The Graphic Design Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a comprehensive program that combines design principles, words, and images to create bold, compelling visuals. The program is designed to provide students with a balanced approach to graphic design, including design thinking, history, theory, conceptual explorations, problem-solving approaches, and technical development.
The graphic design undergraduate degree program at RIT is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in graphic design. The program includes:
Students are exposed to a full range of design topics, including:
The program offers collaborative experiences in and out of class that will fully prepare students for internships and co-ops during their studies, and for full-time permanent positions after graduation. These interdisciplinary and collaborative projects result in innovative and meaningful hands-on projects that encourage students to explore the social, ethical, and environmental impact of design.
Students have access to RIT's Vignelli Center for Design Studies, the Cary Graphic Design Archive, and the Cary Graphic Arts Collection, further enhancing their graphic design learning and inquiry.
RIT offers combined accelerated bachelor's/master's degrees, which enable students to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years of study. The +1 MBA program is also available, allowing students to add an MBA to their bachelor's degree after their first year of study.
Cooperative education and internships are strongly encouraged for students in the BFA in graphic design. These experiences provide hands-on experience that enables students to apply their artistic capabilities in dynamic professional settings while making valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.
RIT's Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education hosts Creative Industry Days, which connects students majoring in art, design, film and animation, photography, and select computing majors with companies, organizations, creative agencies, design firms, and more.
A graphic design degree is perfect for students who eat, breathe, and sleep design, and would like to apply their skills in a hands-on way. In the graphic design major, we have a balance of design thinking, history, theory, conceptual explorations, problem-solving approaches and strategies, applied projects, and technical development. It all enables our students to create innovative and effective design solutions.
Graphic design is used in everything from branding and identity, books and magazines, advertising, packaging, web and interface design, motion graphics, and just about everything in between.
As an RIT graphic design student, you are exposed to a full range of design topics, including information design, editorial design, environmental design, wayfinding, motion, branding, signage, packaging, interactivity, and UX/UI. We offer collaborative experiences in and out of class that will fully prepare you for internships and co-ops during your studies, and for full-time permanent positions after you graduate. Alumni have worked for companies such as American Girl, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Disney, ESPN, Google, L.L. Bean, Mattel, Nickelodeon, Nike, Procter & Gamble, and Sports Illustrated, just to name a few.
Our program excels in digital creation but also maintains a large foothold and mastery of typographic principles and print. Being adept at both digital and print design is highly marketable, preparing you for a large range of jobs in the graphic media industry that represent digital, print, or both, while also having the capacity to see comprehensive design solutions and consistency across multiple media.
Alumni and guest speakers, along with opportunities for internships, co-ops, and freelance experiences, further enhance the program. Additionally, interdisciplinary and collaborative projects within RIT and with outside organizations result in innovative and meaningful hands-on projects that encourage you to explore the social, ethical, and environmental impact of design. You will be well-prepared to pursue positions within design firms, advertising agencies, corporations, and technology companies around the world.
You will also have access to RIT’s world-renowned Vignelli Center for Design Studies, the Cary Graphic Design Archive, and the Cary Graphic Arts Collection which enables you to further enhance your learning and inquiry.
Today’s careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT’s Combined Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.
+1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor’s degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.
| Art Director | Associate Art Director |
| Creative Designer | Creative Director |
| Digital Designer | Digital Product Designer |
| Freelance Graphic Designer | Graphic Designer |
| Experience Officer | Identity/Packaging Designer |
| Illustrator | Interactive Designer |
| Junior Art Director | Junior Director |
| Junior Graphic Designer | Motion Designer |
| Presentation Designer | Product Designer |
| Promotions Marketing Coordinator | Social Media Director |
| UI/UX Designer | Visual Designer |
| Web Designer | Web Developer |
What’s different about an RIT education? It’s the career experience you gain by completing cooperative education and internships with top companies in every single industry. You’ll earn more than a degree. You’ll gain real-world career experience that sets you apart. It’s exposure–early and often–to a variety of professional work environments, career paths, and industries.
Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Your art and design co-ops will provide hands-on experience that enables you to apply your artistic capabilities in dynamic professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.
Cooperative education, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities are strongly encouraged for students in the BFA in graphic design.
RIT’s Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education hosts Creative Industry Day, which connects students majoring in art, design, film and animation, photography, and select computing majors with companies, organizations, creative agencies, design firms, and more. You'll be able to network with company representatives and interview directly for open co-op and permanent employment positions.
