Program Overview

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design Overview

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) with a major in Graphic Design is an intensive professional degree program designed to prepare students for careers in graphic and advertising design, electronic media, and related new technologies. Graphic Design at the University of Dayton explores visual communication through a broad range of media, combining art and design foundation courses and the graphic design curriculum within a broad liberal arts education.

Program Preparation and Career Opportunities

Preparation is geared for professional careers in a variety of areas within corporations, small businesses, institutions, and government agencies where skills in graphic design, web design, user experience, user interface, packaging, advertising, information design, and environmental design are employed.

Major Requirements

• 81 credits are required for the major, including:
  • VAF104 Foundation Drawing (Satisfies CAP Arts) - 3 credits
  • VAF112 Foundation 2-D Design - 3 credits
  • VAF117 Foundation 3-D Design - 3 credits
  • VAF216 Design and Color - 3 credits
  • VAP101 Foundation Photography - 3 credits
  • VAD220 Design Processes I - 3 credits
  • VAD240 Form and Concept - 3 credits
  • VAD245 Typography I - 3 credits
  • VAD320 Design Processes II - 3 credits
  • VAD345 Typography II - 3 credits
  • VAD360 Web Design - 3 credits
  • VAD411 Graphic Design I - 3 credits
  • VAD412 Graphic Design II - 3 credits
  • VAD415 Graphic Design III - 3 credits
  • VAD498 Senior/Professional Seminar - Graphic Design - 3 credits
  • VAD499 Portfolio and Paper - Graphic Design (Satisfies CAP Major Capstone) - 3 credits

Electives and Art History

• 9 credits of VA Electives
• 0 credits of VAR299 The Exchange
• 3 credits of Art History, choosing one from:
  • VAH201 Survey of Art I
  • VAH202 Survey of Art II
  • VAH203 Survey of Art III
  • VAH383 History of Graphic Design
• 6 credits of VAH 300 400 Electives

Elective Studies and Breadth Requirements

• 12 credits of Elective Studies in a non-visual arts field but relevant to the student's major, including but not limited to:
  • Business
  • Sustainability
  • Human Rights
  • Marketing
  • Communication
  • Women and Gender Studies
  • Theatre
• 1 credit of ASI150 Introduction to the University Experience

Total Hours Requirement

Total hours must be at least 120 to complete the program.