Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Graphic Design BFA


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Graphic design is the art and practice of displaying ideas and experiences through imagery and text. The form the design takes may be physical or virtual and may range from something as small as an icon to as large as a museum installation.

Traditionally designers have worked in the publishing realm of books, magazines, and posters but with the many new opportunities digital has provided, graphic design plays a role in many different media including apps and webpages as well as games and other virtual experiences.

The Graphic Design program at SSU has placed many of its graduates in high-end design positions in the region and beyond. Students are grounded in foundational art, design, color, and type principles as well as introduced to and trained in some of the key software packages standard in the design industry. However, beyond these basics, the graphic design degree at SSU focuses on design as process and critical thinking to give form to content and enhance communication.

Students who successfully complete SSU’s Graphic Design program will:
  • Develop proficiency in the tools, media, software, and technology related to visual design.
  • Create work that demonstrates a strong concept, focused research, and an understanding of design principles.
  • Employ a vocabulary for design critique and presentation.
  • Prepared for the challenges of professional practice with an understanding of the role design can play within the community and in solving problems, large and small.

Degree Requirements


Requirement Hours
General Education Program 32*
Art Core Requirements 30
Graphic Arts Core 24
Design Specialization Track (Design, 3D, or Interactive) 21
Art Studio Electives 6
General Electives 6
Total Hours Required 122
Notes:

* The ARTH courses in the Art Core maybe be used to fulfill the GEP requirements.

Portfolio Review

Students choosing this concentration may be asked, with half semester notice, to submit a portfolio in order to be admitted into the junior year of the visualist program. Only those students who pass this assessment of their portfolio are permitted to continue in the program. Students who do not pass this review may choose to apply their accumulated credits toward the BFA in studio arts.

General Education Requirements


Requirement Hours
English Composition 6
Oral Communication 3
Quantitative Reasoning 3
Engaged Citizenry 3*
Ethical Insight and Reasoning 3
Fine and Performing Arts 3
Global Perspective 3*
Historical Perspectives 3*
Human Behavior 3
Literature 3
Natural Sciences 7*
First Year Experience 1
Senior Capstone 3
Total Hours: 44

Notes

  • Some majors have opportunities to double count certain courses withing the GEP for the major. Contact your academic advisor for details.
  • Please refer to the General Education Program information for specific courses.

Art Core


Complete all courses (30 hours; 21 with all double counts) within this section. 

Note: Three of the ARTH courses available to this section may be double counted to fulfill GEP requirements. 

Graphic Design Core


Complete 2 sequences:

Design Specialization Tracks (21 Hours)


Choose from one of the following tracks:

Design Track


Interactive Media Track


3D Design Track


Art Studio Electives


Choose six (6) hours of any ARTS or ARTG courses not taken in major.

General Electives


Choose six (6) hours of any courses other than ARTx.

More information


This program is a part of the Fine, Digital, and Performing Arts department. For more information or to get started with this degree, contact the department chair or the department secretary. 

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