Environmental Visual Communication

Program Highlights

Positioned at the convergence of science and art, the Environmental Visual Communication program is designed to fill a recognized void of individuals who possess a blend of environmental science skills and the ability to effectively communicate to a variety of audiences.

With a focus on strategic messaging and technical savvy, you will learn to use photography, videography, multimedia and design principles to bridge environmental competencies with thoughtful communication through diverse media channels.

The program takes place in a truly unique learning environment - at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in downtown Toronto.

Throughout the Environmental Visual Communication (EVC) program, you will learn how to identify strategies to inform and educate, garner engagement and support, and build and share campaigns to address conservation issues.

Equipped with hybrid skills and a sense of active environmental stewardship, graduates of this innovative, integrated, and applied program will be able to connect ideas among diverse groups and tell compelling stories with fluency.

Solutions to long-term sustainability are not found solely in the realm of science. Environmental visual communication is an emerging field and its practitioners are key leaders who, through collaboration and deliverables, can build bridges between science and society. The ultimate goal is to motivate the public to care about and become active participants in saving our planet.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of this program, you will be able to:

• Evaluate global environmental issues, and articulate the relevance of such issues to various stakeholder groups and the general public.

• Interpret information and underlying meaning presented in the form and content of a visual image using knowledge of symbols and semantics of visual literacy.   

• Create innovative photographs, videos, and multimedia pieces that convey a compelling conservation message across a variety of platforms.

• Distill and translate essential messages from scientific and legal documents to public audiences.

• Direct and influence marketing and branding strategy in conservation campaigns through alliances and collaboration with scientists, NGOs, government agencies, and educational institutions.

• Implement integrated social media management plans by appraising social media platforms and selecting optimal channels.

Program Duration

The EVC program runs in a compressed, intensive format from May 6 to October 18. Students are in-class for eight weeks during semester one.  The Applied Project Placement takes place during July and August. Students return to class for eight weeks for semester two, completing their studies on October 19. Students pay tuition and fees for two semesters of study.

Applied Project Placement

Working at an external site under the mentorship of an industry professional, you will participate in a summer placement, conducting research for your Applied Project (to be completed in the final semester). You will acquire insight, experience, and networking opportunities, while offering conservation communication services. Possible placement opportunities include environmental organizations and associations, educational institutions, government agencies, advertising and marketing firms, print and online publishers, galleries and photography associations, and museums, located in Canada or abroad.

EVC Website

For faculty profiles, student works, guest lecture announcements, and opportunities to collaborate, visit the EVC program website.

Why Choose Fleming?

There is no other program like this in Canada. Fleming College’s School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences has:

• A long-standing reputation for innovative programs – with a focus on applied, hands-on learning for real-world application.
• Dedicated faculty, small class sizes, and more graduates working in the environmental sector than any other college in Canada.

Career Opportunities

The environmental sector is experiencing strong growth. Environmental visual communication provides a unique and highly marketable portfolio of skills, applicable not only to this sector, but to a wide range of professional fields. Opportunities include:

• Work as an environmental communications consultant with conservation or environmental organizations, government agencies, public relations, advertising or marketing firms, academic and research institutions

• Employment as a scientific communicator for science journals and publications, academic and research institutions

• Roles such as environmental educator with school boards, non-profit organizations, and government agencies

• Interpreter roles with national and provincial parks, zoos, museums and galleries

• Photographer, videographer, editor or multimedia producer for environmental organizations and non-profits, conservation groups, magazines, newspapers, and news agencies

• Freelance work

Minimum Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree or Ontario College Diploma in an environmentally-related field, such as conservation, environmental studies, biology, chemistry, ecology, forestry, anthropology, geography, or engineering.

Applicants who possess an undergraduate degree or Ontario College diploma in other disciplines or fields, and who can demonstrate experience in the environmental sector, will be considered on an individual basis.

Additional Costs

Students accepted into the program are required to have a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera with 1080p video capabilities and an Apple MacBook laptop. Please inquire for details about equipment specifications.

EVC Virtual Open House

The Environmental Visual Communication program hosted a live webcast on March 14, 2012 featuring an overview of the program, an opportunity to "meet" Neil Osborne, check out the ROM facilities and find out more about internships, financial aid, and housing.  If you missed it, you can view and hear a recording of the webcast here.