Graphic Design Curriculum

 

• Graphic Design Degree Plan
• Degree Checklist

Art Foundations/Core

• ART 1100: Intro to Art
• ART 1303: Drawing I
• ART 2304: Drawing II
• ART 1302: 2D Design
• ART 2303: 3D Design
• ARTH 1301: Art History Survey I (25,000 BC - AD 1300)
• ARTH 2302: Art History Survey II (AD 1300 - AD 1900)
• ARTH 3303: Art History Survey III (20th - 21st Century Art)

Area of Emphasis

• ART 2388: Graphic Design Process (offered spring semester only)
• ART 3385: Computer Design Methods I (offered fall semester only)
• ART 4359: Graphic Design History (offered fall semester only)
• ART 3386: Computer Design Methods II (offered spring semester only)
• ART 3381: Typography (offered spring semester only)
• ART 3382: Symbols (offered spring semester only)
• ART 3384: Visual Systems (offered fall semester only)
• ART 4357: Web Media (offered fall semester only)
• ART 4358 Motion Graphics (offered spring semester only)
• ART 4380: Publication Design (offered spring semester only)
• ART 4365: Advanced Graphic Design Process (offered fall semester only)
• ART 4379: Professional Practices in Graphic Design (offered spring semester only) 
• ART 4381: Design in the Community (offered fall semester only) 
• ART 4382: Portfolio Development (offered spring semester only)

Area of Emphasis Elective

Student choice: a student MUST select one of the following to satisfy the required credit hours: one additional art history course, one additional studio course, or a graphic design internship (ART 4355).

Studio Art Electives

(Four of the following, student choice)

• ART 3308: Printmaking I: Intro
• ART 3328: Advanced Printmaking
• ART 4328: Experimental Printmaking
• ART 3325: Photographic Arts I: Intro
• ART 3326: Advanced Photographic Arts
• ART 4326: Experimental Photographic Arts
• ART 3329: Digital Imaging: Intro
• ART 4329: Advanced Digital Imaging
• ART 3336: Sculpture: Metal Fabrication
• ART 3337: Sculpture: Mixed Media/Wood
• ART 3338: Advanced Sculpture: Intermedia
• ART 3339: Fabrication
• ART 4338: Advanced Sculpture: Intermedia
• ART 3321: Painting I: Intro
• ART 3322: Advanced Painting
• ART 4322: Experimental Painting
• ART 3333: Metals and Jewelry Design: Intro
• ART 3334: Advanced Metals and Jewelry Design
• ART 4334: Advanced Metals and Jewelry Design: Senior Studio
• ART 3323: Drawing III: Life Drawing
• ART 3324: Advanced Life Drawing
• ART 4320: Experimental Drawing
• ART 3300: Ceramics: Introduction to Wheel
• ART 3301: Ceramics: Introduction to Hand Building
• ART 3330: Advanced Ceramics: Wheel
• ART 3331: Advanced Ceramics: Hand Building
• ART 4330: Ceramics: Senior Studio

Upper Level Art History

(One of the following, student choice)

• ARTH 3320: Medieval Art of Europe
• ARTH 3333: Native American Arts
• ARTH 3345: Baroque Art
• ARTH 3350: Latin American Art
• ARTH 3364: Art of the United States
• ARTH 3366: 18th and 19th Century Art
• ARTH 3380: Photographic Arts of the 19th and 20th Centuries
• ARTH 4307: History of the Book as Art
• ARTH 4308: Seminar in Art History
• ARTH 4335: The Arts of Pre-Columbian America
• ARTH 4340: Art of the Renaissance
• ARTH 4389: Topics in 20th and 21st Century Art

General Studies

• English: 6 Credit Hours
• Oral Communication: 3 Credit Hours
• Foreign Language: 0-10 Credit Hours
• Individual and Group Behavior: 3 Credit Hours (satisfied with 3311 or 4315)
• Multi-cultural: 0 Credit Hours (satisfied with 1310 or 2311)
• Technology and Applied Science: 3 Credit Hours (2309)
• Mathematics and Logical Reasoning: 6 Credit Hours
• Natural Science and Lab: 8 Credit Hours
• US History: 6 Credit Hours
• Political Science: 6 Credit Hours
• Humanities: 3 Credit Hours

Graphic Design Course Sequencing

First Year

SPRING SEMESTER (program acceptance review)

• ART 2388: Graphic Design Process
  • Prerequisites: ART 1303 and 1302 or by permission of instructor 
  • This course will offer an introductory look at the professional field of graphic design. Basic concepts of effective visual communication and the creative process will be explored in a variety of contexts. Those interested in becoming a graphic design major will prepare application materials for program acceptance.

