Graphic Design
BFA Graphic Design 
"The purpose of the BFA Degree program in Graphic Design
is to develop a strong professional approach and nurture individual creativity
in those students showing the capacity for and interest in advanced study."
The BFA (Bachelor of Fine Art) degree differs from the BA (Bachelor of Art)
degree in giving the student a sense of more depth than breadth.
The BA is intended to be a general education liberal arts degree while the
BFA is a pre-professional track with more hours concentrated in graphic design
study. The BA degree has many more electives and is intended for those students
who are interested in several areas of art.
It is not possible to minor in graphic design.
The BFA degree program in graphic design is designed to give the student adequate
amounts of study and training to proceed directly into employment in the field.
Because of this, admission to the BFA program is selective. Application is
open to students who have:
• Reached a suitably advanced level by completing a minimum of their
Foundations and Core requirements.
• Maintain a "B" (3.0) grade average in art overall at the
time of applying.
• Submit a portfolio for review and acceptance into the program.
In addition, beyond the Core, BFA students in graphic design must :
• Complete another 27 hours in graphic design.
• Be accepted into the BFA Program through a portfolio review.
• Successfully participate in BFA Committee Reviews and a group exhibition
in conjunction with graduation.
• Submit a final senior thesis with appropriate documentation to the
Departmental Office and a copy to the chair of the BFA Committee as approved
by the students own BFA Committee.
It is strongly suggested that those students interested in the BFA degree
program in graphic design should check the guidelines for admission and completion
well in advance and make an appointment to meet with the area chair to discuss
this intent.
Courses and Descriptions
Design 250: Introduction to Graphic Design
Prerequisites: Art 101 (Drawing II), Art 152 (2-D Design)
Introduction to the field of professional graphic design, and its conceptual and technical makeup.
Design 350: Typography 1
Prerequisite: DES 250; Co-requisite: DES 351
Introduction to the use of letterforms in graphic design and visual culture. Students will research typographic terms and history, and will develop an understanding of visual hierarchy in graphic design. Credit will not be awarded to students who have credit for DES 354
Design 351: Sophomore Studio
Prerequisite: DES 250: Co-requisite: DES 350
An exploration of visual communication issues and applications in graphic design.
The relationship of visual form to meaning, type and image relationships will be examined. Credit will not be awarded to students who have credit for DES 251
Design 352: Image Making
Prerequisite: DES 350 & DES 351: Co-requisite: DES 353
An advanced integration of various techniques and materials, both traditional and contemporary, to promote understanding of the importance of imagery within the field of graphic design. Credit will not be awarded to students who have credit for DES 351
Design 353: Production for Graphic Design
Prerequisite: DES 351: Co-requisite: DES 352
Exploration of materials, surface graphics, marketing, and production problems as the refinement and integration of many design principles.
Design 354: Typography 2
Prerequisite: DES 352 & DES 353; Co-requisite: DES 451
Advanced study of typography as an expressive medium. Special attention to multi-page document work, advanced issues of typography in scale as well as its usage in new media and alternative situations. Credit will not be awarded to students who have credit for DES 354
Design 451: New Media
Prerequisite: DES 352 & DES 353; Co-requisite: DES 354
Introduction to the artistic and technical issues of multimedia through website creation and animation.
Professional Practices in Graphic Design – Design 450
Prerequisite: DES 354 & DES 451; Co-requisite: DES 453
This course examines the professional standards and practices specific to the field of graphic design.
Design 453 - Senior Workshop in Design
Prerequisite: DES 354 & DES 451; Co-requisite: DES 450
Exploration of current issues, technical procedures, and design projects.
DES 454 - BFA Graphic Design
Prerequisite: Undergraduate level DES 453 Minimum Grade of D-: Co requisite: ART 499
Final phases of the student designer’s transition into the profession. Additional guidance towards portfolio and senior thesis development.
CLASS PLANNER
Samples of students Work
Click to view thumbnails above
Scrap book
AIGA STUDENTS PORTFOLIO REVIEW 2006 (CLICK TO VIEW)
