You must be enrolled at WCC and have an active ctcLink number to apply to the visual communications program and pay related fees.

Apply to WCC online, or visit Orca Central for assistance, or request a WCC application by email at outreachadmissions@whatcom.edu or by phone at 360.383.3001. Once you receive your ctcLink number, proceed to Step 2.

Important! You do not need to re-apply if you earned credit at Whatcom within the last four quarters.

Download the visual communications application or contact the selective entry coordinator by phone at 360.383.3030 or by email at registration@whatcom.edu.

You must pay the application fee ($25) on or before the application deadline. You may pay the fee in any of three ways.

• By mail. Make your check payable to "Whatcom Community College" and mail to:

WCC Business Office
ATTN: Visual Communications Application Fee
237 W. Kellogg Rd.
Bellingham, WA 98226

Include a completed application fee payment form with your check. Note your ctcLink number and "VISCM program" in the memo line of your check.

• In person at the WCC Cashier's window, located on the main floor of the Laidlaw Center building.
• Over the phone with a credit card at (360) 383-3363. You must provide your ctcLink number.

Submit the completed visual communications program application at Orca Central (located in the Heiner Center building) or by mail to

Whatcom Community College
Entry & Enrollment Services
ATTN: VISCM Program Entry
237 W. Kellogg Road
Bellingham, WA 98226

All materials must be received at Orca Central or the Entry & Enrollment office by the deadline. (Late applicants should contact Kevin Baier at kbaier@whatcom.edu or 360.383.3578.) Your packet should include:

• Completed application for selective entry admission
• Completed applicant checklist
• Official transcripts from all prior colleges where you earned credits that may apply to the visual communications degree. (It is not necessary to include transcripts in this packet if you arranged to have them sent directly to the WCC Entry & Enrollment office.)
  • Visual communications prerequisites form
  • Visual communications general education requirements and electives form

Incomplete files will not be considered for acceptance. Late applications will be considered only if there is space available.

Your portfolio should consist of 10-15 pieces that demonstrate your drawing, composition and design abilities. You may include work done in art classes or work done independently. Work that may show your compositional and design abilities can include: drawings, 2D/3D design projects, paintings, prints, photography, short animations, posters, flyers, postcards, book covers, apparel design. (If you have taken ART 185 or have prior graphics experience, feel free to include several graphic and layout samples from course assignments.) We are simply looking for evidence of your interest in creating visual work. Finally, please do not submit more than 15 total pieces in your portfolio.

You may submit your portfolio in the following formats.

1. Actual work – submit in an inexpensive paperboard portfolio (large format and 3D work may be photographed in order to include in portfolio)
2. Digital format on flash drive – submit USB flash drive in an envelope
3. Digital format online – submit URL and contact info via email to Kevin Baier, kbaier@whatcom.edu

DO NOT send work as email attachments. Make sure a portfolio submission label is securely attached to the outside of your paperboard portfolio or envelope.