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| ARTH-1## | Any 100-level ARTH course (General Education-Artistic Perspective) |
3 |
| ARTH-1## | Any 100-level ARTH course (General Education-Global Perspective) |
3 |
| FDTN-111 | Drawing I |
3 |
This course is an introduction to the visualization of form, thought and expression through the drawing process. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research, and assigned projects. Designed to provide a broad introductory experience, students will experiment with a wide variety of media, tools, techniques and subjects to develop drawing expertise and problem solving skills related to design and composition. Course work will be assessed through critique, facilitating self-assessment, and the growth of both a visual and verbal vocabulary. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication. (Undergraduate Art and Design) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring). | ||
| FDTN-121 | 2D Design I |
3 |
This course is a structured, cumulative introduction to the basic elements and principles of two-dimensional design. Organized to create a broad introductory experience, the course focuses on the development of both a visual and a verbal vocabulary as a means of exploring, developing and understanding two-dimensional compositions. Concepts are introduced through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research, assigned projects and critiques. The course addresses a wide variety of media, tools, techniques both traditional and technological, and theoretical concepts to facilitate skill development and experimentation with process. Visual comprehension, the ability to organize perceptions and horizontal thinking that crosses other disciplines and theories, are key foundational components to the development of problem solving skills. Accumulative aspects of the curriculum included the exploration of historical and cultural themes and concepts intertwined with aspects of personal interpretation and experience. (Undergraduate Art and Design) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring). | ||
| FDTN-131 | 3D Design I |
3 |
This course presents a progressive study over two-semesters in terminology, visual principles, exploration, concept generation, process, and techniques of three-dimensional design. Using hands-on problem solving, student will develop an informed understanding of the 3D form and space with an emphasis on the elements and principles of visual design and their function as the building blocks and guidelines for ordering a 3D composition. A heightened awareness of form and space will be developed through lecture, assigned projects, and critiques. Students will also develop a personal awareness of problem seeking and solving, experimentation, and critical analysis. **Note: May be taken as a one-semester offering** (Undergraduate Art and Design) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring). | ||
3 |
||
| FDTN-112 | Drawing II |
|
This course is an introduction to the visualization of form, thought and expression through the drawing process. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research, and assigned projects. Designed to provide a broad introductory experience, students will experiment with a wide variety of media, tools, techniques and subjects to develop drawing expertise and problem solving skills related to design and composition. Course work will be assessed through critique, facilitating self-assessment, and the growth of both a visual and verbal vocabulary. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication. (Prerequisites: FDTN-111 or ITDI-211 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Fall, Spring, Summer). | ||
| FDTN-212 | Drawing II Workshop: Topics |
|
This course is an investigation of the visualization of form, thought and expression through the drawing process. This workshop provides students with the opportunity to learn more about a particular experience in drawing while still covering required foundation elements. Different topics may be taken in the same semester. Topics may only be taken once. Concepts are introduced by lectures, discussions, demonstrations, research and assigned projects.. The focus of the course is to provide awareness of the full range of ways in which drawing is used as a tool for both self-expression and communication. (Prerequisites: FDTN-111 or ITDI-211 or equivalent course.) Studio 6 (Spring). | ||
| GRDE-106 | Graphic Design Studio I |
3 |
This course is an introduction to basic visual communications in the field of graphic design. Lectures will cover graphic design topics and information ranging from typographic terminology and design principles to methods of visual organization. Assignments will be undertaken in the studio where hands-on introduction to graphic design studio skills and practices will occur. Through formal studies and perceptual understanding, including aesthetics, graphic form and structure, concept development problems and visual organization, students will design solutions to visual communication problems. Assignments will explore aspects of graphic imagery, typography, hierarchy, and layout. Students will refine their computer skills through applications requiring digital formats. (This course is restricted to GRDE-BFA or PHIMAG-BFA PHVMEDIA Major students.) Lab 5 (Spring, Summer). | ||
| GRDE-107 | Motion Design I |
3 |
This course will introduce the concepts, principles and techniques of motion design and animation. Topics covered are planning and organization methods in the form of storyboards, animatics, kinetics, animation principles, sequencing, composition, visual variables, and forms of narrative storytelling. Focus is on the integration of time and media, such as illustration, photography, video, audio, animation and type, to communicate a moving message. This course will emphasize design from a problem-solving point of view and explores the production-timeline. (This course is restricted to GRDE-BFA or VISMEDIA-BFA Major students.) Lab 5 (Spring). | ||
| YOPS-10 | RIT 365: RIT Connections |
0 |
RIT 365 students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed to launch them into their career at RIT, support them in making multiple and varied connections across the university, and immerse them in processes of competency development. Students will plan for and reflect on their first-year experiences, receive feedback, and develop a personal plan for future action in order to develop foundational self-awareness and recognize broad-based professional competencies. Lecture 1 (Fall, Spring). | ||
