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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 https://www.pdx.edu/art-design/graphic-design-laptop-policy

Degree Requirements

100-Level Courses

Des 111Design Thinking

4
Des 120Digital Graphics

4
Des 121Introduction to Type and Design Principles

4
Des 125Show and Tell

1
Des 140Foundations in Motion, UI, and UX

4
Total Credit Hours:17

200-Level Courses

Des 200Digital Page Design I

4
Des 210Digital Imaging and Illustration I

4
Des 224Storytelling and Narrative

4
Des 225Design Systems

4
Des 254Typography I

4
Des 290Histories of Graphic Design

4
ArH 2XXAny 200-level Art History Class

4
Total Credit Hours:28

Sophomore Portfolio Review

300 & 400-Level Required Courses

Des 320Information Design

4
Des 321Brand Lab

6
Des 340Interaction Design Principles

4
Des 354Typography II

4
Des 408Workshop

2
Des 470Design Thesis I

4
Des 471Design Thesis II

4
Des 472Design Portfolio

6
Total Credit Hours:34

Upper Division Graphic Design Electives

Des 3XX/Des 4XX Upper Division Electives

28
Total Credit Hours:28

Total Credit Hours: 107