Graphic Design, B. S.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Graphic Design program seeks to provide a solid education to prepare students for opportunities in professional careers and/or graduate school. The department provides a baccalaureate-level sequence of study that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design. Mirroring the mission of the university, the Graphic Design program also supports ECSU’s liberal arts program by providing a challenging and supportive environment for learning.
GOALS
1. The primary goal of the Graphic Design program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue career opportunities or graduate study in graphic design.
2. In support of the University’s liberal arts program, the department seeks to provide engaging courses in art for students majoring in other fields of study.
3. In concert with the mission of the university to prepare our graduates for leadership roles in the community that will facilitate economic growth, we further seek to engage the community around us through active partnering in civic and entrepreneurial projects over the span of the four-year experience at ECSU.
4. As an extension of the outreach of ECSU, the program also endeavors to provide enriching experiences in the visual arts for Elizabeth City State University students, faculty, and citizens of the Albemarle region at large.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives are as follows:
1. to provide graphic design students with a comprehensive education that establishes a solid foundation in graphic design, art history, and art theory, as well as opportunities to exhibit their work and otherwise engage the community at large.
2. to serve students who seek an overview of graphic design and art history as part of their general education.
3. to support the University’s community outreach initiatives by hosting a variety of art exhibitions, guest lecturers, and workshops.
4. to provide students with an atmosphere that supports the creative process by providing adequate facilities and equipment, theoretical and practical experience, individualized instruction, and thorough advisement.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All students seeking to major in graphic design must first gain admission to Elizabeth City State University by applying through the Office of Admissions.
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS
Students are required to compile a portfolio and participate in the annual portfolio review to determine if adequate progress is being made. All students are expected to proceed through the required sequence of courses and are required to achieve a grade of "C" or better in courses in all ART and ARTH courses.
ANNUAL PORTFOLIO REVIEW
Students seeking a B.S. in Graphic Design are required to submit a portfolio for review during the Spring semester of their freshman, sophomore and junior year in the program.
SENIOR SHOW/PORTFOLIO
Students seeking a B.S. in Graphic Design are required to mount a senior show and assemble a portfolio showcasing work that represents the student’s unique style and demonstrates overall artistic skills and abilities.
STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
The Graphic Design program has an active internship program that provides students with opportunities to work with local businesses and arts organizations.
Curriculum
A. General Education Core (35 hours)
*Graphic Design majors are not required to take GE 130. They may substitute any ARTH course for their General Studies requirement.
*Graphic Design majors must take ART 101 towards the General Studies requirement.
Requirements List
B. Major Core Requirements (60 hours)
Core Courses 54 hours
Core Electives. Choose any 6 semester hours from the following courses
Related Area Courses
Related Courses 9 credit hours
C. Free Electives (16 hours)
Total Credit Hours: 120
Curriculum Guide for Major in Graphic Design
Freshman Year
First Semester
| ART 100 | Art Foundations | 3 |
| ART 102 | Drawing I | 3 |
| HIST 140 | History of World Civilization, Prehistoric to 1500 | 3 |
| OR | |
| HIST 141 | History of World Civilization, 1500 to the Present | 3 |
| HLTH 185 | Health Concepts | 2 |
| ENGL 102 | English Composition and Grammar | 3 |
| UNIV 110 | Freshman Seminar | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Second Semester
| ART 101 | Introduction to Media Arts | 3 |
| ART 103 | Drawing II | 3 |
| ENGL 103 | English Composition and Vocabulary | 3 |
| MATH 114 | Math for Liberal Arts | 3 |
| OR | |
| MATH 115 | College Algebra | 3 |
| Social & Behavior Science Elective | 3 |
| UNIV 120 | Freshman Seminar II | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Sophomore Year
First Semester
| ART 201 | Visual Information Architecture | 3 |
| ART 210 | Typography I | 3 |
| Fine Arts and Communications Elective | 2 |
| ENGL 201 | World Literature I | 3 |
| Natural Science | 3 |
| Natural Science Lab | 1 |
PE
| Elective | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 16 |
Second Semester
| ART 202 | Branding and Package Design | 3 |
| Social Behavioral Science | 3 |
| ARTH 217 | History of Graphic Arts | 3 |
| Fine Arts and Communications Elective | 2 |
| Free Elective I | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Junior Year
First Semester
| ART 301 | Interactive Design | 3 |
| ART 340 | Photography I | 3 |
| ART 310 | Typography II | 3 |
ARTH
| Art History Course | 3 |
| Related Area Elect. I | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Second Semester
| ART 302 | Visual Systems | 3 |
| ART 341 | Photography II | 3 |
| Minor/Electives | 3 |
ARTH
| Art History Course | 3 |
| Free Elective 2 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Senior Year
First Semester
| ART 498 | Graphic Design Applied Theory | 3 |
| ART 400 | Advanced Studio I | 3 |
| ART 406 | Internship in Art (A, G, M & T) | 3 |
| Free Elective 3 | 3 |
| Free Elective 4 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
Second Semester
| ART 409 | Senior Portfolio/Show | 3 |
| ART 499 | Graphic Design Seminar | 3 |
| Free Elective 5 | 3 |
ARTH
| Art History Course | 3 |
| Free Elective 1 | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 13 |
ART 406: Graphic Design Intern
Total Credit Hours: 120