Program Overview

Introduction to the Graphic Design Program

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a Graphic Design: Visual Design major focuses on design as a professional craft and as a vehicle for communication and connecting with society. Students learn to see design as a visual language and force for cultural change within our world by giving them the tools to enhance the visual experience of the public.

Program Description

The Graphic DesignVisual Design concentration focuses on current and professional industry standards within graphic design. Our degree is illustration-based and combines traditional hands-on media with the digital. The program, like the professional world, is a fast-paced environment that mimics real-world design studios. Students will learn traditional layout design, composition, screenprinting, drawing, graphic design art history, CNC routing, all as it applies to design. These areas are all combined with conceptual skills to make graduates in the area marketable.

Admission Criteria

Admission in the program will be contingent upon the student satisfying the following requirements:

• Completion of the Graphic Design Admission Application Form
• Coursework at CMU in or transfer credits equivalent to ARTE 101 Two-Dimensional Design, ARTE 102 Three-Dimensional Design, ARTS 151 Foundation Drawing I, ARTG 215 Graphic Design I, and ARTG 221 Graphic Design II, with a grade of B or A in each course
• Successful completion of the Graphic Design Entrance Exam with a minimum score of 80%
• A Portfolio Review comprised of Graphic Design work showing competency in 200-level graphic design, typography, and layout skills

Program Requirements

Institutional Degree Requirements

• 120 semester hours minimum
• Students must complete a minimum of 30 of the last 60 hours of credit at CMU, with at least 15 semester hours in major discipline courses numbered 300 or higher
• 40 upper-division credits
• 2.00 cumulative GPA or higher in all CMU coursework
• A course may only be used to fulfill one requirement for each degree/certificate
• No more than six semester hours of independent study courses can be used toward the degree
• Non-traditional credit, such as advanced placement, credit by examination, credit for prior learning, cooperative education, and internships, cannot exceed 30 semester credit hours for a baccalaureate degree

Essential Learning Requirements

• English: 6 semester hours
• Mathematics: 3 semester hours
• History: 3 semester hours
• Humanities: 3 semester hours
• Social and Behavioral Sciences: 6 semester hours
• Fine Arts: 3 semester hours
• Natural Sciences: 7 semester hours

Foundation Courses

• ARTE 101 Two-Dimensional Design or ARTE 103 Digital Art and Design: 3 semester hours
• ARTE 102 Three-Dimensional Design: 3 semester hours
• ARTE 118 History of Art, Prehistory to Renaissance: 3 semester hours
• ARTE 119 History of Art, Renaissance to Present: 3 semester hours
• ARTS 151 Foundation Drawing I: 3 semester hours

Program Specific Degree Requirements

• ARTG 122 Design It: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 215 Graphic Design I: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 220 UX Design I: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 221 Graphic Design II: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 222 Illustration I: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 290 UX Design II: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 301 Digital Illustration: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 320 Letterforms and Typography: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 321 Advanced Typography: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 333 Illustration II: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 337 Illustration III: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 338 Brand Design: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 360 Sketchbook: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 401 Digital Painting: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 405 UX Design III: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 406 UX Design IV: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 450 Identity Design: 3 semester hours
• ARTG 493 Portfolio Development: 3 semester hours

General Electives

• All college-level courses appearing on the final transcript, not listed above, that will bring the total semester hours to 120 hours. Excludes KINA activity courses.

Plan of Study

The suggested course sequencing outlines how students could finish degree requirements. Some courses are critical to complete in specific semesters, while others may be moved around. Meeting with an academic advisor is essential in planning courses and altering the suggested course sequencing.

Graduation Process

Students must complete the following in the first two months of the semester prior to completing their degree requirements:

• Review their DegreeWorks audit and create a plan that outlines how unmet requirements will be met in the final semester
• Meet with their advisor and modify their plan as needed
• Submit the "Intent to Graduate" form to the Registrar's Office to officially declare the intended graduation date and commencement ceremony plans
• Register for all needed courses and complete all requirements for each degree sought

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this major will be able to:

• Interpret and apply formal elements and principles of design
• Demonstrate proper use of tools, materials, techniques, and proper use and care for equipment through quality craftsmanship
• Generate individual response through concept and relevant sources of information to create personal content
• Communicate clearly regarding the critical analysis of art and design, both historical and contemporary
• Reflect on and respond to ethical, social, civil, and/or environmental challenges as they relate to art, design, and new media
• Design and publish a professional portfolio that meets current industry standards
• Demonstrate technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on the application of the design process