Undergraduate programs

The school offers the following undergraduate degree options: B.A., B.S. and Certificate in Art History, B.F.A. in Art Practice, and B.F.A. in Graphic Design. 

Degree Maps and Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Art Major and Minor Degree Requirements

Art History—B.A./B.S.

Art History Certificate

Art Practice—B.F.A.

Graphic Design—B.F.A.

Graphic Design—B.F.A.

The graphic design program provides a comprehensive education in design principles, applications, theories, history, and practice.

The first two years of study culminate with a required Sophomore Portfolio Review, occurring once each year at the end of the Spring term. All students majoring in graphic design (including students transferring in with lower- or upper-division credits) must pass this review to enroll in 300-level graphic design courses. Visit the School of Art + Design website (http://www.pdx.edu/art-design/) or the graphic design program site (http://psu.gd) for details. Only after successfully passing the review are graphic design majors allowed to continue through the program.

All students majoring in graphic design are required to own a laptop computer that meets minimum system specifications, including software required for courses in the program. The current laptop policy is available for review at

http://www.pdx.edu/art-design/sites/www.pdx.edu.art-design/files/PSUGD_LaptopGuide_16_17.pdf.

Degree Requirements

100-Level Courses

Art 101CORE: Surface

5

Art 102CORE: Space

5

Art 103CORE: Time

5

Art 104CORE: Digital Tools

2

Art 105CORE: Ideation

2

ArH 106Introduction to Visual Literacy

2

Art 111Design Thinking

4

Art 120Computer Graphics for Art and Design

4

Art 121Introduction to Type and Communication Design

4

Total Credit Hours:33

200-Level Courses

Art 200Digital Page Design I

4

Art 210Digital Imaging and Illustration I

4

Art 224Narrative and Communication Design

4

Art 225Communication Design Systems

4

Art 254Typography I

4

ArH 206History of Western Art

4

ArH 290History of Modern Design

4

Total Credit Hours:28

Sophomore Portfolio Review

Electives

Choose two 4-credit 100, 200 or 300 level Graphic Design, Art Practice, or Art History courses

8

Total Credit Hours:8

300 & 400-Level Required Courses

Art 320Communication Design Studio III

4

Art 321Communication Design Studio IV

6

Art 341Interactive Media I

4

Art 354Typography II

4

Art 408Workshop

1-6

Art 470Design Thesis I

4

Art 471Design Thesis II

4

Art 472Communication Design Portfolio

6

Total Credit Hours:34

Choose 9 of the Following:

Art 340Interaction Design Principles

4

Art 299Special Studies

0-6

Art 300Digital Page Design II

4

Art 310Digital Imaging and Illustration II

4

Art 315Professional Development

4

Art 333Friendtorship: Design, Art and Social Change

4

Art 342Interactive Media II

4

Art 345Introduction to Motion Graphics for Designers

4

Art 353Typeface Design

4

Art 358Video, Design & Community

4

Art 367Design Business Practices

4

Art 399Special Studies

0-8

Art 425A+D Projects

4

Art 441Interface Design

4

Total Credit Hours:36

Total Credit Hours: 139