Design Studies with a Concentration in Graphic Design (B.A.)

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies, with a concentration in Graphic Design (48 credits), is a four-year liberal arts degree accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). This program is ideal for students who wish to expand their knowledge of visual art and design. Design Studies students acquire a foundation in design techniques, aesthetics, and history, while maintaining the flexibility to explore additional disciplines across the University.

Students who major in Design Studies take an array of courses including: drawing, 2D and 3D design, digital art and design, typography, and intermedia to develop their understanding of graphic design. The program culminates with the Intermedia Studio, where students test boundaries and introduce new vocabularies into their artistic dialogue. This degree pairs exceptionally well with social media, marketing, and any other career that can be enhanced by visual communication skills and creative thinking. Students aspiring to become professional graphic designers should consider the BFA in Studio (Graphic Design), which specifically prepares them for professional careers as designers.

Admission Requirements

Students wishing to pursue a BA in Design Studies or a BFA in Studio with a concentration in Graphic Design will submit a portfolio after completion of the freshman level foundation courses. Both groups will require content from Design Fundamentals (ART 1050) and Drawing (ART 1060). Students in the BFA program will also submit content from Digital Art and Design (ART 1150) and 3D Design (ART 2350). Upon successful completion of both courses and faculty review of the portfolio, students will be officially accepted into the major.

For Portfolio Review, students submit a portfolio of work that consists of selected projects from the freshman-level foundation courses. Faculty will evaluate the quality of the portfolio of work along with the student’s professional behavior (attendance, work ethic, ability to accept constructive criticism) and overall GPA. The program does not have a quota and can accept all students that meet the department’s standards. It is, however, unlikely that students will pass Portfolio Review if the student has below a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or a grade of C- or below is received in either of the two foundational courses. Students must pass both courses to be eligible to apply for admission into the major. Students may retake the course and reapply at the end of that semester; however, students may not apply to the program more than twice.

To graduate with a BA in Design Studies or a BFA in Studio with a concentration in Graphic Design, students must have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher per the University’s requirements.

Students who are enrolled in the Design Studies with the Graphic Design concentration are required to have a laptop by the fall semester of their junior year. The laptop must follow the hardware and software requirements (updated annually) on the department website.