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Students
Tuition Fee
Start Date
Medium of studying
Duration
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Diploma
Major
Graphic Arts | Graphic Design | Visual Communications
Area of study
Arts
Course Language
English
About Program

Program Overview


Colorado State University's Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art with a Graphic Design Concentration prepares students for careers in visual communication. The program emphasizes conceptual problem-solving, technical proficiency, and experimentation in typography, illustration, and design systems, equipping graduates with the skills to create effective and impactful visual communication across print and digital media. Graduates are prepared for careers in graphic design, web design, marketing, and other industries requiring visual communication expertise.

Program Outline


), Graphic Design Concentration


Degree Overview:

The Graphic Design concentration at Colorado State University is designed to align with the artistry, practices, and standards of excellence in contemporary design professions. The program emphasizes rich processes, conceptual problem-solving, and technical proficiency, enabling students to create effective visual communication across print and digital media.


Objectives:

  • Develop strong conceptual problem-solving skills.
  • Master technical proficiency in various design software and tools.
  • Explore typography, illustration, and design systems through experimentation.
  • Create designs that address social impact and awareness.
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of design theory, history, and professional practices.
  • Prepare for the challenges and opportunities of visual communication professionals.

Outline:

The program is structured across four years (Freshman to Senior) with a total of 120 credit hours required for graduation.


Course Schedule:

  • Freshman Year:
  • ART 105: Issues and Practices in Art (1 credit)
  • ART 110: Global Art History I (3 credits)
  • ART 111: Global Art History II (3 credits)
  • ART 120: Foundations - Time and Structure (3 credits)
  • ART 135: Foundations - Form and Observation (3 credits)
  • ART 160: Foundations - Color and Composition (3 credits)
  • ART 170: Foundations - Materials and Space (3 credits)
  • CO 150: College Composition (GT-CO2) (3 credits)
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (3 credits)
  • Quantitative Reasoning (3 credits)
  • Sophomore Year:
  • ART 212: Global Art History III (3 credits)
  • ART 255: Introduction to Graphic Design (3 credits)
  • Three courses from the following:
  • ART 230: Photo Image Making I
  • ART 235: Drawing Materials and Techniques
  • ART 240: Pottery I
  • ART 245: Metalsmithing and Jewelry I
  • ART 250: Fibers I
  • ART 256: Introduction to Electronic Art
  • ART 260: Painting I - Fundamentals and Representation
  • ART 265: Introduction to Printmaking
  • ART 270: Sculpture I
  • Upper-Division Art History (3 credits)
  • Biological and Physical Sciences (3 credits)
  • Historical Perspectives (3 credits)
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)
  • Junior Year:
  • ART 355: Typography and Design Systems (4 credits)
  • ART 356: Illustration (4 credits)
  • Two Art Electives (6 credits)
  • Upper-Division Art History (3 credits)
  • Upper-Division Art Elective (4 credits)
  • Upper-Division Non-Art Elective (3 credits)
  • Advanced Writing (3 credits)
  • Arts and Humanities (3 credits)
  • Elective (3 credits)
  • Senior Year:
  • ART 400: BFA Portfolio (1 credit)
  • ART 455: Advanced Typography and Design Systems (4 credits)
  • ART 456: Advanced Illustration (4 credits)
  • Two Upper-Division Art Electives (8 credits)
  • Three Upper-Division Non-Art Electives (9 credits)
  • Three Non-Art Electives (any level) (9 credits)

Individual Modules:

