Graphic Design, B.A.
The Graphic Design program at Georgian Court University offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree for students interested in creativity, visual communication, and design innovation. The curriculum builds a strong foundation in core design principles while integrating contemporary practices such as design thinking, UI/UX design, and emerging technologies.
The 54-credit major develops essential design skills while allowing flexibility to pursue complementary electives or additional academic interests, supported by faculty and academic advising. The program emphasizes global, inclusive, and ethical perspectives, preparing students to engage diverse audiences and adapt to evolving professional contexts.
Through internships, service learning, and real-world projects, students gain hands-on experience that connects academic study with professional practice. Graduates are prepared with the creative, technical, and communication skills needed for careers in design or for advanced study.
Georgian Court University does not require a portfolio for admission into the Graphic Design program, reflecting a commitment to access and opportunity for students with diverse backgrounds and levels of prior experience.
Upon completion of the Graphic Design program, students will be able to:
- Apply research-informed, human-centered design strategies to develop original concepts across diverse design contexts.
- Demonstrate proficiency in visual communication across print and digital platforms, including typography, branding, UI/UX, motion, and interactive media, using industry-standard tools.
- Develop design solutions that reflect global, inclusive, and ethical perspectives with sensitivity to diverse audiences and contexts.
- Integrate theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and collaborative practices to meet professional standards and adapt to evolving industry demands.
- Communicate effectively through visual, oral, and written forms in professional contexts, including internships and portfolio development.
To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Graphic Design requires 54 credits in major courses, including 30 credits of core requirements and 24 credits of specialized study, plus AR220 Modern Art or AR228 European & U.S. Art (either of which fulfills the Creative Thinking & Expression Gen Ed requirement).
Major Sequence
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design Courses | ||
| GD111 | Introduction to Design | 3.0 |
| GD112 | Drawing for Designers | 3.0 |
| GD113 | Computer Graphics | 3.0 |
| GD114 | Graphic Design I | 3.0 |
| GD212 | Intro to Design Thinking | 3.0 |
| GD213 | Typography I | 3.0 |
| GD214 | Graphic Design II | 3.0 |
| GD220 | Visual Principles & Strategy | 3.0 |
| GD226 | Video & Sound Editing | 3.0 |
| GD230 | Brand Identity Systems | 3.0 |
| GD322 | Web Design | 3.0 |
| GD324 | Typography II | 3.0 |
| GD327 | Motion Graphics | 3.0 |
| GD328 | Design Thinking & Innovation | 3.0 |
| GD422 | Creative Web & Interaction Design | 3.0 |
| GD429 | Internship | 3.0 |
| GD430 | Professional Practices | 3.0 |
| GD440 | Special Topics | 3.0 |
| Related Courses | ||
| AR220 | Modern Art | 3.0 |
| or AR228 | European & U.S. Art | |
| Total Credits | 57.0 | |
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | |
| GEN101 | Pathway to the Bridge 1 | 2.0 |
| EN111 or EN221 |
Writing, Research, and Digital Literacy 1 or HNRS: Rhetoric, Research & Digital Lit |
3.0 |
| GD111 | Introduction to Design 2 | 3.0 |
| GD113 | Computer Graphics 2 | 3.0 |
| Elective | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 14.0 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| GEN199 | WI:Discovering Self in the Universe 1 | 3.0 |
| Mathematical Reasoning 1 | 3.0-4.0 | |
| GD114 | Graphic Design I 2 | 3.0 |
| GD220 | Visual Principles & Strategy 2 | 3.0 |
| AR220 or AR228 |
Modern Art 1,2 or European & U.S. Art |
3.0 |
| Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Scientific Thinking or Critical Reading 1 | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Understanding Human Behavior or Intercultural 1 | 3.0 | |
| GD112 | Drawing for Designers 2 | 3.0 |
| GD214 | Graphic Design II 2 | 3.0 |
| Elective | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Scientific Thinking or Critical Reading 1 | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Ethics or Religious Studies 1 | 3.0 | |
| GD213 | Typography I 2 | 3.0 |
| GD226 | Video & Sound Editing 2 | 3.0 |
| Elective | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Ethics or Religious Studies 1 | 3.0 | |
| GD230 | Brand Identity Systems 2 | 3.0 |
| GD324 | Typography II 2 | 3.0 |
| GD327 | Motion Graphics 2 | 3.0 |
| Elective | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 15.0 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3.0 | |
| WI:Visioning a Future | ||
Power & Society |
||
Understanding Human Behavior or Intercultural |
||
| GD212 | Intro to Design Thinking 2 | 3.0 |
| GD322 | Web Design 2 | 3.0 |
| Elective | 6.0 | |
| Credits | 15.0 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3.0 | |
| WI:Visioning a Future | ||
Power & Society |
||
Understanding Human Behavior or Intercultural |
||
| GD328 | Design Thinking & Innovation 2 | 3.0 |
| GD422 | Creative Web & Interaction Design 2 | 3.0 |
| Elective | 6.0 | |
| Credits | 15.0 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3.0 | |
| WI:Visioning a Future | ||
Power & Society |
||
Understanding Human Behavior or Intercultural |
||
| GD440 | Special Topics 2 | 3.0 |
| GD429 | Internship 2 | 3.0 |
| GD430 | Professional Practices 2 | 3.0 |
| Elective | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 15.0 | |
| Total Credits | 119.0-122.0 | |
- 1
General Education
- 2
Major