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Graphic Design Overview

In the Graphic Design program, Students will explore analog and digital methods to develop creative visual solutions through motion and print projects designed for diverse audiences. The Graphic Design concentration explores the design process from initial sketches and iterations to research, concept development, and the creation of finished prototypes. The program includes analog techniques (drawing, hand lettering, screen printing, risograph printing letterpress) and digital methods using Adobe Creative Suite, enabling students to blend traditional and modern approaches to create innovative design solutions.

In the Bachelor of Design program, students begin with a shared design core during their first two years, exploring various design disciplines. Afterward, students can select this concentration to specialize in and complete their studies.

 

  • Establish a solid design foundation through a structured core curriculum, followed by specialized studios in motion design, social/political/environmental  design and data visualization
  • Prepare for careers in Graphic design and motion design, equipping graduates with the expertise and skills necessary to excel in these dynamic, rapidly evolving fields.
  • Think through the process of  making from research, iterations, refining ideas, and ensuring the development of projects for specific audiences 
  • Develop advanced visualization strategies such as mapping, diagramming, and storyboarding, to communicate complex concepts clearly and enhance the understanding of design ideas.
  • Collaborate in a dynamic creative environment alongside fellow UX/UI designers, experience designers, industrial designers, artists, and educators, fostering innovation and cross-disciplinary creativity.

Courses

First Year Fall

  • DSGN M200 Design Lecture Forum (0 credits)
  • DSGN M202 Intro to Design (3 credits)
  • DSGN M271 Design History 1 (3 credits)
  • DSGN M278 Typography Lab 1 (3 credits)
  • DSGN M210 Design Photography (3 credits)

First Year Spring

  • DSGN M200 Design Lecture Forum (0 credits)
  • DSGN M275 Print Design and Narrative (3 credits)
  • DSGN M279 Typography Lab 2 (3 credits)

Sophomore Fall

  • DSGN M200 Design Lecture Forum (0 credits)
  • DSGN M326  Motion Design 1 (3 credits)
  • DSGN M276 Interactive Design 1 (3 credits)
  • DSGN M400 Visual Research (3 credits)
  • DSGN M280 Internship prep

Sophomore Spring

  • DSGN M200 Design Lecture Forum (0 credits)
  • DSGN M376 Motion Design 2 (3 credits)
  • DSGN M276 Interactive Design 2 (3 credits)
  • DSGN M272 Design History 2 (3 credits)

Junior Fall

  • DSGN M200 Design Lecture Forum (0 credits)
  • DSGN M 380 Data Viz and presentation
  • DSGN M485 Design Internship (3 credits)
  • DSGN Elective (3 credits)

Junior Spring

  • DSGN M200 Design Lecture Forum (0 credits)
  • DSGN M 377 Social/Political Design (3 Credits)
  • DSGN M485 Design Internship (3 credits)
  • DSGN Elective (3 credits)

Senior Fall

  • DSGN M200 Design Lecture Forum (0 credits)
  • DSGN M475 Professional Design Practicum (3 credits)
  • DSGN M400 Design Topics (3 credits)
  • DSGN/Art Elective (3 credits)

Senior Spring

  • DSGN M200 Design Lecture Forum (0 credits)
  • DSGN M480 Design Capstone (3 credits)

Additional Courses
Students can choose design electives that engage their individual interests and broaden their experience.

University Bulletin

 

Curriculum
The Design curriculum begins with essential foundational coursework that introduces core design principles, visual research, design software, and the history and theory of design. As students progress, they explore increasingly  specialized topics such as type design, interactive design, motion graphics, and publication design. The curriculum is designed so that each year builds on the last, offering a progressive and well-rounded education in the design field.

All Design Majors start with a structured core curriculum during their Freshman and Sophomore years, ensuring a solid foundation in design thinking and technical skills. After completing these foundational courses, students are prepared to focus their studies on more specialized areas within design.

Graphic Design Concentration
In the third year, students in the Graphic Design concentration begin to refine their expertise in advanced design problem solving through hands-on studio courses. This specialized track builds on a solid foundation in visual storytelling, design principles, and creative strategies, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle real-world design challenges.

The curriculum focuses on a combination of research methods and creative production processes, enabling students to quickly iterate and refine their design concepts. These core skills are applied across a diverse range of projects in the studio, where students create engaging, visually-driven designs for various media, including print, digital, and motion platforms.

Specialized studios offer in-depth exploration of key topics such as branding and identity design, motion graphics, data visualization, and effective project management. As students progress, they integrate design theory, research insights, and image making techniques to create innovative and impactful visual solutions for specific audiences.

Upon completing the concentration, students will have a robust portfolio showcasing their ability to design compelling, aesthetically-driven graphics across multiple formats. This prepares them for dynamic careers in fields such as graphic design, branding, advertising, motion design, and beyond, fueling creativity and innovation in the ever-evolving design landscape.

Student Work