Graphic Design
View our gallery of undergraduate student work from the Graphic Design major.
Graphic design is the art of giving meaningful form to information. In an era when information comes from every imaginable source, the graphic designer’s role in modern communication cannot be overvalued. Graphic design influences everything from hand-painted signs to corporate images. Graphic designers have abundant career options both in the arts and in business.
The Graphic Design program is traditionally based with a modern orientation and is supported by a stellar faculty. Graphic design students learn photography from the darkroom to critical evaluation of the print; study typography as an element of design; and learn to relate three-dimensional graphics to architectural and package design.
Students can experiment with print production and other graphic imagery as well as explore the latest technology in the School’s computer-aided design workshop. Seniors may choose a directed study project in order to pursue their own design ideas. Design students have the opportunity to pursue individual interests as well, both in the College of Fine Arts and the University’s other schools and colleges.
Recommended Course Sequence
Take a look at a semester-by-semester breakdown of the classes required to fulfill the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design:
BFA Graphic Design Recommended Course Sequence (.pdf)
Curriculum Requirements
Prerequisites (32 credits)
| Drawing I (2 sem): 8 cr |
| Sculpture: 4 cr |
| Printmaking: 4 cr |
| Painting: 4 cr |
| Art History (2 sem): 8 cr |
| Freshman Writing: 4 cr |
Graphic Design Major Requirements (48 credits)
| Graphic Design I, II, III (6 sem): 24 cr |
| Typography Design (4 sem): 8 cr |
| Photography I: 4 cr |
| Web Design: 4 cr |
| History of Graphic Design: 4 cr |
| Design Elective: 4 cr |
Electives (52 credits)
| Sciences | Social Sciences | History: 8 cr |
| Language | Literature | Philosophy: 8 cr |
| Additional Liberal Arts electives: 12 cr |
| Additional studio or general electives: 24 cr |