Do Good! Do Graphic Design!

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in art with a specialization in Graphic Design addresses problem-seeking and problem-solving skills. The curriculum stresses the importance of conceptual development, design history, theory and the integration of form and information for the purpose of effective communication. Emphasis is placed on social responsibility and civic engagement and the role of the designer in society. Students are exposed to a full range of topics such as typography, branding, publication, interactive, multimedia and web design.

Lubbock is a unique place to make art and is positioned within a growing artistic community offering a multitude of opportunities. Guest speakers, internships, freelance experiences and strong alumni connections enhance program offerings and prepare students for careers in the professional field or to pursue a graduate degree.

Students have received scholarships and awards in prestigious competitions at both the national and international level and their work has been featured in publications and journals such as CMYK, How, and Print. Alumni have held important positions in design firms and advertising agencies throughout the country with graduates working at Texas Monthly, Condé Nast Traveler, Wired Magazine, Nike, and many more.

Requirements for Graphic Design

Students working toward a BFA in Art with a specialization in Graphic Design must complete a minimum of 123 semester credit hours, including the Art Foundations coursework, 42-45 semester credit hours of Graphic Design courses, 15-18 hours of Studio Art and Art History electives, and the Core University Curriculum requirements for a BFA in the College of Visual & Performing Arts.

The Graphic Design curriculum is based on a series of carefully sequenced courses. All courses must be taken in order and successfully completed with a passing grade in order to progress within the curriculum.

 

4-year plan for the BFA in Art - Graphic Design

 

Degree checklist for the BFA in Art - Graphic Design

Laptop Requirement

All students accepted into the Graphic Design Program are required to have a laptop computer meeting a specific criteria as they enter their major coursework. 

Qualifying students will be instructed regarding purchase requirements. Students should NOT purchase a laptop without consulting their professor in Art 2388.

Admission to the Graphic Design Program

Admission to the Graphic Design program requires specific course requirements and a portfolio review. Being admitted to Texas Tech University does not guarantee admission to the Graphic Design Program. Applicants are selected each year in the Spring semester (mid-April) through a rigorous portfolio and interview process. Students must prepare for the portfolio review by enrolling in ART 2388 in the Spring of their first year. The prerequisites for this class are ART 1302 and1303 and must be taken prior to enrolling in ART 2388. Students enrolled in Art 2388 must concurrently enroll in ART 2303 and 2304, if the courses have not been taken previously.

Graphic Design is a limited access program and the selection process is highly competitive. Students who are not accepted have the option of reapplying one final time during the subsequent review process in the Spring semester to follow. Students can complete the program in Graphic Design in four years if they are accepted upon the first portfolio review.

 

Third Year Review

A portfolio review will occur during the fall semester of a student's third year in the Graphic Design curriculum. Work produced in Art 3381, 3382, 3383, and 4357 will be reviewed by a faculty panel. If a student's work is not satisfactory, they will enter a probationary period but may continue taking courses within the curriculum. The faculty panel will conduct a second review the following spring semester. If the student's new work demonstrates improvement, the probationary period is concluded. In the event that satisfactory improvements have not been met, the student is dismissed from the program and may not pursue readmission.