Undergraduate programs

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

Des 111Design Thinking

4

Des 120Digital Design

4

Des 121Introduction to Type and Communication Design

4

Total Credit Hours:33

200-Level Courses

Des 200Digital Page Design I

4

Des 210Digital Imaging and Illustration I

4

Des 224Narrative and Communication Design

4

Des 225Communication Design Systems

4

Des 254Typography I

4

ArH 206History of Western Art

4

Des 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

Des 320Communication Design Studio III

4

Des 321Communication Design Studio IV

6

Des 341Interactive Media I

4

Des 354Typography II

4

Art 408Workshop

1-6

Des 470Design Thesis I

4

Des 471Design Thesis II

4

Des 472Communication Design Portfolio

6

Total Credit Hours:34

Choose 9 of the Following:

Des 299Special Studies

1-8

Des 300Digital Page Design II

4

Des 310Digital Imaging and Illustration II

4

Des 315Professional Development

4

Des 333Friendtorship: Design, Art and Social Change

4

Des 340Interaction Design Principles

4

Des 342Interactive Media II

4

Des 345Introduction to Motion Graphics for Designers

4

Des 353Typeface Design

4

Art 358/Des 358Video, Design & Community

4

Des 367Design Business Practices

4

Des 399Special Studies

1-8

Des 425A+D Projects

4

Des 441Interface Design

4

Total Credit Hours:36

Total Credit Hours: 139