Graphic Design (B.F.A.)

Location(s): Main Campus

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Program Summary

Graphic design is the study of effective visual communication and the art of presenting information in an engaging way to a specific audience. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) 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 has a rich history, yet it is always firmly embedded in contemporary culture, business practices, and current technology. Students who graduate with a B.F.A. 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 this 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.
Students who have been accepted into the Graphic Design program through successfully passing the Program Application Review are required to have their own laptop computer for classes. Some upper-division courses are held in labs that require the students to use their own computers. Macs are preferred and are generally the industry standard; however, students may choose a Mac or PC. Most importantly, a student should choose a laptop computer capable of running professional design software such as the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of applications. Please see the program website for up-to-date computer specifications.

General Education Requirement (30-35 Credits)

See General Education for course options.

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

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

Graphic Design Curriculum (79 Credits)

Portfolio Development Options (9 Credits)

Complete 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 0.5-12 Credit(s)
ART 4990 - Senior Seminar - Specific Area of Study 0.5-4 Credit(s)

Art Electives (6 Credits)

Complete 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 (3-17 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)
CSCY 2000 - Web Development 3 Credit(s)

Total Credits, B.F.A. Degree: 120

Program Learning Outcomes

Develop proficiency in the techniques, materials, processes, and technologies used in graphic design from rough concept to finished design including: visual organization, drawing, typography, photography, user experience design, motion graphics, interactive design, and other current digital applications.
Demonstrate expertise in visualizing, planning, and solving visual communication problems for print-based design, interactive media, and environmental applications to address communication needs.
With a strong foundation in design elements and principles, analyze and evaluate art/design perceptively and critically.
Gain functional knowledge of graphic design history and awareness of the current major issues, commercial applications, and business practices of the design industry.
Synthesize design skills, artistic knowledge, technical skills and individual talent to create and exhibit a portfolio of design that showcases perceptual acuity, conceptual understanding, and advanced technical facility at a professional entry level.