Graphic Design (B.F.A.)

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Program Summary

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design is a professional degree that provides a foundation for the student to develop strategies to solve communication problems and design effective digital and print products. Graphic design is the study of effective visual communication and the art of presenting information in an engaging way to a specific audience. Graphic design has a rich history, yet it is always firmly embedded in contemporary culture, business practices, and current technology. Students who graduate with a BFA in Graphic Design at SUU develop a professional portfolio that showcases their print and interactive design work. Courses focusing on branding, web and interactivity, User Experience (UX/UI), print publications, and packaging are just a few classes in a project-based curriculum. Emphasis is placed on real-world problem-solving while allowing room for experimentation and growth for each student.

Program Information

All courses must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better to be counted in the major.
Transfer students must earn at least 50% of their art credits from SUU.

General Education Requirement (30-35 Credits)

See General Education for course options.

Core Course Requirements (12-15 Credits)
Knowledge Area Requirements (16-20 Credits)

Please note: All students must complete a minimum of 30 credits between the Core and Knowledge Area requirements.

Graphic Design Curriculum (82 Credits)

Portfolio Development Options (9 Credits)

Select 9 credits from the following:

ART 3260 - Publication Design 3 Credit(s)
ART 3550 - 3D Digital Illustration 3 Credit(s)
ART 4210 - Branding 3 Credit(s)
ART 4220 - Drawing for Designers 3 Credit(s)
ART 4260 - Motion Graphics 3 Credit(s)
ART 4290 - Special Topics in Design 3 Credit(s)
ART 4300 - Interaction Design 3 Credit(s)
ART 4320 - Letterpress 3 Credit(s)
ART 4890 - Internship 0.5 Credit(s)
ART 4990 - Senior Seminar - Specific Area of Study 0.5 Credit(s)

Art Electives (6 Credits)

Select 6 credits from the following:

ART 1610 - Beginning Ceramics 3 Credit(s)
ART 2410 - Painting I 3 Credit(s)
ART 2500 - Introduction to Illustration 3 Credit(s)
ART 2800 - Advanced Black and White Photography 3 Credit(s)
ART 3310 - Intaglio/Lithography 3 Credit(s) *
ART 3320 - Silkscreen/Relief 3 Credit(s) *
ARTH 2500 - Introduction to Art History 3 Credit(s)

Note

* Students may take either ART 3310 or ART 3320 , not both, for credit in the major.

Free Electives (3-14 Credits)

Total elective credit is determined by General Education courses taken, degree type selected, additional credits earned, and any additional math or other prerequisite courses needed. For a bachelor’s degree, students must earn a minimum of 40 upper-division credits (courses numbered 3000-4999). Students may need to select additional upper-division courses not included in their major requirements in order to reach this minimum. Please consult your Student Success Advisor for details.

Recommended Electives

The following courses are recommended electives for students who have extra credits:

COMM 2010 - Media and Society 3 Credit(s)
IS 2000 - Web Development 3 Credit(s)