As part of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, the Graphic Design Major fits with the interdisciplinary nature of the Department. It focuses on an education in the applied arts. The major is professionally geared within the context of a liberal arts education.

The main goal of the Graphic Design Major is to teach 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. Students apply the skills and language of the discipline to communicate effectively, define their individual roles as designers and interpret how their work fits into a larger context. This helps them build the skills necessary to succeed in future professional endeavors.

The advancing technological environment has brought visual information to a new and important role in many professional settings. A 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 artist/desktop publisher; and type design.

The faculty strongly advises students to seek internships while enrolled in the program. Both Fine and Applied Arts faculty and the Office of Experiential Education are able to advise students on internship opportunities in advertising and design agencies, in graphic design and web design. Various businesses and institutions offer professional mentoring in design as well as hands on experience.

Graphic Design majors should follow the Recommended Sequence of Study, a semester-by-semester guide. The sequence places the student into courses that help to identify strengths and weaknesses early in the program. This progression fosters self-direction and discipline in advanced courses.

MAJOR

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Major Requirements:

Requirements in Related Areas:

Choose two of the following: 

MINOR

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