The Graphic Design Major teaches students how to create technically proficient work that communicates effectively. Over the course of the major, students complete a portfolio with individual career goals in mind.
The structure of the major begins with a solid foundation in the visual arts. Foundation courses are followed by courses in design-specific software. Advanced courses pull together all of the technical and aesthetic skills that have been taught in previous requirements. Internships in advertising and design offer professional mentoring as well as hands-on experience.
Students graduate with the following skills: command of design-specific software; the ability to create a complete portfolio; the ability to professionally present creative work; and the ability to articulate message, purpose, and meaning using language of the discipline.
Technology is in a constant state of change as programs are updated to address the versatility required of designers. Our state of the art computer facilities meet the demands of changing technology. We have a Macintosh computer lab dedicated solely to courses in the major. Software and hardware is continuously updated. In addition students are able to print their work on an Epson wide-format printer that prints up to 24." This allows for students to produce printed work on a professional level.
The Graphic Design Major provides the skills necessary for employment in a wide variety of fields. A few examples are: magazine design; web design; illustration; television graphics design; layout design/desktop publishing and type design. In addition students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of internship opportunities in advertising, graphic design and web design.
CURRICULUM
Prerequisites:
| FA 1000 |
Introduction to Fine Arts |
3 |
| VA 1770 |
Basic Design |
3 |
| VA 1800 |
Drawing |
3 |
| VA 1790 |
Light and Color |
3 |
| GD 2970 |
History of Graphic Design |
3 |
Major Requirements:
| GD 2770 |
Graphic Design |
3 |
| GD 2738 |
Digital Imaging: Photoshop |
3 |
| GD 2760 |
Computer Graphics: Illustrator |
3 |
| GD 2766 |
Desktop Publishing: QuarkXPress |
3 |
| GD 2769 |
Desktop Publishing: InDesign |
3 |
| GD 3775 |
Typography and Production |
3 |
| GD 3300 |
Portfolio and Presentation |
3 |
| GD 3980 |
Fine and Applied Arts Seminar (Capstone Course) |
3 |
| GD 4050 |
Independent Studio |
3 |
Major Elective - Choose one of the following:
| GD 2072 |
Computer Art |
|
| GD 2768 |
Web Page Design |
|
| GD 2797 |
Digital Photography |
|
| GD 3520 |
Computer Animation for the Web |
|
| GD 3770 |
Computer Graphic Design |
|
Requirements in Related Areas:
VA 3950 Design Concepts
Choose two of the following:
| VA 2720 |
History of Photography |
|
| VA 2910 |
History of Visual Arts: Paleolithic to Gothic |
|
| VA 2920 |
History of Visual Arts: Renaissance to Contemporary |
|
| VA 2930 |
Contemporary Art |
|
Recommended
| GD 3450 |
Graphic Design Internship* |
3-9 |