Program Overview
The BFA in Graphic Design is a 120-hour degree program that emphasizes visual storytelling, artistry and technical mastery. The program’s primary focus is on design and design principles – the skills that truly allow students to gain and keep employment as the industry continues to evolve and change. Students work in state-of-the-art computer labs with industry-standard software, where they learn image- making.
Students learn and work with a team of dedicated faculty who are active in the local design community and have worked internationally. As part of the program, students have an opportunity to get hands-on experience in an approved work environment where they can begin generating professional experience in their field of study.
Degree Plan
A minimum of 120 credit hours are required to complete the BFA in Graphic Design program.
UIW Undergraduate Core Curriculum
UIW core coursework is required. Review the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Here and review the degree plans for each concentration for scheduling of the core curriculum classwork. In addition, 45 Community Service hours are part of all bachelor's degree programs. See Community Service.
| UIW Core Curriculum |
| Composition and Rhetoric |
6 credit hours |
| Literature and Art |
6 credit hours |
| Science and Mathematics |
7 credit hours |
| History and Behavioral Science |
6 credit hours |
| Philosophy and Religion |
9 credit hours |
| Second Language |
6 credit hours |
| Wellness and Physical Education |
3 credit hours |
| |
43 total core credit hours |
| |
|
| Community Service |
45 clock hours (non-credit) |
Pre-Portfolio Coursework
The Graphic Design program prepares students for a demanding and competitive profession. Dedication to this goal means that the program must be selective in order to offer the best quality opportunity that we can.
All students must submit a portfolio for review in order to be admitted to the Graphic Design major. Portfolios will be reviewed at the end of the academic year (spring semester).
Transfer students who wish to start in the major classes must submit a portfolio at the scheduled portfolio review time the spring semester before they plan to attend.
BFA Portfolio Review Information
The courses in this list must be taken during a student’s first year and must be completed with a passing grade for eligibility to submit a portfolio for review.
Graphic Design Concentration Coursework
Elective Coursework
Students may choose from the following courses to complete the hours towards the BFA in Graphic Design. One of the electives must be an upper division course (3000 level or higher).
Approved Minors
Transfer and non-traditional students who must maintain full-time enrollment are encouraged to choose one of the approved minors. These credits can count towards the elective credits required for the major. Students are free to choose any minor they wish. Consult your advisor for more information on minors. A minor is not required of all students but is helpful. (12-18 credit hours).
Note: Please refer to the catalog for requirements for each minor.
Total Credit Hours: 120