Art—B.F.A., Concentration in Graphic Design

A graphic designer uses text, images and graphics to build on the basic elements of design: line, shape, color, and balance. Students of graphic design use their visual abilities to create functional designs for print, websites and apps. Our labs are equipped with the latest software and technology, and instructors with professional backgrounds, so students acquire both technical skills and skills of creative critical thinking, prepared to meet the demands of the professional world. This concentration leads to the development of a cohesive body of work, a professional portfolio, and BFA exhibition. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRESS AND DEGREE COMPLETION

  • A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average (CGPA) in Art Courses of 3.0.
  • BFA students are required to pass a Senior Review and Exhibition in order to complete the program.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Transfer students may have up to 30 credits from an Associates in Fine Arts Degree applied to major course requirements in the BFA program if approved by a faculty advisor or the department chair.

Required Foundation Courses:12
ART 110Two Dimensional Design3
ART 111Three Dimensional Design3
ART 115Drawing Studio I3
ART 185Computer Graphics3
Required Art History Courses: 12
ART 106Contemporary Art3
ART 131World Art II3
ART 232History of Communication Design3
Upper Level Art History Elective (200-400 level)3
Required Art Studio Courses: 24
ART 233Preparation of Art For Printing3
ART 237Typography3
ART 283Introduction to Graphic Design3
ART 235Illustration I3
or ART 310 Digital Illustration I
ART 238Drawing for Designers & Illustrators3
or ART 425 Digital Illustration II
ART 315Book & Magazine Design3
ART 343Branding Design3
ART 344Advanced Advertising Design3
or ART 426 Motion Graphics
ART 422Package Design3
ART 447Corporate Publication Design3
or ART 446 User Experience and User Interface Design
ART 448Information Design3
ART 430Web Design3
Art/Co-Op Electives:14
Select 4-5 Art courses in consultation with a faculty advisor
Required BFA Courses:6
ART 450Portfolio Preparation1
ART 465Bachelor Fine Arts Seminar1
ART 398Studio Research I2
ART 399Studio Research II2
Total Credits:81
Plan of Study Grid
Freshman
Semester 1Credits
ENGL 101 English Composition I 4
MATH 114 Contemporary Mathematics 3
ART 115 Drawing Studio I 3
ART 110 Two Dimensional Design 3
General Education Tier 1 3
 Credits16
Semester 2
ENGL 102 English Composition II 4
ART 131 World Art II 3
ART 111 Three Dimensional Design 3
ART 185 Computer Graphics 3
General Education Tier 1 3
 Credits16
Sophomore
Semester 1
ART 283 Introduction to Graphic Design 3
ART 106 Contemporary Art 3
ART 237 Typography 3
Studio Art Elective 3
General Education Tier 1 3
 Credits15
Semester 2
ART 233 Preparation of Art For Printing 3
ART 235
Illustration I
or Digital Illustration I
3
Studio Art Elective 3
Art History Elective (200-400 Level) 3
General Education Tier I Course 3
 Credits15
Junior
Semester 1
ART 238
Drawing for Designers & Illustrators
or Digital Illustration II
3
ART 315 Book & Magazine Design 3
Studio Art Elective 3
General Education Tier II Course 3
General Education Tier II Course 3
 Credits15
Semester 2
ART 343 Branding Design 3
ART 334 Packaging Design 3
ART 232 History of Communication Design 3
Studio Art Elective 3
General Education Tier II Course 3
 Credits15
Senior
Semester 1
ART 344
Advanced Advertising Design
or Motion Graphics
3
ART 447
Corporate Publication Design
or User Experience and User Interface Design
3
Studio Art Elective 3
ART 398 Studio Research I 2
General Education Tier II Course 3
 Credits14
Semester 2
ART 448 Information Design 3
ART 430 Web Design 3
ART 399 Studio Research II 2
ART 450 Portfolio Preparation 1
ART 465 Bachelor Fine Arts Seminar 1
General Education Tier III Capstone 3
 Credits13
 Total Credits119

**BFA Students are Exempt from the Creative Process and Production Mode of Inquiry Course Requirements within General Education Tier I and Tier II.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the B.F.A., with a concentration in Graphic Design, students will be able to: 

  1. Compose artworks in a range of visual art studio practices with technical proficiency.
  2. Analyze formal elements of works of art, craft, and design or other items of material culture.
  3. Interpret works of art in light of the social and historic context in which they were produced.
  4. Develop a professional art/design portfolio.
  5. Produce an art/design exhibition thesis.