The graphic design specialization of the visual arts major provides conceptual, theoretical, and technical problem-solving skills in visual communication. It prepares students to be creative, collaborative, and critical to succeed in the competitive design profession. We approach the profession as an interdisciplinary, cross-media field rooted in the fine arts. As they become creators and interpreters of the environment in which we live, students will develop their personal vision and cultivate a sense of social responsibility as designers who contribute to culture. They will be able to perceive and adapt to changing cultural and technological demands and the fast-growing design profession.
Students specializing in graphic design may explore print and/or digital media. The curriculum includes coursework in typography, image-making, theories and history, web and multimedia design, and research and portfolio development. Students are prepared for a wide range of employment opportunities in publishing, advertising, branding, identity systems, packaging, information design, as well as design for the World Wide Web and other digital devices.
Courses
Specialization Requirements
Visual Arts Required Core (6 course units)
- AAV 102/Visual Thinking
- AAV 111/Drawing
- AAV 112/2-D
- AAV 113/3-D
- AAV 130/Photography 1
- AAV 140/4-D
Art History Required Core (3 course units)
- AAH 252/ 20th Century European and American Art
- AAH XXX/ 200 or 300-level Art History course in European Tradition
- AAH XXX/ Non-Western Art History
Graphic Design Required Core (5 course units)
- DES 350/History of Graphic Design
- DES 251/Design Fundamentals
- DES 252/Typography
- DES 253/Conceptual Image
- DES 255/Web 1
Advanced Core Courses (3 course units)
- DES 352/Advanced Typography
- DES 353/3-D Graphic Design
- DES 354/Identity
- DES 355/Web 2
- DES 356/Motion Graphics
- DES 357/User Interface /User Experience Design
- DES 457/Design Center
- DCT 390/Learning Assistanceship in Design and Creative Technology
Studio Electives (2 course units)
- Any studio courses at the 200- or 300-level offered in the Department of Design and Creative Technology (DES and IMM) or Department of Art & Art History (AAV), including graphic design courses that are not required within the tracks. Internships are encouraged.
Capstone (3 course units)
- DES 358/Theories & Practice in Graphic Design
- DES 458/Professional Practice in Graphic Design
- DES 459/Senior Portfolio in Graphic Design
Recommended Program of Study
First Year
First Semester
- FYS First Year Seminar (1 course unit)
- AAV 111/Drawing (1 course unit)
- AAV 112/2-D (1 course unit)
- AAV 130/Photography 1 (1 course unit)
Second Semester
- AAV 102/Visual Thinking (1 course unit)
- AAV 113/3-D (1 course unit)
- DES 251/Design Fundamentals (1 course unit)
- College Core (1 unit)
Total for Year: 8 course units
Second Year
First Semester
- AAV 140/4D (1 course unit)
- DES 252/Typography (1 course unit)
- AAH Art History course (1 course unit)
- Elective/College Core/Courses in minor (1 course unit)
Second Semester
- DES 350/History of Graphic Design (1 course unit)
- DES 255/Web 1 (1 course unit)
- DES 253/Conceptual Image (1 course unit)
- AAH Art History course (1 course unit)
- Sophomore Review (0 course units)
Total for Year: 8 course units
Third Year
First Semester
- DES 300-level Graphic Design Studio (1 course unit)
- DES 300-level Graphic Design Studio (1 course unit)
- AAH Art History course (1 course unit)
- Elective/College Core/Courses in minor (1 course unit)
Second Semester
- DES 300-level Graphic Design Studio (1 course unit)
- AAV 358/Theories & Practice in Graphic Design (1 course unit)
- Elective/College Core/Courses in minor (1 course unit)
- Elective/College Core/Courses in minor (1 course unit)
Total for Year: 8 course units
Fourth Year
First Semester
- DES 300-level Studio Elective (1 course unit)
- DES 458/Professional Practice in Graphic Design (1 course unit)
- Elective/College Core/Courses in minor (1 course unit)
- Elective/College Core/Courses in minor (1 course unit)
Second Semester
- DES 459/Senior Portfolio (1 course unit)
- DES 300-level Studio Elective (1 course unit)
- Elective/College Core/Courses in minor (1 course unit)
- Elective/College Core/Courses in minor (1 course unit)
Total for Year: 8 course units