The Graphic Design concentration is closely aligned with the artistry, practices, and standards of excellence in the contemporary design professions. With an emphasis on rich processes, conceptual problem-solving, and technical proficiency, students are able to create effective expressions of visual communication in a variety of print and digital media. Experimental explorations of typography, illustration, and design systems are expected from participants of the program, as well as applications of design that address social impact and awareness. Design theory, history, and professional practices are discussed regularly with faculty. Projects and activities are designed to prepare students for the varied challenges and opportunities for professionals in visual communications.

Effective Fall 2023

A minimum grade of C (2.000) or better is required in ART 355, ART 356, ART 455, ART 456.

Freshman
AUCCCredits
ART 105Issues and Practices in Art 1
ART 110Global Art History I 3
ART 111Global Art History II 3
ART 120Foundations--Time and Structure 3
ART 135Foundations - Form and Observation 3
ART 160Foundations - Color and Composition 3
ART 170Foundations - Materials and Space 3
CO 150College Composition (GT-CO2)1A3
Arts and Humanities3B3
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion1C3
Quantitative Reasoning1B3
 Total Credits 31
Sophomore
 
ART 212Global Art History III 3
ART 255Introduction to Graphic Design 3
Select three courses from the following: 9
Photo Image Making I  
Drawing Materials and Techniques  
Pottery I  
Metalsmithing and Jewelry I  
Fibers I  
Introduction to Electronic Art  
Painting I--Fundamentals and Representation  
Introduction to Printmaking  
Sculpture I  
Upper-Division Art History14A,4B3
Biological and Physical Sciences3A7
Historical Perspectives3D3
Social and Behavioral Sciences3C3
 Total Credits 31
Junior
 
ART 355Typography and Design Systems 4
ART 356Illustration 4
Art Elective2 3
Upper-Division Art History14A,4B3
Upper-Division Art Elective2 4
Upper-Division Non-Art Elective 3
Advanced Writing23
Arts and Humanities3B3
Elective 3
 Total Credits 30
Senior
 
ART 400BFA Portfolio 1
ART 455Advanced Typography and Design Systems4C4
ART 456Advanced Illustration4C4
Upper-Division Art Elective2 4
Upper-Division Non-Art Electives3 9
Non-Art Electives (any level)3 6
 Total Credits 28
 Program Total Credits: 120

Upper-Division Art History Courses1

Code Title AUCC Credits
ART 309 Pre-Columbian Art of the Andes 4A,4B 3
ART 310 History of American Art to 1945 4A,4B 3
ART 311 Art of West and Central Africa 4A,4B 3
ART 312 Pre-Columbian Art of Mesoamerica 4A,4B 3
ART 313 Art of East and Southern Africa 4A,4B 3
ART 314 Women in Art History 4A,4B 3
ART 315 United States Art 1945-1980 4A,4B 3
ART 316 Art of the Pacific 4A,4B 3
ART 317 Native North American Art 4A,4B 3
ART 320 Global Encounters in Art 4A,4B 3
ART 409 Museum Collections--Storage to Exhibition 4A,4B 3
ART 410 Greek Art 4A,4B 3
ART 411 History of Medieval Art 4A,4B 3
ART 412 History of Renaissance Art 4A,4B 3
ART 414 History of Baroque and Rococo Art 4A,4B 3
ART 415 History of 19th Century European Art 4A,4B 3
ART 416 History of European Art, 1900 to 1945 4A,4B 3
ART 417 Roman Art 4A,4B 3
ART 418 Contemporary Artists and Art Critics 4A,4B 3
ART 420 Travel Abroad-Art History in Italy 3-5
ART 492A Seminar: Art History 4A,4B 3
ART 496H Group Study: Art History 4A,4B 3
1

Select 6 credits of Upper-Division Art History Courses total, at least 3 of which must satisfy AUCC categories 4A and 4B. 

2

ART 455 and ART 456 may be repeated for up to 8 credits each; 4 credits of each course are required in the Senior year for AUCC category 4C. If ART 455 or ART 456 are repeated for credit, the second 4 credits taken in each course may count toward the Art Elective or the Upper-Division Art Elective requirements.

3

Select enough elective credits to bring the program total to a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 42 must be upper-division (300- to 400-level).

Distinctive Requirements for Degree Program: A minimum grade of C (2.000) or better is required in ART 355, ART 356, ART 455, ART 456

Freshman
Semester 1CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ART 105Issues and Practices in Art X 1
ART 110Global Art History IX  3
ART 135Foundations - Form and ObservationX  3
ART 160Foundations - Color and CompositionX  3
CO 150College Composition (GT-CO2) X1A3
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion  1C3
 Total Credits   16
Semester 2CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ART 111Global Art History IIX  3
ART 120Foundations--Time and StructureX  3
ART 170Foundations - Materials and SpaceX  3
Arts and Humanities X3B3
Quantitative ReasoningX 1B3
CO 150 must be completed by the end of Semester 2.X   
 Total Credits   15
Sophomore
Semester 3CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ART 212Global Art History IIIX  3
Select two courses from the following:   6
Photo Image Making I    
Drawing Materials and Techniques    
Pottery I    
Metalsmithing and Jewelry I    
Fibers I    
Introduction to Electronic Art    
Painting I--Fundamentals and Representation    
Introduction to Printmaking    
Sculpture I    
Biological and Physical Sciences X3A4
Historical Perspectives  3D3
Portfolio review recommended by the end of Semester 3. X  
 Total Credits   16
Semester 4CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ART 255Introduction to Graphic DesignX  3
Select one course from the following not previously taken:   3
Photo Image Making I    
Drawing Materials and Techniques    
Pottery I    
Metalsmithing and Jewelry I    
Fibers I    
Introduction to Electronic Art    
Painting I--Fundamentals and Representation    
Introduction to Printmaking    
Sculpture I    
Upper-Division Art History (See List on Concentration Requirements Tab)  4A,4B3
Biological and Physical Sciences X3A3
Social and Behavioral Sciences X3C3
ART 255 must be completed by the end of Semester 4.X   
Portfolio review must be completed by the end of Semester 4.X   
 Total Credits   15
Junior
Semester 5CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ART 355Typography and Design SystemsX  4
ART Elective X 3
Upper-Division Art History (See List on Concentration Requirements Tab) X4A,4B3
Advanced Writing X23
Arts and Humanities X3B3
 Total Credits   16
Semester 6CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ART 356IllustrationX  4
Upper-Division Art Elective X 4
Upper-Division Non-Art Elective X 3
Elective X 3
 Total Credits   14
Senior
Semester 7CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ART 455Advanced Typography and Design SystemsX 4C4
Upper-Division Non-Art Elective X 3
Non-Art Electives (any level) X 6
 Total Credits   13
Semester 8CriticalRecommendedAUCCCredits
ART 400BFA PortfolioX  1
ART 456Advanced IllustrationX 4C4
Upper-Division Art ElectiveX  4
Upper-Division Non-Art ElectivesX  6
The benchmark courses for the 8th semester are the remaining courses in the entire program of study.X   
 Total Credits   15
 Program Total Credits:   120