Students in the Graphic Design program conceptualize and execute projects for a specific target audience. As students progress through the program, they create a body of work that demonstrates their creativity, analytical thinking, and expertise in graphic design techniques. Students learn to combine typography and images to create a wide variety of designs such as magazine and newspaper advertisements, television storyboards, product packaging, and displays. Assignments also include using design to communicate both a corporate image and a personal identity. Graphic Design students must develop finely tuned analytical skills.

Their assignments are based on learning to analyze the needs of a client, creating a concept that will meet those needs, and articulating that concept, both visually and verbally. Professional communication skills and business acumen are essential to success in the design field. A variety of methods and tools are applied in the completion of projects.

Graphic Design students will learn to use industry-standard graphic arts equipment and software to produce fully functioning electronic files. Project management is also an important component of the program. Students must learn to plan and execute projects with multiple deadlines efficiently and professionally.

Graphic Design Outcomes

Upon completion, students will be able to:

  • Communicate using semantics, visual metaphor, persuasion, images, symbols, and signs.
  • Perceive, organize and arrange elements of design (including structure, form analysis, composition, and visual framing).
  • Present projects employing visualizing techniques including drawing, model making, and collage.
  • Utilize materials, tools, and technology for web and print.
  • Blend ideas and production techniques such as writing objectives, briefs, and reports.
  • Manage projects using design methodology and design evaluation.
  • Apply design theory, criticism, history, and professional ethics to their practice.

Career Opportunities

Graphic Designers work in advertising agencies, design studios, publishing, printing companies, corporate art departments, government agencies, as well as freelance.

Advertising Agencies

  • Art Director
  • Creative Director
  • Assistant Art Director
  • Production Assistant

Publishers

  • Graphics Editor
  • Assistant Graphics Editor
  • Illustrator
  • Page Layout Artist

Design Studios

  • Graphic Designer
  • Package Designer
  • Corporate Identity Designer
  • Editorial Designer
  • Digital Layout and Production Design

Printers

  • Production Manager
  • Production Assistant

Curriculum

122 Total Credits Required for the BFA Degree in Graphic Design

Semester 1
Fundamentals of Art I5 Semester Credit Hours
Beginning Life Drawing I5 Semester Credit Hours
College Composition I3 Semester Credit Hours
College Success Seminar1 Semester Credit Hour
Semester 2
Design Methodology5 Semester Credit Hours
Typography I5 Semester Credit Hours
Anatomy3 Semester Credit Hours
Semester 3
Digital and Pre-press Production5 Semester Credit Hours
Typography II5 Semester Credit Hours
Art History Survey I3 Semester Credit Hours
Oral Communication3 Semester Credit Hours
Semester 4
(One of six) Packaging Design; Advertising; Corporate Branding Design; Environmental Design; Editorial/Book Design; Introduction to Photographic Imaging5 Semester Credit Hours
Web Design I5 Semester Credit Hours
Art History Survey II3 Semester Credit Hours
(One of two) Film and Society or Introduction to Psychology3 Semester Credit Hours
Semester 5
Web Design II5 Semester Credit Hours
(One of seven) Packaging Design; Advertising; Corporate Branding Design; Environmental Design; Editorial/Book Design; Introduction to Photographic Imaging; Studio Lighting and Techniques5 Semester Credit Hours
Quantitative Literacy3 Semester Credit Hours
(One of four) Film and Society; Film and Society: World Cultures; Introduction to Psychology; or Adulthood: Relationships, Wellness, Stress and Longevity3 Semester Credit Hours
Semester 6
(One of nine) Packaging Design; Advertising; Corporate Branding Design; Environmental Design; Editorial/Book Design; Introduction to Photographic Imaging; Studio Lighting and Techniques; Internship in Visual Communications; Interactive Design5 Semester Credit Hours
(One of seven) Package Design; Advertising; Corporate Branding Design; Environmental Design; Editorial/Book Design; Introduction to Photographic Imaging; or Studio Lighting and Techniques5 Semester Credit Hours
(One of three) Advanced Anatomy; Introduction to Lab Science; or Vision, Light and Color3 Semester Credit Hours
(One of four) Film and Society; Film and Society: World Cultures; Introduction to Psychology; Adulthood: Relationships, Wellness, Stress and Longevity3 Semester Credit Hours
Semester 7
(Two of nine) Packaging Design; Advertising; Corporate Branding Design; Environmental Design; Editorial/Book Design; Introduction to Photographic Imaging; Studio Lighting and Techniques; Internship in Visual Communications; or Interactive Design2 Classes for a Total of 10 Semester Credit Hour
Studio Elective 200, 300, 400 level5 Semester Credit Hours
Semester 8
Portfolio: Visual Communications5 Semester Credit Hours
(One of nine) Packaging Design; Advertising; Corporate Branding Design; Environmental Design; Editorial/Book Design; Introduction to Photographic Imaging; Studio Lighting and Techniques; Internship in Visual Communications; or Interactive Design5 Semester Credit Hours
College Composition II3 Semester Credit Hours
(One of five) Survey of American Illustration; History of Graphic Design; 20th Century and Contemporary Art History; Art History: Renaissance and Baroque; World Art3 Semester Credit Hours

Portfolios