Degrees and Requirements
Graphic Design Minor
The Graphic Design Minor will provide an introduction to the practice of graphic design with an emphasis on fundamental design principles, essential software knowledge and critical design thinking skills. Students will be introduced to the history, theory and application graphic design through various social and market-based contexts.
Students will learn to use the design process to approach problems with an applied skillset of research, exploration, and conceptual prototyping skills. The graphic design minor will emphasize coursework that promotes the thoughtful exploration and application of design thinking and principles.
Core classes develop a functional understanding of image-making, knowledge of the history and functionality of letters, and layout and composition skills.
Students choose to complete their minor with either a traditional focus (sequence A)or a digital focus (sequence B). Interior Design students must complete the minor with sequence C.
REQUIREMENTS: To successfully complete the Graphic Design Minor students will complete a minimum of 18 credits, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the minor coursework. Laptop computer and Adobe Creative Suite Software, current version.
GENERAL RESTRICTIONS: Minors must be completed within the student’s graduation timeline.
Students may not major and minor in the same department (e.g., graphic design majors may not declare a graphic design minor).
Summary of Requirements
Minor Required Courses: 9 credits
GCDN1070DIGITAL IMAGE MAKING I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Introducton to digital image making. Students will explore industry software and apply foundational design concepts and vocabulary to a range of visual communication projects. Course content and project work will introduce both vector and raster image creation. Studio practice/projects will concentrate on exploring, understanding and applying the design process (research, brainstorming, design, critique, technical, execution.) Emphasis will be placed on concept development and the integration of fundamental design concepts (the elements and principles of design, heirarchy, composition, etc.) into studio design projects.
GCDN1071DIGITAL IMAGE MAKING II
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: GCDN1070 AND DSGN2005, GRADE OF C OR BETTER Advanced digital image making. The course will provide advanced practice of digital image creation, manipulation and production using professional, industry- standard software. Course content and project work will build upon foundational knowledge of the design process, industry software, (both vector and raster) and methods attained in Image Making I. Assignments will require in-depth inquiry into the design process, methods, visual communication and technical design solutions. Studio practice will emphasize visual communication strategies as they combine with other elements of graphic design such as heirarchy, typography, color, layout and composition. Students will develop their ability to apply vocabulary and the the design process through research, critique and the iterative design process. This course runs in tandem with Foundation Design II.
GCDN2012TYPOGRAPHY I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: GCDN1060, GCDN1071, IDSN1060, GCDN1062, GCDN1070, GRADE OF C OR BETTER This course introduces students to the basics of typography as the backbone of Graphic Design. By studying the anatomy of a letterform, typographic history, classifications, typeface recognition, hierarchy and terminology, students learn to organize typographic compositions and systems in order to communicate intellectual and expressive meaning. Students explore the typographic form through both hand-rendered and digital mediums using industry standard software.
PREREQUISITES:
GCDN1060 & GCDN1062 & GCDN1070 & GCDN1071
Sequence A & B: Minor Electives: 3 Credit - Choose one course:
GCDN2016DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course will explore digital capture and handling of photographs enabling the student to master the technical aspects of digital image capture. Students will learn techniques for editing and enhancing photographs, become familiar with photography's various roles: art form, journalism, advertising and will produce a portfolio of quality color and black and white prints from digital files. This course is for design majors only.
GCDN2038ILLUSTRATION
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: GCDN1023, GCDN1070, GCDN1071, GRADE OF C OR BETTER This course places an emphasis on thorough experimentation of image-making techniques including hand, digital and a combination of those. It will provide students with an in-depth knowledge of current and past illustrators and give them skills to create concept-based imagery. Emphasis is placed on communicating specific messages to targeted audiences in order to understand the relationship between Illustration and Graphic Design.
PREREQUISITES:
GCDN1023 & GCDN1070 & GCDN1071
GCDN3046MULTIMEDIA
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course is an advanced study of multimedia and video design, theory and application for upper level Design students. Taught primarily on a MAC platform, this course utilizes software for digital video production. Class assignments will be closely related to GCDN3041 Graphic Design III, which will be taken concurrently during the second semester of the Junior year. The courses will be interrelated in terms of theory as well as outcome assessment.