General Education – First-Year Writing (WI) |
3 | |
3 |
||
General Education – Natural Science Inquiry Perspective |
||
General Education – Scientific Principles Perspective |
||
General Education – Mathematical Perspective A |
||
| Second Year | ||
| GRDE-201 | Typography I |
3 |
This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of typography (the visual representation of language) to effectively convey information and ideas to specific audiences. Focus is on the communicative function and aesthetic nature of typographic problem-solving. Course content and lectures will cover typographic terminology, type anatomy, history of typography as well as type classification, type measurement, and issues of legibility and readability. Once students are introduced to the fundamentals of typography, they will include imagery as appropriate. Students will also refine their skills using relevant software. (Pre-requisites: GRDE-106 and (GRDE-107 or FDTN-141) or equivalent courses.) Lab 3 (Fall or Spring). | ||
| GRDE-202 | Graphic Design Studio II |
3 |
This course will focus on the analysis, creation and use of imagery for communication purposes, along with an introduction to symbol and icon design as it relates to branding. Processes and techniques for creating images are explored. Projects incorporate symbolism, concept development and integration of image and text. This course will build upon the principles and theories learned in Graphic Design Studio I with project solutions developed for print media, motion and digital use. (Pre-requisites: GRDE-106 and (GRDE-107 or FDTN-141) or equivalent courses.) Lab 3 (Fall or Spring). | ||
| GRDE-205 | History of Graphic Design (WI-PR) |
3 |
This course will focus on the development of graphic communication from prehistory through the present. This course will provide students with knowledge and understanding of the places, people, events; historical and cultural factors; and technological innovations that have influenced the practice of graphic design. Lectures are complemented by guest speakers, archive visits, videos, research projects, critical essay writing, and discussion. (Prerequisites: ARTH-136 or equivalent course and completion of First Year Writing (FYW) requirement.) Lecture 3 (Fall, Spring). | ||
| GRDE-206 | Typography II |
3 |
Students will expand upon the principles of grid theory, text and display typography, sequence, page layout, and type and image integration as they relate to a range of design applications: posters, instructional materials, brochures, magazines, books, etc. Visual organization, message communication, and imaging and page layout software skills are integrated in the course. (Prerequisite: GRDE-201 or GRDE-202 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall or Spring). | ||
| GRDE-207 | Interactive Design I |
3 |
This course provides an introduction to interactivity through the study of basic principles and methodologies involved in designing digital interfaces. Students will engage in projects where they will investigate, conceptualize and propose innovative interactive solutions to problems through a human-centered design approach. Students will create navigable interfaces and systems that allow audiences to achieve meaningful goals through compelling content, connecting people to people and people to information and environments. The course will also provide an introduction to building websites and developing interactive components using industry standard coding languages and software. (Prerequisite: GRDE-201 or GRDE-202 or equivalent course.) Lab 5 (Spring). | ||
| GRDE-217 | Motion Design II |
3 |
This comprehensive course will expand student knowledge of motion principles and theories and allow students to hone their technical skills. The course will cover advanced principles of motion graphics and animated storytelling. Focus will be on complex motion and animation techniques and best workflow practices. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional elements will be incorporated in working with spatial and visual continuity. Emphasis will be on experimentation, interactive storytelling, and the ability to convey a message through motion. Advanced techniques such as graph editors, working in 3D space with camera and motion tracking, video, audio, rotoscoping, compositing, and rendering will be introduced. (Pre-requisites: GRDE-106 and (GRDE-107 or FDTN-141) or equivalent courses.) Lab 5 (Spring). | ||
CAD Studio Elective† |
3 | |
Open Elective |
3 | |
General Education – Ethical Perspective |
3 | |
General Education – Social Perspective |
3 | |
| Third Year | ||
| GRDE-301 | Graphic Design Studio III |
3 |
This course will explore information design. Problem-solving focuses on functional requirements, information transmission, accessibility, and design structure across a range of formats. Applied problems are solved through principles of systems thinking, structure, diagrammatic interpretation, and the visual display of information. This course will build upon the principles and theories learned in Graphic Design Studio II with project solutions developed for print media, motion and digital use. (Prerequisites: GRDE-206 and GRDE-207 and GRDE-217 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3 (Fall). | ||
| GRDE-302 | Interactive Design II |
3 |
This course encompasses and expands on previous interactive design, development, and graphic design experience. In this class, the application of user-centered design methodologies will be emphasized in the planning and implementing of interactive, instructional projects across multiple devices and platforms. Thorough exploration of the user experience will explored, and the resulting informed decisions on designing effective user interfaces. Students will engage in projects that incorporate contemporary social-cultural issues and will directly handle real content to define the underlying information architecture and structure of their interactive solutions. Design patterns, current, and future trends related to UI design will be discussed and applied according to industry’s best practices. (Pre-requisites: GRDE-206 and GRDE-207 and GRDE-217 or equivalent courses.
