Graphic Design & Multimedia, B.F.A.
The B.F.A in Graphic Design and Multimedia program introduces students to contemporary communication design problems and issues and teaches them to prepare formal designs using form and function literacy and advanced visual problem solving. The graphic design and multimedia program also enables students to explore their creativity and become aware of the social impact and importance of design. Students will study strategies of conceptual problem solving, branding, marketing, video production and editing, animation, web design, interactivity, and game development through a robust practical curriculum. By the end of their undergraduate studies, our students are thoroughly prepared to pursue any design-related vocation or graduate level education.
With advanced hands-on practice and a thorough understanding of the latest skills and concepts used in graphic design and multimedia, this program enables students to become effective designers in print and electronic media. Students engage in project-based learning and use type, images, and sequential projects for print, web, video, interactive media, or motion graphics. As part of their cycle of courses, they learn how to create 2D and 3D animations, computer games, and HTML and websites. They use collaborative team building to foster communal learning, and through a variety of service learning and internship opportunities, they bridge classroom and professional practices.
Minimum GPA Requirement
To be able to continue in the B.F.A. in Graphic Design and Multimedia 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 Digital Design program.
Upon completion of the Graphic Design and Multimedia or Digital Design degree program, students will have given evidence of the following outcomes and goals:
- Incorporate a global perspective within assigned projects related to design theory and applications.
- Demonstrate a professional skill through the application of theory and practice within assigned projects.
- Demonstrate fluent and flexible design skills for print and electronic media.
- Demonstrate understanding of the requirements of professional practice and the necessary skills to join the graphic and multimedia design communities.
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Develop confident and effective oral communication and presentation skills through 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 B.F.A. in Graphic Design & Multimedia builds upon 24 credits of foundation courses for the first two years. Students will take 42 credits of advanced courses in their junior and senior years. In consultation with an advisor, each student will select 6 credits of electives in their areas of interest. To graduate from this major, students will need a total of 72 credits.
| 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 & Multimedia, 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