Graphic Design (BFA)
Graphic Design (BFA)
The School of Graphic Design’s BFA program guides students through the nuanced skill-development process required to achieve excellence in typography, print, packaging, branding, user experience, and motion graphics. The faculty is comprised of nationally recognized professionals who challenge their students to reach their personal creative potential.
AA MA MFA CertBachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree
Available Online & On Campus
Core Classes
Unit Requirements
| Major Coursework | Units |
|---|---|
| Core | 36 |
| Major | 33 |
| Electives | 9 |
| Liberal Arts | 42 |
| Total | 120 |
Degree Requirements
BFA GRAPHIC DESIGN DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum grade of C- in all major coursework.
- Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
4 Art Historical Awareness courses
1 Creative Communication course
1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking course
1 Historical Awareness course
1 Quantitative Literacy course
1 Cultural Ideas & Influences course
1 Employment Communications and Practices course
After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.
Additional Information
Program Learning Outcomes
Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
Critical & Creative Thinking
- Identify appropriate audiences for defined problems
- Demonstrate the resourcefulness and flexibility necessary to conceive appropriate design solutions
Conceptual Skills
- Develop and prototype potential design solutions for specific problems
- Create visual communications that are audience appropriate
- Develop design solutions that function within a defined context recognizing physical, cognitive, cultural and social human factors
Formal Skills
- Create visual communications demonstrating competent formal design skills based in design principles: composition, balance, hierarchy, harmony, and contrast
- Create visual communications demonstrating competent formal design skills based in aesthetics: appropriate typography, composition and construction of meaningful imagery
- Utilize the appropriate media, materials, tools, technology, platforms, and techniques to create visual communications
Professional Readiness
- Effectively present and communicate ideas
- Demonstrate the skills necessary for chosen career path through the presentation of a satisfactory body of work
Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skillsrelevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Use professional terminology to evaluate their work and work in the field.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design
- Engage with a variety of communities beyond the classroom through internship opportunities, study abroad programs, athletics, student interest clubs, and participation in collaborative, civic, and pro bono projects.
*Semester plans are subject to change at any time. Semester breakdowns displayed are suggested and additional options are available to help customize your educational experience. Speak to an admissions or student services representative for more information. Please see our catalog for more details at: https://catalog.academyart.edu
