Effective Fall 2025, DGS will become the Division of Exploratory Studies. Same mission; new name.

Graphic Design

Major Description

Coursework addresses graphic design fundamentals (typography, critical thinking, and image making), design history and contemporary practices, research methods, user experience, and social responsibility. Students engage with complex problems and are asked to identify opportunities where design can intervene. In addition, students have the opportunity to develop their personal interests by taking advantage of a highly interdisciplinary selection of elective courses offered by the School of Art & Design, including photography, video, traditional printmaking, sustainability, and advanced interaction design.

Courses That Introduce the Major:

 

  • ARTD 151—Introduction to Graphic Design
  • ARTF 101—Contemporary Issues in Art
  • ARTF 102—Observational Drawing
  • ARTF 104—Expressive Drawing
  • ARTF 106—Visualization Drawing
  • ARTH 110—Introduction to the History of Art and Visual Culture

Students should consult with an Art & Design academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period

Possible Career Opportunities:

Students who graduate from the program are equipped for a broad range of practices in the design field.

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  • Adapt techniques, tools and materials to different printing processes, plan step-by-step procedures to attain desired visual effects
  • Create new ideas and communicate them graphically
  • Interpret rough sketches, data, or verbal instructions to produce creative art work
  • Use pictures, typography and arrangement to enhance written messages and promote the sale of goods, services and ideas
  • Visualize and evaluate finished products before completion; weigh aesthetic alternatives and make choices
  • Art Director
  • Graphic Designer
  • Multimedia Designer
  • Editorial Designer
  • UI/ UX Designer
  • Packaging Designer
  • Environmental Designer

Some careers may require education beyond an undergraduate degree.

Enhancing Your Academic Experience:
Further Information:

There are several professional organizations dedicated to Graphic Design.  Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Graphic Design.  These organizations include American Institute of Graphic Arts and Graphic Artists Guild.