Graphic Design Major
Saint Joseph’s University’s Graphic Design program aims to increase students’ competitiveness for employment and provide hands-on experience through partnerships with local advertising and design firms. The Graphic Design major is a cross-disciplinary major including the Art, Communications and Media Studies, and Marketing departments. Graphic design students develop skills in visual organization, information hierarchy, branding, and typography. They develop an understanding of principles of color and composition and analysis and idea generation using industry-standard graphics software. Students also learn about problem-solving and the role of design in society. The graphic design program at Saint Joseph’s also assists students secure internships that help secure employment after graduation.
Goal 1: Solve communication problems and carry projects from creation to completion; including the skills of research, analysis and idea generation, using relevant industry standard graphics software
Goal 2: Create and develop visual concepts in response to communication problems, including an understanding of the principles of visual organization, information hierarchy, typography, principles of color, and composition
Goal 3: Apply principles of visual communication as they relate to reaching audiences, the role of design in society as a tool to raise awareness and mobilize audiences, in addition to working collaboratively
Goal 4: Create a professional portfolio that demonstrates problem-solving expertise (including advanced typography, creative concepts, and innovative solutions necessary for an entrylevel design position at leading graphic design firm)
The traditional undergraduate programs includes a minimum of 120 credits distributed across three components: A General Education component divided into Signature Courses, Variable Courses, and an Integrative Learning requirement; a Major and Divisional component; and Free Electives. In addition to course requirements as specified in each area, students must complete one certified course in each of the following overlay areas1:
- Diversity, Globalization or Non-western Area Studies,
- Ethics Intensive
- Writing Intensive, and
- Diversity
- 1
Overlay requirements are part of the 120 credit requirements
General Education Signature Courses
See this page about Signature courses.
General Education Variable Courses
See this page about Variable courses. Six to Nine courses
General Education Overlays
General Education Integrative Learning Component
See this page about Integrative Learning Component. Three courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 3 courses from the following: | 9 | |
| Digital Filmmaking | ||
| Commercial Production | ||
| Visual Design I | ||
| Audio/Video I | ||
| Advanced Web Design | ||
| Media and Community Engagement | ||
| Non-Profit Communications | ||
| Visual Design II | ||
| Black Women Content Creators | ||
| Building Virtual Worlds | ||
| Intro to Computer Science | ||
| CSC I:Programming Fundamentals | ||
| Web Design for All | ||
| Databases for All | ||
| Introduction to Graphics | ||
| Public Speaking & Presentation | ||
| Writing for Organizations | ||
| Writing for Public Relations | ||
| Intro Media &Cultural Studies | ||
| Fact-checking and Fake News | ||
| Advanced News Reporting | ||
| Multimedia Journalism | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Ethnic & Minority Relations | ||
| Sociology of Gender | ||
| Mental Health & Society | ||
| Sensation and Perception | ||
| Psycholinguistics | ||
| Psychology of Men and Women | ||
| Behavioral Economics | ||
| Health Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Emotion | ||
| Sports Psychology | ||
Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GDS 116 | History of Graphic Design | 3 |
| GDS 190 | Fundamentals of Graphic Design | 3 |
| GDS 290 | Typography I | 3 |
| GDS 292 | Typography II | 3 |
| GDS 390 | Commercial Design | 3 |
| GDS 392 | Editorial Design | 3 |
| GDS 394 | User Experience Design | 3 |
| GDS 490 | Visual Identity and Branding | 3 |
| GDS 492 | Portfolio & Professional Pract | 3 |
| COM 372 | Intro to Web Design | 3 |
| ART 495 | Senior Project I (Capstone) | 3 |
| ART 496 | Senior Project II (Capstone) (Select 3 of the following Electives:) | 3 |
| Select three of the following electives: | 9 | |
| Digital Photography I | ||
| Image Manipulation: Photoshop | ||
| Commercial Photography | ||
| Experimental Digital Photo | ||
| Visual Design I | ||
| Media and Community Engagement | ||
| Non-Profit Communications | ||
| Special Topics/ Com&Digi Media | ||
| Food Marketing Communication | ||
| International Food Marketing | ||
| Principles of Marketing | ||
| Integrated Mktg Communications | ||
| Consumer & Buyer Behavior | ||
| MKT Communications | ||
| Social Media Marketing | ||
| Digital Marketing | ||
| Advertising | ||
| Entertainment Marketing | ||
| Sports Marketing | ||
| Digital Filmmaking | ||
| Commercial Production | ||
| Building Virtual Worlds | ||
| Intro to Computer Science | ||
| CSC I:Programming Fundamentals | ||
| Web Design for All | ||
| Databases for All | ||
| Introduction to Graphics | ||
| Public Speaking & Presentation | ||
| Writing for Organizations | ||
| Writing for Public Relations | ||
| Fact-checking and Fake News | ||
| Intro Media &Cultural Studies | ||
| Advanced News Reporting | ||
| Multimedia Journalism | ||
| Social Problems | ||
| Ethnic & Minority Relations | ||
| Sociology of Gender | ||
| Mental Health & Society | ||
| Psychology of Men and Women | ||
| Behavioral Economics | ||
| Sensation and Perception | ||
| Health Psychology | ||
| Psycholinguistics | ||
| Sports Psychology | ||
| Total Hours | 45 | |
Independent Study Program
Independent study courses may be taken for upper division credit in a student’s major department. Advanced or specialized work in Art and Art History may be pursued under the guidance of a faculty mentor within the independent study program. Students requesting an independent study should contact the faculty member to be involved in the project at least two weeks prior to the registration period. Students must submit a written project proposal which outlines topics and goals.