Graphic Design Major (Bachelor of Fine Arts)

Freshman - Credits: 32

• ART 101 - Visual Art and Cultural Values I: Prehistory to c. 1310 (Cr: 3)
• ART 102 - Visual Art and Cultural Values II: Early Fourteenth Century to the Present (Cr: 3)
• ART 105 - Drawing and Composition I (Cr: 3)
• ART 106 - Drawing and Composition II (Cr: 3)
• ENG 111 - Critical Reading and Writing I (Cr: 3)

• Satisfies the Writing Designated Core requirement.

• ENG 112 - Critical Reading and Writing II (Cr: 3)

• Satisfies the Writing Designated Core requirement.

• GD 105 - Introduction to Computer Graphics (Cr: 3)
• GD 120 - Foundations of Graphic Design (Cr: 3)
• GD 126 - Typography 1 (Cr: 3)
• INT 100 - Internship I (Cr: 2)
• PHT 116 - Introduction to Photographic Imaging (Cr: 3)

Sophomore - Credits: 35

• Individual and Society General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
• Quantitative Reasoning General Education Requirement    (Cr: 3)
• Science and Technology General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
• Art Elective  (Cr: 3)

• ART 201 - Painting I (Cr: 3)

• or

• ART 250 - Printmaking (Cr: 3)
• ART 205 - Three-Dimensional Design (Cr: 3)
• ART 237 - History of Graphic Design (Cr: 3)
• INT 200 - Internship II (Cr: 2)
• GD 200 - Sophomore Design Studio (Cr: 3)
• GD 226 - Typography II (Cr: 3)
• GD 230 - Web Design (Cr: 3)
• GD 326 - Typography III (Cr: 3)

Junior - Credits: 30

• Global Issues General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
• Literary Perspectives General Education Requirement    (Cr: 3)
• World Cultures General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
• Graphic Design Elective   (Cr: 3)
• General Education Elective   (Cr: 3)

• ART 302 - Portfolio (Cr: 3)
• ART 303 - Theory and Research in Visual Design (Cr: 3)
• GD 310 - Interactive Design (Cr: 3)
• GD 360 - Junior Graphic Design Studio I (Cr: 3)
• GD 361 - Junior Graphic Design Studio II (Cr: 3)

Senior - Credits: 30

• Values and Ethical Reasoning General Education Requirement    (Cr: 3)
• Graphic Design or Photography Elective   (Cr: 3)
• General Education Electives    (Cr: 6)

• GD 480 - Semester Internship (Cr: 12)
• GD 489 - Senior Thesis I (Cr: 3)
• GD 490 - Senior Thesis II (Cr: 3)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the graphic design program, students will:

• Demonstrate the critical inquiry and analysis skills needed to engage constructively in intellectual discourse within the art fields.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and competency with tools and technology, including their roles in the creation, reproduction and distribution of visual messages. 
• Demonstrate a strong handling of perceptual skills in drawing.
• Experience the relationship of academic studio practices to professional applications.
• Discuss and write about the historical context for the visual arts.
• Communicate effectively in written form within the conventions of the discipline.
• Describe and respond to audiences and contexts, including recognition of physical, cognitive, cultural and social human factors that shape design decisions.
• Create and develop a meaningful visual form using the principles of visual organization/composition, information hierarchy, and aesthetics.
• Demonstrate an understanding of design history, theory, and criticism from a variety of perspectives.
• Clearly and concisely articulate design concepts, solutions and rationale.
• Demonstrate willingness to go beyond original parameters of assignment, introducing new materials and forms, including tackling controversial topics.
• Integrate creativity and vision in pursuing thought-provoking visual design concepts using typography, symbolic representation, and color.
• Deconstruct concepts, applying and carrying them out in a sophisticated and unique visual solution.