Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design degree program focuses on development of concepts, skills and sensitivities essential to the graphic designer. In addition to gaining a solid technical foundation in graphic design, students learn communication, critical and analytic thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as individual initiative and responsibility and professional knowledge.
Delivery Mode
Traditional (on campus)
Curriculum
| Course | Credits |
| General Education Courses | 40 |
| Building a Sense of Community UNI 100 First-Year Seminar OR UNI 100 Intro to University Studies OR HON 100 Honors Orientation |
1 |
| Composition ENG 101 English Composition I OR HON 150 Honors Composition I |
3 |
| Public Speaking CDC 201 Argument and Advocacy |
3 |
| Mathematics and Quantitative Literacy Any Mathematics and Quantitative Literacy Course |
3 |
| Health and Wellness Any Health and Wellness Course |
3 |
| Technological Literacy Any Technological Literacy Course |
3 |
| Humanities CDC 200 Truth and Representation |
3 |
| Fine Arts Any Fine Arts Course |
3 |
| Natural Sciences Any Natural Sciences Course |
3 |
| Social Sciences Any Social Sciences Course |
3 |
General Education Options
|
12 |
| Foundation Courses | 24 |
| CDC 120 Visual Communication I | 3 |
| DES 327 Visual Communication II | 3 |
| DES 361 Typography I | 3 |
| ART 110 Drawing | 3 |
| CDC 220 Visual Culture | 3 |
| PHI 335 Aesthetic Theory | 3 |
Select two of the following art/art studio courses:
|
6 |
| Art History Courses |
12 |
| ART 212 Art History I OR ART 214 Art History II | 3 |
| ART 243 Intro to Asian Art OR ART 270 Art History Today | 3 |
| ART 422 After Modernism | 3 |
Select one of the following:
|
3 |
| Advanced Graphic Design Courses | 18 |
| DES 328 Branding Design I | 3 |
| DES 429 Branding Design II | 3 |
| DES 431 Advertising Design | 3 |
| DES 362 Typography II | 3 |
| DES 497 Senior Design Seminar | 3 |
| DES 498 Senior Design Portfolio | 3 |
| Interactive/Motion Design Courses | 6 |
Select two courses from the following:
|
6 |
| Free Electives/Minor Courses | 20 |
| Total | 120 |
Additional requirements, not counted toward the General Education requirements, include:
- Special Experience Course (1 course required): Any Special Experience Course
- Writing-Intensive Component Courses (2 courses required): PHI 335 Aesthetic Theory AND ART 422 After Modernism
- Laboratory Course (1 course required): Any Laboratory Course
Program Notes: Portfolio review requirements include DES 227, DES 327, DES 361. Portfolio review is a pre-requisite to all advanced graphic design courses.
A minimum of 9 credits (three courses) must be selected from upper-division courses (300 or 400 level) in the General Education area. 35% of the required 120 credits must include upper-division courses (300 or 400 level).
Minimum GPA: 2.0. Minimum credits: 120, with all major and general education courses completed.
Developmental courses do not count toward the 120 credits necessary for graduation.
Program Webpage
https://www.calu.edu/academics/undergraduate/bachelors/graphic-design/index.aspx