GCDN3060DIGITAL BRANDING
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: GCDN2029, GRADE OF C OR BETTER This course investigates the many ways that branding seeks to engage consumers in a digitally dominant environment. Through the study of various theories and applications, students will learn how to create personalized and memorable experiences for digitally dominant consumers. Project work will focus utilizing multiple forms of digital media with a strong emphasis on storytelling, personalization, and authenticity as methods to engage target audiences. This course will emphasize the UX design process, building further skills in user research, scenario development, and rapid and refined prototyping skills.
Sequence A: Traditional Focus: 6 credits
GCDN2008DIGITAL PUBLICATION AND
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course will focus on the integration of type and image in page layout while also introducing design industry standards for print production. Various page layout and print production solutions will be explored utilizing professional industry software.
PREREQUISITES:
GCDN1060 & GCDN1062 & GCDN1070 & GCDN1071
GCDN2021GRAPHIC DESIGN I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: GCDN2008, GRADE OF C OR BETTER This course investigates design principles and concepts, incorporating them into the foundations of graphic design. The student is introduced to the language and processes used to achieve effective graphic design. Through investigation of core graphic design principles, concept development, language and processes; students explore both formal and expressive techniques for successful and effective integration of image and type.
PREREQUISITES:
GCDN1062 & GCDN1070 & GCDN2008 & GDCN2010 & GCDN2012
Sequence B: Digital Focus: 6 credits
GCDN2029USER EXPERIENCE DESIGN I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
Introduction to user experience design. This course will Introduce students to foundational theories for visual design and accessibility, information architecture, user interface design, prototyping techniques, and various publishing requirements. Students will be introduced to a range of digital media formats and applications in order to establish familiarity with UX design problems. Students will learn and apply the theory and application of UX design including research, problem identification, concept building and prototyping.
GCDN3045USER EXPERIENCE DESIGN II
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: GCDN2029, GRADE OF C OR BETTER This course is an advanced study in user experience design which builds upon the foundation and application of UX design and theory from User Experience Design I. Students will further develop skills in research, problem identification, concept building and prototyping with an emphasis towards solving complicated 'user-centric' design problems. Studio work will require solutions that demonstrate advanced consideration to information architecture strategy, design patterns, responsive screen design, and high-fidelity prototyping.
Sequence C: For Interior Design Majors: 9 credits
GCDN2008DIGITAL PUBLICATION AND
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course will focus on the integration of type and image in page layout while also introducing design industry standards for print production. Various page layout and print production solutions will be explored utilizing professional industry software.
PREREQUISITES:
GCDN1060 & GCDN1062 & GCDN1070 & GCDN1071
GCDN2021GRAPHIC DESIGN I
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: GCDN2008, GRADE OF C OR BETTER This course investigates design principles and concepts, incorporating them into the foundations of graphic design. The student is introduced to the language and processes used to achieve effective graphic design. Through investigation of core graphic design principles, concept development, language and processes; students explore both formal and expressive techniques for successful and effective integration of image and type.
PREREQUISITES:
GCDN1062 & GCDN1070 & GCDN2008 & GDCN2010 & GCDN2012
GCDN3053ENVIRONMENTAL GRAPHIC DESIGN
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
PREREQUISITE: GCDN2021, GCDN2008, GCDN2010, GCDN2012, GRADE OF C OR BETTER Introduction to the study and practice of Environmental Graphic Design (EGD) with an emphasis on understanding visual communication and information systems for navigating and experiencing the built environment. The course will cover theory and practical application of topics related to EGD including: principles of wayfinding, study of three-dimensional design and exploration of typography, symbols, identity and information design in the public space. Cross-listed with IDSN3053
PREREQUISITES:
GCDN2008 & GCDN2010 & GCDN2012 & GCDN2021