Design

Creative Variety and Technical Challenge

The Design emphasis is comprised of a 48-unit program of study, grounded within a broader liberal arts program. The primary goal is to expose students to the creative possibilities inherent in print, motion, and web design areas in preparation for entry into the professional, artistic, or graduate educational fields.

Classes focus on developing a strong foundation in design, craft, composition, typography, and concept development, drawing from a number of key areas including identity design, publication design, web design, motion graphics, printmaking, and fine arts. Along with the development of technical skills, students will acquire and exhibit abilities in critical and creative thinking, artistic innovation, and project planning and management. Graphic Design outreach classes, external projects, and internships provide students with opportunities to work on innovative design-related projects for non-profit clients and within the University community. Recently, our students were responsible for design and production of all graphic materials, including official logo, for the University’s 150th anniversary.

Opportunities for collaboration across other departments are encouraged, and electives may be selected from Media Studies, Communications, and Computer Science departments.

The curriculum includes:

• A year-long chronological Art History survey sequence
• Seven required graphic design emphasis courses including:
• Introduction to Graphic Design
• Publication Design
• Identity Design
• Design for the Web
• Graphic Design Outreach
• Two additional graphic design electives (choices include: Advanced Typographic Design, Design Internship/Directed Study, Motion Graphics, Design Portfolio, among others)
• Elective in Fine Arts (choices include: Printmaking, Photography, Drawing, Painting, and others)
• Additional electives can be taken in Media Studies, Computer Science and Communication departments including classes in Video Production and Advertising.