Department Chair, Visual Arts: Francis Schmidt
Department Secretary: Pamela Coles
Room: W-225
Phone: (201) 879-7021
Our Mission
The mission of the department of visual arts at Bergen Community is to provide students with instruction, experience and encouragement in the practice of visual art and the study of the history of art and visual culture. Our courses, taught by professors who are also professionals active in their fields, impart current information and techniques and promote the development of students’ thinking about art, media, and culture. The Visual Arts Department is located on the main campus in Paramus in West Hall. Facilities include state-of-the-art studios for computer animation, computer graphics, drawing/painting, digital and darkroom photography and digital projection for the teaching of the history of art.
The computer animation program gives students a strong foundation in the fundamentals of artistic design, story development, project management, digital content creation, and portfolio development. It also offers students an advanced skill set in 3D modeling, character design, animation, and video game simulation. The industries that employ the most multimedia artists and animators include motion picture and video industries, computer systems design, software publishers, advertising, public relations, among others.
Career Paths
The Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.)- Computer Animation option is designed to provide students with the coursework needed to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer animation. The curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a pathway to careers in animation, communication, and visual arts. Students can take coursework and concentrated options in computer animation. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with Bergen Community College faculty and Career Services as they begin to explore career options.
Transfer Opportunities
Students pursuing the Associate of Applied Science degree (A.A.S.)- Computer Animation option can transfer into majors, such as animation, communication, and visual arts. Students are encouraged to work closely with Bergen Community College faculty and Advising Transfer Services. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution in NJ can explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer https://njtransfer.org.