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:

  1. Diversity, Globalization or Non-western Area Studies,
  2. Ethics Intensive
  3. Writing Intensive, and
  4. 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

See this page about Overlays.

General Education Integrative Learning Component

See this page about Integrative Learning Component. Three courses:

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 

ARH 170Special Topics in Art History3
ART 190Fundamentals of Graphic Design3
ART 290Typography: Design Letterform3
ART 390Commercial Design3
COM 372Web Design & Development3
Electives15
MKT Communications
Social Media Marketing
Digital Marketing
Entertainment Marketing
Sports Marketing
Advertising
Public Relations and Publicity
Total Hours30