Academic Catalog 2016-2018 > Undergraduate Degree Programs > Graphic Design (BA, BFA, Minor)

Graphic Design (BA, BFA, Minor)

The Graphic Design degree program provides a comprehensive arts education that promotes creativity, collaboration, scholarship and innovation. With an integrative curriculum that bridges a liberal arts and graphic design education, students understand design within the context of social entrepreneurialism and engagement, where craft and thought are continuously integrated, refined, and expanded. Individual, group and community­based projects are incorporated into both beginning and advanced coursework that trains students in hands­on graphic skills, design thinking, as well as professional practices and strategies. All students are offered unique opportunities to pursue internships and discuss career opportunities with professionals in their field.

The Graphic Design Program offers two distinct degree programs:

The Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design is a liberal arts degree providing a breadth of experience and understanding in graphic design. The curriculum aims to give students a general background in design knowledge and skills as well as access to multidisciplinary studies.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design is a professional degree program uniquely suited to the needs of those interested in moving on towards entry level design careers and/or graduate level degrees.

Program Learning Outcomes (BA, Minor)

The student will be able to:

1. Formulate and apply visually appropriate decisions in the development of creative work.
2. Employ visual communication techniques and principles of design in art work.
3. Observe and interpret visual phenomena in both two and three­dimensional media accurately.
4. Analyze and interpret works of art, and evaluate art in historical contexts, using appropriate vocabulary.
5. Produce a Senior Thesis consisting of a body of work that demonstrates an original concept and proficiency in a chosen medium(s).

Program Learning Outcomes (BFA)

Upon graduation the student will be able to:

1. Employ visual communication techniques, technical skills, design thinking and principles in visual work involving one or more media.
2. Identify, explain, and solve design problems using inventive visual solutions at various stages and levels, and within the context of the classroom and the community.
3. Devise a methodology for exploring design concepts and processes that produce original work in various media as they are appropriate to a particular audience and user values and/or behaviors.
4. Analyze and interpret works of art and design and evaluate art and design in historical and contemporary contexts with an awareness of the critical perspectives as well as using appropriate vocabulary.
5. Identify and apply basic professional approaches in the design field such as planning a design project from ideation to creation and working on teams.
6. Produce a Senior Thesis Project consisting of:
   • A public exhibition of a body of work that demonstrates technical mastery, the capacity to solve professional problems, and an ability to intellectually probe and visually manifest a coherent set of artistic goals.
   • An Oral Presentation that communicates their ideas and concepts, and forms and defends their value judgments about art and visual arts practice.