Graphic Design Major
The Graphic Design major is a collaboration between the departments of Art and Art History, Communication & Media Studies and Marketing. The Art and Art History Department delivers most of the courses and manages the major, with Communication & Media Studies and Marketing supporting the major with several key courses.
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 | ||
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 to Mass Communication | ||
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 |
---|---|---|
ARH 170 | Special Topics in Art History | 3 |
ART 190 | Fundamentals of Graphic Design | 3 |
ART 290 | Typography: Design Letterform | 3 |
ART 390 | Commercial Design | 3 |
COM 372 | Web Design & Development | 3 |
Electives | 15 | |
MKT Communications | ||
Social Media Marketing | ||
Digital Marketing | ||
Entertainment Marketing | ||
Sports Marketing | ||
Advertising | ||
Public Relations and Publicity | ||
Total Hours | 30 |