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The Department of Art and Graphic Design offers a dynamic immersion into the graphic design profession by mixing art and design as important knowledge domains that influence each other. Research shows that creativity, play, and learning experimental methods develops cognitive connections and problem solving. Students will be exposed to contemporary and award-winning methods within the graphic design process.
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Contact
Daily from 8:30am — 5:00pm.
Faculty and Staff
Faculty and Staff
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Chair and Professor, Art and Graphic Design
Associate Professor of Graphic Design
Assistant Professor of Visual Arts and Director of Sechrest Gallery

Research shows that creativity, play, and learning experimental methods develops cognitive connections and problem solving. Students will be exposed to contemporary and award-winning methods within the graphic design process.

The Department offers two degrees focused on graphic design. The BFA, concentration in Graphic Design is a professional degree and recommended for those seeking careers in the field of graphic design, while the BA in Design Studies, concentration in Graphic Design exposes students to essential core courses, but offers flexibility to those students seeking to combine a minor or other major to help them reach their individual career goals.

B.F.A. in Studio, concentration in Graphic Design, 72 major credit hours

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), concentration in Graphic Design degree is a professional degree, and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD). This degree is recommended for those seeking careers in the field of graphic design and prepares students as innovative professionals competing in a wide range of design-oriented fields. By emphasizing and maintaining high standards, our curriculum reflects the quality and competitive rigor demanded by recognized and respected design firms.

Graduates acquire thoughtful proficiencies based around four primary foundation learning outcomes, Process, Thinking, Making, and Connecting. Synthesizing processes and techniques, students create competitive portfolios through the application of practical, expressive, and experimental methods. Study includes courses in graphic design, typography, brand identity, illustration, web design, digital imaging, motion design, and portfolio development. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite will be acquired through our Apple Macintosh computer environment with large scale printers, Anderson Creative Innovation Lab, Tech Lab, lighting studio, and other tools for digital design.

The professional undergraduate graphic design curriculum culminates in a distinctive senior capstone program involving the creation of a professional portfolio and a series of original works produced by each Bachelor of Fine Arts degree candidate.

B.A. Design Studies, concentration in Graphic Design, 48 major credit hours (effective Fall 2020)

The Bachelor of Science (BA) in Design Studies, concentration in Graphic Design offers a four-year liberal arts degree. This degree is offered to those students wanting to expand their knowledge of Graphic Design and possibly to combine a minor or major program of study outside of the discipline. B.A. students acquire a foundation in design techniques, aesthetics, and history, while maintaining the flexibility to explore additional disciplines across the University. Design Studies students are introduced to outcomes in graphic design that surround Process, Making, Thinking, and Connecting. The B.A. degree’s flexibility makes it a particularly good choice for students who are considering a double major.

Students who major in Design Studies with a concentration in Graphic Design take an array of courses that are primarily digitally based. These courses will focus on artistic development, emphasizing the conceptual understanding needed to produce thoughtful, engaging and professional work. Students within this major will also challenge notions concerning the making, exhibiting and viewing of art and graphic design. The ultimate goal of the program is to foster a new theoretical and aesthetic understanding of art and graphic design that leads toward a unique creative vision.

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Course Requirements 2022/2023
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio (Graphic Design)
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio (Graphic Design)
Degree Requirements Credits
Major Requirements 76
University Core Requirements 36-44
Electives 8-16
Total 128
Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies (Graphic Design Concentration)
Bachelor of Arts in Design Studies (Graphic Design Concentration)
Degree Requirements Credits
Major Requirements 48
University Core Requirements 36-44
Electives 36-44
Total 128
Requirements for B.F.A. in Studio (Graphic Design)
Requirements for B.F.A. in Studio (Graphic Design)
Course Course Title Credits
ART 1050 Fundamentals of Design 4*
ART 1060 Drawing 4*
ART 1150 Digital Art and Design 4*
ART 2000 Art History Survey 4
ART 2350 Three-Dimensional Design 4
ART 3680 Digital Photography 4
ART 3860 Contemporary Concepts of Art 4
ART 4040 Intermedia 4
GDS 0999 Portfolio Review 0
GDS 1140 Visual Literacy and the Design Process 4*
GDS 2140 Layout, Lettering, & Typeforms 4
GDS 2540 Advanced Typographic Spaces 4
GDS 3150 History of Graphic Design 4
GDS 3140 Kinetic Environments 4
GDS 3240 Illustrated Spaces 4
GDS 3540 Interactive Spaces 4
GDS 4140 Senior Projects 01 2
GDS 4240 Design Lab 01 2
GDS 4540 Senior Projects 02 2
GDS 4640 Design Lab 02 2
Select one course from the following list:
ART 2030 Printmaking 4
ART 2080 Darkroom Photography I 4
ART 2090 Ceramics I 4
ART 3060 Life Drawing 4
ART 3090 Sculpture I 4
ART 3160 Painting I 4
**Select one course from the following list:
PSC 2310 American Politics 4
PSC 2510 Comparative Politcs 4
PSC 2710 International Relations 4
PSC 3512 Democracy, Development, and Conflict 4
REL 2019 Environmental Ethics 4
REL 3007 Women and the Bible 4
Course Descriptions
*Indicates content required for Freshman Portfolio Review.

**Other elective options will likely be available. Speak to your advisor.
Requirements for B.A. in Design Studies (Graphic Design Concentration)
Requirements for B.A. in Design Studies (Graphic Design Concentration)
Course Course Title Credits
ART 1050 Fundamentals of Design 4*
ART 1060 Drawing 4*
ART 1150 Digital Art and Design 4
ART 2000 Art History Survey 4
ART 2350 Three-Dimensional Design 4
ART 4040 Intermedia Studio 4
GDS 0999 Portfolio Review 0
GDS 1140 Visual Literacy and the Design Process 4
GDS 2140 Layout, Lettering, and Typeforms 4
GDS 3150 History of Graphic Design 4
GDS 3240 Illustrated Spaces 4
Select two courses from the following list:
ART 2030 Printmaking 4
ART 2080 Darkroom Photography I 4
ART 2090 Ceramics I 4
ART 3060 Life Drawing 4
ART 3090 Sculpture I 4
ART 3160 Painting I 4
ART 3680 Digital Photography 4
GDS 2540 Advanced Typographic Spaces 4
GDS 3361 Motion Graphics 4
Course Descriptions
*Indicates content required for Freshman Portfolio Review.

Note: While a course fee is attached to all Art and Graphic Design courses, these monies are for rudimentary supplies. Students may need to purchase additional supplies.
Career Opportunities
The BFA degree prepares students as innovative professionals competing in a wide range of design-oriented fields. Graduates acquire proficiencies based around four primary foundation learning outcomes: Process, Thinking, Making, and Connecting. Topics explored include: designer as author, illustrator, and image maker; creative and critical thinking; design literacy; collaboration; communication through working with clients; and social responsibility.

Graphic Design students have continued on to careers with well-known companies, such as:
Student Outcomes

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Study Abroad
At High Point University, our emphasis on global perspectives is designed to provide students with opportunities to enhance their international awareness and to develop their cross-cultural communication skills. Study abroad is strongly encouraged as a part of this emphasis on global studies. With a variety of extraordinary options at some of the most prestigious universities in the world, students at High Point University are encouraged to study abroad as early as the summer after their freshman year. Employers are looking for more than just a degree; they want well-rounded individuals who have familiarity with diverse cultures, special skills, and knowledge of the world around them.
School of Arts and Design Gallery
School of Arts and Design Gallery
View David R. Hayworth School of Arts and Design photos.
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