Graphic Design Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree

The Graphic Design Program is a part of UDC’s Art Program. The Graphic Design B.F.A. is the first professional degree for those seeking advanced study, and it prepares students for work as professional print and web designers. The curriculum helps students to develop a portfolio for professional design positions in commercial institutions, design studios, and government agencies. The Graphic Design Program provides a well-rounded education experience for students seeking creative and technical design skills. Graphic Design is offered as a two-year program (culminating in the Associate’s degree), and a four-year program (culminating in the Bachelor’s degree).

Members of the UDC Graphic Design Program faculty have created design work that has been printed, published, and viewed in local, regional, national, and international venues.

Semester One (Fall)

Foundations of Design
Introduction to Drawing
Digital Applications 

Semester Two (Spring)

Computer Art
Photography
Desktop Publishing
Visual Thinking

Semester Three (Fall)

Graphic Design I
Computer Illustration
Typography
Digital Imaging

Semester Four (Spring)

Publication Design
Introduction to Interactive Multimedia
History of Graphic Design
Design Practicum I
OR
Portfolio and Marketing Workshop

At the completion of the 2-year program, the graphic design student will submit an application and portfolio to be considered for admission into the 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts/Graphic Design program. The student must have a “B” average in all major courses. Entry into the B.F.A. program is granted to applicants who have successfully passed the portfolio review. To complete the B.F.A. degree:

Semester Five (Fall)

Graphic Design II
World Art History: Ancient to Renaissance
Color Management Pre-Press
Introduction to Painting

Semester Six (Spring)

Graphic Design Lab
Figure Drawing
World Art History: Renaissance to Contemporary
Digital Imaging II

Semester Seven (Fall)

Portfolio
Illustration Techniques
Animation and Motion Graphics
Web Design

Semester Eight (Spring)

Graphics Management
Graphic Design Practicum
Art History Elective
Advertising OR Marketing Elective

In addition to the courses required for the Graphic Design B.F.A. degree, the University has specific requirements for all four-year programs, to be integrated into your regular course of study to complement your major. Please note that many credit hours will have been completed during the first two years in the Graphic Design program.General Education Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art/Graphic Design (4-year) Degree:

Foreign Languages        6 credit hours
Philosophy        3 credit hours
Fine Arts*          3 credit hours
English Composition     6 credit hours (completed in the first 2 years)
Literature/Advanced Writing       6 credit hours
Social Sciences**           6 credit hours (3 of which completed in the first 2 years)
Mathematics***          6 credit hours (3 of which completed in the first 2 years)
Natural Sciences****     6 credit hours (3 of which completed in the first 2 years)

* Selected from outside the major: music, drama, dance.

**Social Science courses may be selected from the offerings in Psychology, Sociology, Economics, History, Social Welfare, Geography, Political Science, and Urban Studies. Students enrolled in the 2-year program may substitute one 3-credit course in Philosophy for the required Social Science.

***Only Mathematics courses numbered MATH-100 and above.

****Lab courses only

IMPORTANT NOTE: In addition to the listed general education courses, students working toward the B.F.A. must select 4 credit hours from one of the following: Physical Education, Health, Personal and Community, Speech, or an additional Natural Science.