  • ART 105: Issues and Practices in Art: Introduces fundamental concepts and practices in art, exploring diverse artistic approaches and their historical and cultural contexts.
  • ART 120: Foundations - Time and Structure: Develops foundational skills in visual communication, focusing on principles of time, space, and structure through various media and techniques.
  • ART 135: Foundations - Form and Observation: Emphasizes observational drawing and rendering techniques, fostering an understanding of form, light, and shadow.
  • ART 160: Foundations - Color and Composition: Explores the principles of color theory and composition, developing skills in color mixing, value, and visual organization.
  • ART 170: Foundations - Materials and Space: Introduces a range of materials and techniques used in art, exploring their properties and applications in three-dimensional space.
  • ART 212: Global Art History III: Continues the exploration of art history, focusing on specific periods and movements, including modern and contemporary art.
  • ART 230: Photo Image Making I: Introduces the fundamentals of photography, covering camera operation, composition, lighting, and basic darkroom techniques.
  • ART 235: Drawing Materials and Techniques: Explores various drawing materials and techniques, including charcoal, pencil, pastels, and ink, developing skills in line, tone, and texture.
  • ART 240: Pottery I: Introduces the basics of pottery, covering hand-building techniques, wheel throwing, and glazing.
  • ART 245: Metalsmithing and Jewelry I: Introduces the fundamentals of metalsmithing, covering basic techniques like soldering, forming, and finishing.
  • ART 255: Introduction to Graphic Design: Introduces the principles and practices of graphic design, covering typography, layout, color theory, and visual communication.
  • ART 256: Introduction to Electronic Art: Introduces the fundamentals of digital art and animation, exploring software and techniques for creating digital images and moving graphics.
  • ART 260: Painting I - Fundamentals and Representation: Develops foundational skills in painting, covering color mixing, brushwork, and techniques for representing form and space.
  • ART 265: Introduction to Printmaking: Introduces various printmaking techniques, including relief printing, intaglio, and lithography.
  • ART 270: Sculpture I: Introduces the fundamentals of sculpture, covering basic techniques like modeling, carving, and casting.
  • ART 355: Typography and Design Systems: Explores the principles of typography, design systems, and visual hierarchy, developing skills in creating effective typographic layouts and visual identities.
  • ART 356: Illustration: Develops skills in illustration, covering techniques for creating visual narratives, character design, and storytelling through images.
  • ART 400: BFA Portfolio: Guides students in developing a professional portfolio showcasing their best work, preparing them for job applications and exhibitions.
  • ART 455: Advanced Typography and Design Systems: Builds upon the foundation of typography and design systems, exploring advanced concepts and techniques for creating complex and sophisticated visual communication.
  • ART 456: Advanced Illustration: Develops advanced illustration skills, focusing on professional-level techniques for creating high-quality illustrations for various applications.

Assessment:

  • Portfolio Review: Students are required to submit a portfolio of their work for review at the end of each semester.
  • Coursework: Grades are assigned based on assignments, projects, and exams.
  • BFA Portfolio: The final BFA portfolio is assessed by a panel of faculty and professionals, evaluating the student's overall artistic development and professional readiness.

Teaching:

  • Faculty: The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in graphic design, visual communication, and related fields.
  • Teaching Methods: A combination of lectures, studio critiques, workshops, and individual instruction is used to facilitate learning.
  • Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes hands-on learning, encouraging students to experiment, explore, and develop their own creative voice.

Careers:

  • Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the Graphic Design concentration are prepared for a wide range of careers in the visual communication industry, including:
  • Graphic Designer
  • Web Designer
  • User Interface (UI) Designer
  • User Experience (UX) Designer
  • Illustrator
  • Art Director
  • Brand Designer
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Visual Communication Specialist
  • Opportunities: Graduates can find employment in advertising agencies, design studios, publishing houses, marketing departments, and other organizations that require visual communication expertise.
  • Outcomes: The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a competitive and evolving design industry.

Other:

  • Distinctive Requirements: A minimum grade of C (2.000) or better is required in ART 355, ART 356, ART 455, and ART 456.
  • Upper-Division Art History Courses: Students are required to complete 6 credits of upper-division art history courses, with at least 3 credits satisfying AUCC categories 4A and 4B.
  • Portfolio Review: Portfolio reviews are recommended at the end of Semester 3 and are required by the end of Semester 4.
  • Benchmark Courses: The benchmark courses for the 8th semester are the remaining courses in the entire program of study.
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