Graphic Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Program Overview
Graphic Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Program Overview
The Graphic Design program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a creative and analytical process that integrates art and technology to communicate ideas and information. The goal of the Department of Graphic Design at VCU is to educate students to become innovators and leaders in three related areas of professional practice: print design, sequential design, and interaction design.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Graphic Design program can pursue various career paths, including:
- Graphic Designer
- Web Designer/Developer
- Art Director
- Exhibit Designer
- User Interface Designer
Bachelor-Level Job Titles
Some potential job titles for bachelor's degree holders in Graphic Design include:
- Brand Strategist
- Communication Strategist
- Digital Content Creator
- Exhibit Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Marketing Communicator
- Motion Graphics Designer
- Packaging Designer
- Print Designer
- User Interface Designer
- Visual Designer
- Web Designer
Graduate and Professional Level Job Titles
Some potential job titles for graduate and professional level degree holders in Graphic Design include:
- Art Director
- Communications Director
- Marketing Manager
- Producer
Admission Requirements
There is no guaranteed admission to the Graphic Design program. Students are advised to apply for admission during their first year at community college and review deadlines and portfolio requirements for transfer applicants.
Degree Requirements
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design requires a minimum of 122 credits. Students must complete the Art Foundation program at VCU or equivalent courses at another institution to be eligible for admission to the Graphic Design degree.
Course Requirements
Community college courses that can be transferred to VCU include:
- SDV 100: College Success Skills
- ENG 111: College Composition I
- ENG 112: College Composition II
- MTH 154: Quantitative Reasoning
- ART 101: History of Art: Prehistoric to Gothic
- ART 102: History of Art: Renaissance to Modern
- ART 121: Foundations of Drawing
- ART 131: Two-Dimensional Design
- Social Science elective
- Lab Science elective
- History elective
VCU courses required for the Graphic Design major include:
- ARTF 133: Space Research
- ARTF 134: Time Studio
- ARTF 139 or ARTF 138: Project Studio or Project Seminar
- GDES 220: Design Practices
- GDES 221: Core Studio I
- GDES 222: Core Studio II
- GDES 231: Theory Inquiry
- GDES 321: Core Studio III
- GDES 322: Core Studio IV
- GDES 331: Precedents Inquiry
- GDES 380: Multi Studio I
- GDES 398: Dialogues
- GDES 431: Critical Inquiry
- GDES 440: Synthesis
- GDES 480: Multi Studio II
- GDES electives (300 to 500 level)
- Open electives
Additional Requirements
Students must also complete the REAL requirement, which may be satisfied by successfully completing a 300-level (or higher) course that has received a REAL attribute of Level 2, 3, or 4, or through an approved "REAL" co-curricular experience that has received a REAL attribute of Level 3 or 4.
GPA Requirements
A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required to declare the Graphic Design major.
Tuition and Fees
Additional tuition/fees may apply. Students should consult with the VCU Office of Admissions for more information.