Co-requisite: GRDE-301 or equivalent course.) Lab 5 (Fall). | ||
| GRDE-306 | Professional Practices |
3 |
In this course students will learn strategies to obtain internships and permanent employment in the graphic design profession. Emphasis will be placed on the various positions available to designers, the designer/client relationship, business aspects of design, and professional ethics and expectations. At the conclusion of this course students will be able to create promotional materials, including resume and portfolio design so that students can effectively and professionally present themselves in the field. (Prerequisites: GRDE-207 or equivalent course.) Lecture 3 (Fall). | ||
| GRDE-307 | Design Systems I |
3 |
This course will provide students with conceptual, organizational, and aesthetic problem-solving methods to create unified and effective design systems, such as corporate identity systems, icon sets, poster and/or packaging series. Students will have an opportunity to synthesize graphic design principles from their previous courses into more advanced and in-depth projects. Research, concept generation, and relevant aesthetic principles will be emphasized. Presentation, writing, and professional skills will be a focus to prepare students for senior year coursework . Teamwork strategies and skills are implemented throughout the semester. (Prerequisites: GRDE-301 and GRDE-302 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3 (Spring). | ||
| GRDE-308 | Experiential Graphic Design |
3 |
This course will focus on design problem solving for three-dimensional spaces and environments. Design process, initial concepts, and final design solutions are developed to assist users in negotiating various interior and exterior environments. Areas of application may include: architectural graphics, signage systems, exhibit design, themed museum experiences, and dynamic environments. Two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and digital design attributes are incorporated using appropriate materials and software. (Prerequisites: GRDE-301 and GRDE-302 or equivalent courses.) Lab 3 (Spring). | ||
Art History Elective‡ |
3 | |
CAD Studio Elective† |
3 | |
Open Elective |
3 | |
General Education – Immersion 1 (WI), 2 |
6 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| GRDE-411 | Graphic Design Studio IV |
3 |
Students will acquire and practice the skills necessary to initiate and complete the research phase for a comprehensive project on a topic of each student’s choosing. Students will identify a topic to research with the objective of bringing innovation or new knowledge to this area through this experience. Students will identify faculty and individuals to serve as expert consultants who will help guide the process and to evaluate the project in milestones throughout the semester. Students will write an abstract and submit this to the consultants for approval. Each milestone will be evaluated and graded. Emphasis will be on experimentation, exploration, and development of a wide range of ideas. (Prerequisites: GRDE-306 and GRDE-307 and GRDE-308 or equivalent courses.
Co-requisite: GRDE-421 or equivalent course.) Lab 3 (Fall). | ||
| GRDE-412 | Graphic Design Capstone |
3 |
In this course, students’ working knowledge of graphic design will culminate in a comprehensive capstone project. The content of each capstone project will vary depending upon each students' focus/direction and approval from their instructor. The students will build on previous course work. Process and in-progress development is shared via class presentations and a final public exhibition for dissemination. A final formal presentation is required. (Prerequisites: GRDE-411 and GRDE-421 or equivalent courses.) Studio 5 (Spring). | ||
| GRDE-421 | Design Systems II |
3 |
This course will provide an overview of branding and identity design. Processes, theories, design methods, brand strategies, positioning, touch-points, research, and management are introduced in creating comprehensive branding and identity systems. Case studies will provide students with historical context. Students will explore current and future trends related to branding. (Prerequisites: GRDE-306 and GRDE-307 and GRDE-308 or equivalent courses.) Studio 5 (Fall). | ||
Professional Electives |
6 | |
Open Electives |
9 | |
General Education – Immersion |
3 | |
General Education – Elective |
3 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 120 |
|
Please see General Education Curriculum (GE) for more information.