Second Year

FALL SEMESTER

• ART 3385: Computer Design Methods I
  • Prerequisites: ART 2388 or by permission of instructor
  • Technical aspects of digital imaging. Stresses use of digital peripherals to capture and construct images, vector drawing, file integration, and digital production.
• ART 4359 Graphic Design History (lecture)
  • Prerequisite: ART 2388 or by permission of instructor
  • Examination of the evolution of the graphic arts. Discusses design innovators as well as styles and movements. Emphasis placed on the 20th century.

SPRING SEMESTER

• ART 3386: Computer Design Methods II
  • Prerequisites: ART 3385 or by permission of instructor
  • Technical aspects of page layout, file integration, and digital production will be introduced, including digital peripherals.
• ART 3381: Typography
  • Prerequisites: ART 3385 or by permission of instructor
  • Theoretical and practical survey of visual typography. Typographic fundamentals, historical contexts, visual organization, meaning, and expressive qualities of type as visual form and visible language.
• ART 3382: Symbols
  • Prerequisites: ART 3385 or by permission of instructor 
  • Exploration of symbols in graphic design. Meaning, concept development, process, research, and problem solving are emphasized, including appropriateness and responsibility to communicate effectively.

Third Year

FALL SEMESTER (third year review)

• ART 3384: Visual Systems
  • Prerequisites: ART 3381, 3382 and 3386
  • Development of integrated design systems and their systematic application of visual continuity. Emphasis on concept and the relationship between content and form.
• ART 4357: Web Media
  • Prerequisites: ART 3381, 3382 and 3386 
  • Fundamentals of website design and authoring tools applied to information structure, project work flow, functionality, and interface experience related to the professional field of graphic design.

SPRING SEMESTER (third year review)

• ART 4358 Motion Graphics
  • Prerequisites: ART 3384, 4359, and 4357
  • Explores the interactive effects of time and motion, including visual rhythm, continuity, and the relationship between form and content of visual communication. Open to non-majors with instructor consent. 
• ART 4380: Publication
  • Prerequisites: ART 3384, 4359, and 4357
  • Sequential design and structural systems dealing with experimentation of type, image, pacing, and form. Emphasis on concept development, research, writing, and presentation skills. 

Fourth Year

FALL SEMESTER

• ART 4365: Advanced Graphic Design Process
  • Prerequisites: ART 4358 and 4380
  • Alternative methods of ideation and concept development will be explored as they relate to project development.
• ART 4381: Design in the Community
  • Prerequisites: ART 4358 and 4380 
  • An applied learning experience with emphasis placed on the role of the designer in the community, civic engagement, and social responsibility. Teamwork, client interaction, and presentation skills are stressed.

SPRING SEMESTER

• ART 4382: Portfolio Development
  • Prerequisites: ART 4365 and 4381 
  • Final portfolio preparation and refinement.
• ART 4379 Professional Practices in Graphic Design (lecture)
  • Prerequisites: ART 4365 and 4381
  • Examines the process of career development and planning that includes self-assessment, job search strategies, and awareness of workplace issues. A variety of topics necessary for a successful transition from academia to the workplace will be covered.

Student choice

• A student MUST select one of the following to satisfy the required credit hours:
• one additional art history course,
• one additional studio course, or
• a graphic design internship (ART 4355)

IMPORTANT: Consult the undergraduate catalog for general education requirements.

Sequencing of the art history courses, the graphic design elective, studio electives, and general education requirements will vary based on availability, summer offerings, individual decisions and acceptance of transfer credits.