or career advisor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Serve in a leadership role on campus or as a board member of a local community organization.
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
  • Fill out VCU’s First Destination Survey.
  • Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Apply for internships and other professional development opportunities.
  • Research prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy 6-8 months before graduation.