Graphic Design, B.A.
The Graphic Design program at Georgian Court University offers a BA degree for students passionate about creativity, visual storytelling, 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 students the flexibility to pursue complementary electives or other academic interests, supported by faculty and academic advisors. The program emphasizes a global, inclusive, and ethical approach, preparing students to engage diverse audiences and adapt to evolving professional standards.
Through internships, service learning, and real-world projects, students gain hands-on experience that bridges academic study with industry practice. Graduates are equipped with the creative, technical, and communication skills needed for success in today’s dynamic design field or for pursuing advanced studies.
Georgian Court University values potential and passion over prior accomplishments, hence, does not require a portfolio for admission into the graphic design program. This inclusive approach ensures that all enthusiastic individuals have the opportunity to pursue their creative passions, regardless of their experience level.
Upon completion of the Graphic Design degree program, students will be able to:
- Apply creative strategies and problem-solving methods to develop original concepts across a range of design challenges, with an emphasis on humanity-centered and iterative approaches.
- Demonstrate proficiency in visual communication across traditional and emerging platforms, including print design, typography, branding, UI/UX design, motion graphics, interactive media, and the use of current industry-standard tools and technologies.
- Create design solutions that reflect a global, inclusive, and ethical perspective, showing awareness and sensitivity to diverse audiences and social contexts.
- Synthesize theoretical knowledge, technical skill, and collaborative experience to meet the expectations of professional design practice and adapt to evolving industry demands.
-
Communicate effectively through visual, oral, and written presentation, and apply these skills in internship, portfolio development, and professional engagement opportunities.
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 program features a curriculum that encompasses 30 credits of core major courses, complemented by 24 credits of specialized major courses. To graduate with a BA in Graphic Design, students must complete a total of 54 credits in major-specific courses.
Major Sequence
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
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 | Digital Photography | 3.0 |
GD226 | Video & Sound Editing | 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 |
AR220 | Modern Art | 3.0 |
Total Credits | 54.0 |
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall Semester | Credits | |
GEN101 | Pathway to the Bridge 1 | 2.0 |
EN111 or EN221 |
Academic Writing and Research I 1 or Honors Argument: Rhetoric & Research |
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 | Digital Photography 2 | 3.0 |
AR220 | Modern Art 1,2 | 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 | |
GD324 | Typography II 2 | 3.0 |
GD327 | Motion Graphics 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 |
||
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