BFA in Graphic Design (74.5–81.5 hours)
This is a limited-enrollment program requiring departmental admissions approval. Please see the department office for information regarding requirements for admission to this major.
Program Requirements |
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- Complete the following core requirements:
VA 111 : Freshman Seminar.
(1.5:2:2)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| WHEN TAUGHT: | Fall |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Conceptual and philosophical preparation for visual arts majors. Lecture and guided discussion seminar with weekly labs. Nature and value of visual arts and visual culture. |
VA 114 : Drawing.
(3:2:4)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| WHEN TAUGHT: | Fall; Winter |
| PREREQUISITE: | Acceptance into visual arts program. |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Observational and conceptual drawing using a variety of media and methods. |
VA 115 : Two-Dimensional Design.
(3:2:4)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| WHEN TAUGHT: | Fall; Winter |
| PREREQUISITE: | Acceptance into visual arts program. |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Formal and conceptual elements of design, color, and composition, using a variety of media. |
VAILL 131 : Figure Drawing for Illustrators.
(3:6:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| WHEN TAUGHT: | Fall; Winter; Spring; Summer |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Figure study for illustrators using a variety of media and methods. Readings, writings, and participation in course work exhibitions required. |
VAPHO 134 : Introduction to Photography.
(1.5:6:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| WHEN TAUGHT: | Fall Blk 1, Blk 2; Winter Blk 1, Blk 2; Spring; Summer |
| PREREQUISITE: | VA 111 & VA 115 |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Introduction to photography for visual arts majors, including camera operation and digital capture, photographic principles, lighting, and design with limited postproduction editing. No darkroom. |
VASTU 133 : Three-Dimensional Design.
(1.5:6:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| WHEN TAUGHT: | Fall Blk 1, Blk 2; Winter Blk 1, Blk 2; Spring; Summer |
| PREREQUISITE: | VA 111 & VA 114 & VA 115 |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Three-dimensional concepts, theories, and issues using a variety of media and processes. Readings, writings, and participation in course work exhibitions required. |
| NOTE: | Fee. |
- Obtain acceptance into the graphic design BFA program.
- Complete the following:
VAGD 210 : Intermediate Computer Applications Graphic Design.
(2:1:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| WHEN TAUGHT: | Fall; Spring |
| PREREQUISITE: | Visual arts core. |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Introduction to computer software programs specific to graphic design. |
VAGD 243 : Basic Typography.
(2:1:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| PREREQUISITE: | Visual arts core. |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Exploring fundamentals and traditions for creating, setting, and designing with type. Solving visual problems with type. |
VAGD 245 : Introduction to Graphic Design.
(2:1:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| PREREQUISITE: | Visual arts core. |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Communication problems and solutions through visual interpretations of images, type, and symbols. Comprehensive study of printing, binding methods; manufacture and uses of printing papers. |
VAGD 310 : Advanced Computer Application Graphic Design.
(2:1:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| WHEN TAUGHT: | Fall; Winter; Spring |
| PREREQUISITE: | VAGD 210 |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Specific graphic design computer program applications. |
VAGD 340 : Corporate Identity Design.
(3:2:4)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| PREREQUISITE: | VAGD 243; BFA acceptance |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Current philosophy in corporate identification and trademark design. Design trademarks, logotypes, and identity programs. |
VAGD 342 : Advertising Design.
(3:2:4)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| PREREQUISITE: | BFA acceptance. |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Particular demands of the advertising world: marketing strategy, editorial and visual concepts, etc. Design ads, collateral materials, campaigns. |
VAGD 441 : Senior Graphic Design Studio 1.
(3:2:4)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| PREREQUISITE: | BFA acceptance. |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Opportunity for senior class members to work as a group in solving design problems for real clients on major projects. |
VAILL 251 : Illustration 1.
(2:1:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| WHEN TAUGHT: | Fall; Winter; Summer |
| PREREQUISITE: | Visual arts core. |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Overview of styles, techniques, methods, and materials. Illustrative concepts and problem solving. |
- Complete five hours of the following:
- Complete the following history requirement:
- Complete one course from the following history requirements:
ARTHC 350 : Modern Art.
(3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| OFFERED: | Independent Study also. |
| WHEN TAUGHT: | Fall; Winter |
| PREREQUISITE: | ArtHC 202 or instructor's consent. |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Modern European art and theory, 1900--1945. |
SFL 328 : History of Interior Design and Architecture 1.
(3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| WHEN TAUGHT: | Fall; Winter; Spring |
| DESCRIPTION:  | History of interior design, architecture, and furnishings from ancient Egypt to beaux arts movement. French, English, and American design. |
VAILL 355 : History of American Illustration 1 (1860-1930).
(3:4:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| PREREQUISITE: | Visual arts core. |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Survey of illustration in visual communication, emphasizing the birth of publishing and "Golden Age" of American illustration, 1860-1930. |
- Complete four of the following supporting courses:
BUS M 241 : Marketing Management.
(3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| OFFERED: | Independent Study also. |
| WHEN TAUGHT: | Fall; Winter; Spring; Summer |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Marketing's role in society and the firm, marketing opportunities, the consumer market, and management of marketing mix. |
| NOTE: | For non-management majors. |
COMMS 230 : Introduction to Advertising.
(3:3:0)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| WHEN TAUGHT: | Fall; Winter; Spring; Summer On Demand |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Principles of advertising; critical evaluation of its role and value in American society. Experience in writing and creating ads for all media. |
VAGD 348 : Type as Image.
(3:2:4)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| PREREQUISITE: | BFA acceptance. |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Developing unique and expressive letterforms, especially the modification of letters to create new abstract or pictorial images. |
VAGD 410R : Computer Applications Studio for Graphic Designers.
(2:1:3)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| WHEN TAUGHT: | Winter |
| PREREQUISITE: | VAGD 310 |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Individual graphic design project using high-end hardware and software. |
VAILL 351 : Illustration 2.
(3:2:4)(Credit Hours:Lecture Hours:Lab Hours)| PREREQUISITE: | Visual Arts acceptance. |
| DESCRIPTION:  | Narrative illustration problems emphasizing academic study of the human figure using various media. |