The Graphic Design Communication major consists of a contemporary blend of a Liberals Arts education and applied technology. Graphic design students draw on their complete educational experience to create images and visual messages that are thought-provoking, well-researched, and technically excellent.
A degree in graphic design communication prepares students for a career in a multitude of competitive creative industries. Successful candidates complete a portfolio of work that may be used as part; of an application for an advanced degree or for career opportunities.
The graphic design major recruits students who are creative curious, and disciplined. Majors should be highly motivated and inventive individuals who like to work with technology but draw inspiration from a variety of academic, social, and environmental sources.
Degree Requirements
Majors pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design Communication must satisfy the University Core Curriculum requirements and the College speech requirement, COMM 210 . Specific requirements of the program are outlined below. In addition, majors must complete sufficient electives to total 120 credits. Majors are encouraged to apply electives taken outside the major toward a minor or a second major.
There are twelve courses in the graphic design communication major. Nine of the requirements are studio courses in graphic design, which are hands-on courses taught in the graphic design communication lab. A lecture course on the history of graphic design, one internship, and a two-course sequence in one of the following areas is also required: anthropology, communications, computer information systems, or marketing. Graduating seniors display their work in the Senior Graphic Design Exhibition as part; of the Portfolio course (DSGN 450) to complete the major.
Required levels of academic achievement include a B average in all required graphic design courses and an overall GPA of 2.5.
Criteria for Admission
The requirement for entrance into the Graphic Design Program is an in-person portfolio review, a portfolio on CD, or mailed slides or samples. Please limit portfolio submissions to twenty pieces. Portfolio reviews are by appointment only. Applicants may contact Prof. Sharon DeLucca at (401) 254-3472.
Students who are not accepted into the major will be permitted a probationary year. These students will be required to achieve a B- or better in DSGN 100 – Introduction to Graphic Design and DSGN 110 – Typography. At the end of their freshman year, probationary students may resubmit a portfolio for acceptance into the major.
Requirements for the Major - Core Courses:
DSGN 100 Introduction to Graphic Design
Communication
DSGN 110 Typography
DSGN 200 History of Design Communications
DSGN 210 Advanced Design Communications
DSGN 440 Art Direction
DSGN 450 Portfolio
COOP 460 Internship
Graphic Design Electives – Choose three of the following:
DSGN 300 Web Design Communication
DSGN 310 Corporate Identity
DSGN 320 Publication Design
DSGN 430 Special Topics in Graphic Design
Electives:
Choose one of the two-course sequences below:
Computer Information Systems
CIS 206 Computers and the Web: A First Course
CIS 306 Computer and the Web: A Second Course
Marketing
MRKT 200 Principles of Marketing
And any 300-level marketing elective
Communications
COMM 101 Introduction to Mass Media
COMM 260 Visual Communications
Anthropology
ANTH 100 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
And any 200-level or above anthropology elective
DSGN 100 Introduction to Graphic Design
Communication
DSGN 110 Typography
DSGN 200 History of Design Communications
ANTH 100 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
And two courses chosen from:
DSGN 210 Advanced Design Communications
DSGN 300 Web Design Communication
DSGN 310 Corporate Identity
DSGN 320 Publication Design
DSGN 430 Special Topics in Graphic Design