Coursework

The Graphic Design Program has a diverse and encompassing curriculum that promotes knowledge of the design and printing industries through an emphasis on both traditional and digital techniques and principles of design. All students begin with the fundamentals of art, design, and technology upon which are built a variety of skills in graphic modalities, including creative design, layout structure, hand and computer rendered illustration, animation, web page design, and presentation.

The Graphic Design Program is structured to give students an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of creativity and current trends in technology to achieve a clarity of personal talent and industry requirements.  This includes verbal, written and design skills. 

Students from first year to junior year are required to have a portfolio review of their current work. A panel of three to four industry professionals interview each student and give both oral and written reviews. Seniors then participate in the senior show held in the Marian Art Gallery.

For specific details and course descriptions see the academic bulletin.

Sample Four Year Plan

Freshman Year

First Semester (total 13 credits)
GRD 255 History of Design (3 cr.)
ART 101 Drawing (3 cr.)
SYM 101 Composition 1 (3 to 4 cr.) or SYM 102 Composition 2 (3 or 4 cr.) - depends on testing
SYM 110 Leadership for Social Justice (3 cr.) - required for transfer students with fewer than 30 credits

Second Semester (total 16 credits)
GRD 258 Lettering & Typography (3 cr.)
GRD 331 Digital Design (3 cr.)
SYN 101 Search for Meaning (4 cr.) - required for transfer students with fewer than 30 credits
ART/EST 105 Two Dimensional Design (3 cr.)
Behavioral/Social Science Elective (3 to 4 cr.)

Sophomore Year

First Semester (total 16 credits)
GRD 333 Adobe Photoshop (3 cr.)
GRD 330 Beginning Illustration Technique (3 cr.)
ART/EST 231 History of Art 1 or ART /EST 232 History of Art 2 (3 cr.)
ART 220 Three Dimensional Design or ART225 Sculpture (3 cr.)
Philosophy Elective (3 to 4 cr.)

Second Semester (total 16 credits)
GRD 332 Adobe Illustrator (3 cr.)
GRD 257 Foundation 1 (3 cr.)
ART/EST 356 Photography (3 cr.)
EPW 396 Arches (1 to 3 cr.)
ART 207 Color Theory (3 cr.)
History Elective (3 to 4 cr.)

Junior Year

First Semester (total 17 credits)
GRD 453 Intro to Web (3 cr.)
ART 445 Printmaking (3 cr.)
GRD 258 Foundations 2 (3 cr.)
Theology Elective (3 to 4 cr.)
Literature Elective (3 to 4 cr.)

Second Semester (total 15 credits)
COM 285 Video Production 1 (3 cr.)
GRD 450 Advanced Design 1 (4 cr.)
GRD 380 Portfolio & Presentation (2 cr.)
Electives (6 to 7 cr.)

Senior Year

First Semester (total 17 credits)
GRD 400 Design, History & Criticism (3 cr.)
GRD 451 Advanced Design 2 (4 cr.)
Empirics Elective (3 to 4 cr.)
Humanities Option (3 to 4 cr.)
Graphic Design Elective (3 cr.)

Second Semester (total 16 credits)
GRD 498 Internship (4 cr.) - this may be taken summer between Junior and Senior year or or first term senior year
GRD 461 Advanced Graphics - Senior Seminar (1 cr.)
Graphic Design Electives (6 cr.)
Communication Elective (3 cr.)

Total Credits - 134 to 141 (depending on core credits of 3 to 4)
Note, math is not included as it depends on student testing. Also, credit amounts may differ depending on student enrollment in Composition 1 or 2.