Graphic Design, B.F.A.
The Graphic Design program at Georgian Court University, offering both BFA and BA degrees, is designed for individuals passionate about innovative and creative design. This comprehensive curriculum covers various aspects of graphic design, integrating core theories with essential practices. The program aims to develop forward-thinking designers proficient in both traditional and contemporary media.
The BFA option requires 72 major-specific credits, providing an intensive exploration of graphic design, ideal for students who desire a deep dive into the discipline, resulting in a strong portfolio and skill set.
The program emphasizes the importance of staying current with industry trends and technologies, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the graphic design field’s evolving nature. BFA students participate in internships, integrating real-world experiences into their education. These approaches, with the goal of offering a holistic experience, equip students with the necessary skills for a successful career in the dynamic creative industry.
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.
Minimum GPA Requirement
To be able to continue in the B.F.A. in Graphic Design program, native students must obtain a major GPA of 3.0 or above upon the completion of the first 24 credits of the program’s foundation courses. For transfer students to this B.F.A. program, a major GPA of 3.0 or above must be attained after the first 12 credits taken at GCU from among the foundation or advanced courses required in the program.
Students who do not meet the minimum major GPA requirement for the B.F.A. program will be encouraged to transfer their credits to the B.A. in Graphic Design program.
Upon completion of the Graphic Design degree program, students will have given evidence of the following outcomes and goals:
- Integrate a worldwide viewpoint into assigned projects, focusing on various design theories and practices.
- Exhibit expertise by applying theoretical knowledge and practical skills in assigned tasks.
- Showcase adaptable and proficient design abilities across both classic and modern media.
- Understand and meet the demands of professional practice, acquiring skills essential for engaging with vibrant design communities.
-
Enhance oral communication and presentation abilities through participation in assigned projects.
To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.
Major Sequence
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes 36 credits of foundational and intermediate major courses (100-200 level), complemented by 36 credits of advanced major courses (300-400 level). Students have the option to choose 6 credits of elective courses within their major, guided by an academic advisor, to align with their individual interests. To graduate with a BFA in Graphic Design, students must complete a total of 72 credits in major-specific courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Courses | ||
| GD111 | Introduction to Design | 3.0 |
| GD112 | Drawing for Designers | 3.0 |
| AR228 | European & U.S. Art | 3.0 |
| GD113 | Computer Graphics | 3.0 |
| GD114 | Graphic Design I | 3.0 |
| GD212 | Illustration for Designers | 3.0 |
| GD213 | Typography I | 3.0 |
| GD220 | Digital Photography | 3.0 |
| Advanced Courses | ||
| GD214 | Graphic Design II | 3.0 |
| MM214 | Mixed Realities & Interactivity | 3.0 |
| GD226 | Video & Sound Editing I | 3.0 |
| MM314 | Motion Graphics II | 3.0 |
| GD322 | Web Design I | 3.0 |
| GD324 | Typography II | 3.0 |
| GD327 | Motion Graphics I | 3.0 |
| GD328 | 3D Animation I | 3.0 |
| AR220 | Modern Art | 3.0 |
| GD422 | Web Design II | 3.0 |
| GD428 | 3D Animation II | 3.0 |
| GD429 | Internship | 3.0 |
| GD430 | Professional Practices | 3.0 |
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Special Topics I | ||
or GD/MM441 | Special Topics II | |
| Electives | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Packaging & Pattern Design | ||
or MM326 | Video & Sound Editing II | |
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Graphic Design III | ||
or MM429 | 3D Animation III | |
| Total Credits | 72.0 | |
Graphic Design B.F.A.
| 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 |
| GD112 | Drawing for Designers 2 | 3.0 |
| GD113 | Computer Graphics 2 | 3.0 |
| Credits | 14.0 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| GEN199 | WI:Discovering Self in the Universe 1 | 3.0 |
| Quantitative Analysis 1 | 3.0-4.0 | |
| GD114 | Graphic Design I 2 | 3.0 |
| GD212 | Illustration for Designers 2 | 3.0 |
| GD220 | Digital Photography 2 | 3.0 |
| Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Literature or Nat. Science 1 | 3.0-4.0 | |
| Modern Language 1 | 3.0 | |
| AR228 | European & U.S. Art 2 | 3.0 |
| GD226 | Video & Sound Editing I 2 | 3.0 |
| GD214 | Graphic Design II 2 | 3.0 |
| GD213 | Typography I 2 | 3.0 |
| Credits | 18.0-19.0 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| PL245 | Philosophical Inquiry (or Religious Studies) 1 | 3.0 |
| Literature or Nat. Science 1 | 3.0-4.0 | |
| GD322 | Web Design I 2 | 3.0 |
| GD327 | Motion Graphics I 2 | 3.0 |
| MM214 | Mixed Realities & Interactivity 2 | 3.0 |
| Credits | 15.0-16.0 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| PL245 | Philosophical Inquiry (or Religious Studies) 1 | 3.0 |
| Social Science 1 or History 1 | 3.0 | |
| MM314 | Motion Graphics II 2 | 3.0 |
| GD328 | 3D Animation I 2 | 3.0 |
| GD422 | Web Design II 2 | 3.0 |
| Credits | 15.0 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3.0 | |
Ethics |
||
| Shaping Lives: Women & Gender | ||
| WI:Visioning a Future | ||
| Social Science 1 or History 1 | 3.0 | |
| AR220 | Modern Art 2 | 3.0 |
| GD324 | Typography II 2 | 3.0 |
| GD428 | 3D Animation II 2 | 3.0 |
| Credits | 15.0 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3.0 | |
Ethics |
||
| Shaping Lives: Women & Gender | ||
| WI:Visioning a Future | ||
| Social Science 2 1 | 3.0 | |
| GD429 | Internship 2 | 3.0 |
| GD440 | Special Topics I 2 | 3.0 |
| Elective (GD225 or MM326) 2 | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 15.0 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| Select one of the following: 1 | 3.0 | |
Ethics |
||
| Shaping Lives: Women & Gender | ||
| WI:Visioning a Future | ||
| GD430 | Professional Practices 2 | 3.0 |
| GD441 | Special Topics II 2 | 3.0 |
| Elective (GD314 or MM429) 2 | 3.0 | |
| Elective | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 15.0 | |
| Total Credits | 122.0-125.0 | |
- 1
General Education
- 2
Major