Graphic Design
WHAT DOES A GRAPHIC DESIGNER DO?
Graphic designers create communications that educate, advocate and entertain. From the small hang tag on a piece of clothing to the oversized billboards in Times Square, from the books we read as children to the textbooks we learned from in school, from the magazines we read to the websites we visit and the films and videos we watch – Graphic Design is literally everywhere.
For nearly 40 years, La Roche University graphic design students have gone on to become professional graphic designers, art directors, illustrators, interactive designers and publication designers. They work at firms such as Apple, American Eagle, Brunner Advertising, Lockerz and MAYA Design, creating logos and branding, designing packaging and brochures, developing ad campaigns and producing TV, web and print ads.
Our current faculty, many of whom are practicing graphic designers or exhibiting artists, are able to bring their real-world knowledge back into the classroom to facilitate the best learning opportunities for our students. Our 13:1 faculty-to-student ratio allows students to connect with their professors on a level that allows them to grow and find their individual creative voice.
CURRICULUM
Our curriculum is a well-structured and rigorous program that serves as a basis for the investigative study necessary for upper-level design courses. Roughly three fourths of the coursework is in major requirements, major electives, foundation courses or art history. Students spend a considerable amount of time in studio interacting with other students and their professors, immersing themselves in their major.
To complete the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Graphic Design Program successfully, the following coursework is required:
- 72 credits of Graphic Design Major Requirements
- 15 credits of Graphic Design Major Electives
- 37 credits of CORE Curriculum courses
- successful completion of Mid-Collegiate Review
A minimum of 124 credits is required for graduation, the last 30 of which must be earned at La Roche.
Academic Standards
Students must earn a grade of C or above in all Graphic Design courses to fulfill prerequisites and degree requirements. Grades below a C, including C-, will affect participation in portfolio reviews and advancement in the curriculum.
Freshman Review
At the end of the spring semester, faculty meet with each freshman student to review his or her work. This review is informal and is an opportunity for students to discuss their first year at La Roche with the faculty.
Sophomore Review
At the end of their sophomore year, students are required to present a portfolio of their work to the Graphic Design faculty for their Sophomore Review. Students must have completed all required freshman and sophomore Graphic Design coursework, earning a C or better in each course, to be allowed to participate in the Review.
Course Rotation
Graphic Design courses are offered sequentially during the academic year and the summer as enrollment permits. Courses are also offered in the evening. Note: Students will be unable to complete the program without taking courses during the day.
Internship Requirement
All students are required to complete a three-credit internship during their junior or senior year.
Transfer Policy
Students who have completed courses at other academic institutions and wish to transfer to La Roche should contact the Graphic Design Department chair, to set up a meeting to review and evaluate their coursework. After both the Registrar and the Graphic Design Department chair evaluate the student’s transcript, placement within the curriculum is determined. Please note that transfer students must pass the Graphic Sophomore Review before enrolling in upper-level design courses.
Summary of Requirements
Graphic Design Major Requirements: 72 credits
ARTH1017
Credits (Min/Max): /
ARTH1018
Credits (Min/Max): /
ARTH2002
Credits (Min/Max): /
ARTH3020
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN1023
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN1060
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN1062
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN1070
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN1071
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN2008
Credits (Min/Max): /
PREREQUISITES:
GCDN1060 & GCDN1062 & GCDN1070 & GCDN1071
GCDN2012
Credits (Min/Max): /
PREREQUISITES:
GCDN1060 & GCDN1062 & GCDN1070 & GCDN1071
GCDN2016
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN2021
Credits (Min/Max): /
PREREQUISITES:
GCDN1062 & GCDN1070 & GCDN2008 & GDCN2010 & GCDN2012
GCDN2029
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN3022
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN3031
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN3041
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN3045
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN3046
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN3055
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN4041
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN4051
Credits (Min/Max): /
PREREQUISITES:
JR/SR Status in Graphic Design
GCDN4055
Credits (Min/Max): /
PREREQUISITES:
GCDN3031 & GCDN3041 & GCDN3045 & GCDN3046
GCDN4058
Credits (Min/Max): /
Major Electives: 15 credits
CMET3002
Credits (Min/Max): /
ENGL2030
Credits (Min/Max): /
PREREQUISITES:
ENGL1012(H)
ENGL3034
Credits (Min/Max): /
PREREQUISITES:
ENGL1012(H)
GCDN2038
Credits (Min/Max): /
PREREQUISITES:
GCDN1023 & GCDN1070 & GCDN1071
GCDN2040
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN3012
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN3043
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN3053
Credits (Min/Max): /
PREREQUISITES:
GCDN2008 & GCDN2010 & GCDN2012 & GCDN2021
GCDN3060
Credits (Min/Max): /
GCDN4050
Credits (Min/Max): /
PREREQUISITES:
GCDN2008, GCDN2010, GCDN2012, GCDN2021
GCDN4052
Credits (Min/Max): /
PREREQUISITES:
JR/SR Status in Graphic Design
MRKT2007
Credits (Min/Max): /
PREREQUISITES:
ADMG2021 or MRKT2021
MRKT3012
Credits (Min/Max): /
PREREQUISITES:
ADMG2021 or MRKT2021
MRKT4016
Credits (Min/Max): /