(WI) Refers to a writing intensive course within the major.
Please see Wellness Education Requirement for more information. Students completing bachelor's degrees are required to complete two different Wellness courses.
† CAD Studio Elective courses are any College of Art and Design course with a studio or lab component, per catalog restrictions.
‡ Art History electives are non-studio courses searchable in SIS with the Art History attribute of ARTH; and are 200 level or above.
| Course | ||
|---|---|---|
| GRDE-401 | Collaborative Design |
|
This course offers students the opportunity and challenge of working on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary teams to create professional level projects, which are collaborative, competitive and cooperative in structure and implementation. The content of the course will vary depending upon faculty expertise and coordination between departments, schools and colleges, as well as possible outside non-profit clients. (Prerequisites: GRDE-306 and GRDE-307 and GRDE-308 or equivalent courses.) Lecture 2 (Fall, Spring). | ||
| GRDE-418 | Editorial Design |
|
This course will explore the role of a graphic designer in developing effective and innovative communication for editorial design. Students will work on interdisciplinary teams (with photographers and/or illustrators) to create visual solutions for in-class projects and/or a magazine produced by the class. Design development processes and aspects of production methods will be implemented, and innovative techniques in digital publication design will be explored. (Prerequisites: GRDE-307 and GRDE-308 or equivalent courses.) Studio 5 (Fall or Spring). | ||
| GRDE-422 | Interactive Design III |
|
This course focuses on the application of advanced interactive methods using graphic design concepts, principles, and processes, along with the theories and methodologies of interactive design. Students will develop and refine skills in project planning, research, interface design and methods, UX/UI and usability through applied projects. Students will be encouraged to explore highly structured as well as highly experimental approaches to merging content with interactivity design while also incorporating social-cultural issues. (Prerequisites: GRDE-302 and GRDE-307 or equivalent courses.) Lab 5 (Fall or Spring). | ||
| GRDE-423 | Typography III |
|
This course will provide students an advanced study of typography as it relates to graphic design, including historical and contemporary contexts. Terminology and advanced applications of typography, complex grid systems, experimental typographic methods, and material studies will be explored. The development of a personal creative approach to form and communication will be emphasized. (Prerequisites: GRDE-302 and GRDE-307 or equivalent courses.) Studio 5 (Fall or Spring). | ||
| GRDE-428 | Advertising Design |
|
This course will explore the role of the graphic designer in developing communicative design for advertising. Emphasis will be placed on effective communication of the concept development and client’s message. Advertising will be addressed in a broad context, and the course will include the relationship and use of typography, photographic imagery and layout for advertising impact. At times, this course will collaborate with an upper-level advertising photography class to better understand and experience the working relationship between the photographer and the designer. Some projects will be with outside clients, such as non-profit organizations or the Ad Council. (Prerequisites: GRDE-307 and GRDE-308 or equivalent courses.) Studio 5 (Fall or Spring). | ||
| GRDE-431 | Packaging Systems Collaborative |
|
This course focuses on the design of physical packaging for the protection and marketing of goods. Aspects of visual, structural, ergonomic and environmental issues are considered in the design of rigid and flexible containers. Taught as a team/collaborative course, students from graphic design, packaging science, and industrial design will work together to develop effective packaging design solutions. (Prerequisites: GRDE-307 and GRDE-308 or equivalent courses.) Studio 5 (Fall or Spring). | ||
| GRDE-432 | Packaging Systems Projects |
|
This course will focus on the design of physical packaging for the protection and marketing of goods. Aspects of visual, structural, ergonomic and environmental issues are considered in the design of rigid and flexible containers, in order to develop effective packaging design solutions. (Prerequisites: (GRDE-307 and GRDE-308) or IDDE-301 or equivalent courses..) Studio 5 (Fall or Spring). | ||
