Nov 27, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Art BFA, Graphic Design Specialization


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The bachelor of fine arts, graphic design specialization is a comprehensive studio art degree for students desiring careers in graphic design/visual communications. Critical thinking through the exploration of digital and print media is emphasized. After completion of the art core and pre-graphic design prerequisites, students are required to complete the graphic design concentration requirements, including an internship.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • show knowledge of the historical antecedents of visual communications;
  • apply and demonstrate the use of the basic design elements of space, line, color shape, texture form and value;
  • demonstrate and apply the basic design principles, such as unity, harmony, contrast, repetition, variety, emphasis, balance, proportion, functionality, proximity, etc;
  • identify the typographic fonts that are considered classic and put these fonts to use in visual communication projects;
  • use industry tools and software to create visual communications projects;
  • demonstrate understanding of how to use LeCorbusier’s modular grid system of layout design and be able to deconstruct said system; and
  • assemble a professional portfolio to show prospective employers.

Bachelor of Fine Arts Core


Admission Requirements
All new art and design majors begin as a BA in art major. The department offers advising for a studio art track and a graphic design track.

Students enrolled in the BA in art may choose to submit an application for entrance into the BFA program during their junior year.

Admittance to the BFA Studio Art program is based on your junior year grade-point average in applicable courses. Students must have a 3.0 GPA in all art and design classes. Prerequisite courses can be taken before entrance into the program, and first-year and sophomores are recommended to enroll in the BA Studio Art Track program so they can be assigned an advisor and discuss program options.

Admittance to the BFA Graphic Design program occurs at the beginning of your junior year, and is contingent upon grade-point average, and the completion of prerequisite graphic design courses. Students must have a 3.0 GPA in all art and design classes. Prerequisite courses can be taken before entrance into the program, and first-year and sophomores are recommended to enroll in the BA Graphic Design Track program so they can be assigned an advisor and discuss program options.

For admissions into the BFA degrees:

  1. Junior class standing (90 or more credits)
  2. an Art GPA of 3.0 or higher
  3. have taken at least 5 art classes

Graphic design students must have completed or be currently enrolled in ART 172 and ART 274.

Graphic Design Specialization


Prerequisite Lower-division Required Courses Credits: 12


Art History Credits: 4


Lower-division Required Courses Credits: 12


Total Credits: 108-110


College and Department Information


Art and Design Department  
College of Arts and Humanities  

Program Codes
Major plan codes: ARTBFA, ARTBFAP
Specialization plan code: GRDE

Online Availability
The program does not have a designated online only option.

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