Graphic Design BA

About the Program

The graphic design major provides individuals with the opportunity to learn the skills, principles, and latest industry-standard tools needed to prepare for a wide variety of careers in the graphic design industry. The courses focus on the art of communication and problem-solving through the use of type, space, visual imagery, and computer software. 

Admissions 

Admission decisions are made in accordance with criteria, policies, and procedures established by FDU. Students must maintain a grade point ratio of 2.00 in their courses at FDU subsequent to admission.

Professional Competencies

As a result of engaging in this major, students will gaina broad range of skills and competnencies in major areas of their lives:

Procedural 

  • Gaining a broad exposure to various media and design formats
  • Perfecting artistic approaches and techniques

Communication

  • Communicating visually and verbally
  • Providing and reacting to feedback as well as critique

Critical Thinking

  • Working through constraints and limitations
  • Understanding and adapting large quantities of information

Habits of Mind

  • Working under pressure and meeting deadlines
  • Problem-solving and adapting strategies

Possible Career Paths

The world of arts careers is vast and ever-changing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics points to several possible career paths graduates of this degree can pursue:

  • Artist/art director
  • Designer/ graphic designer
  • Interior design/fashion
  • Editor/content creator
  • Photographer
  • Technical writer/creative writer
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About our Major

This rigorous curriculum merges creative visual aesthetics with modern technology, which is necessary for mastering print, illustration or web media production. Completion of this program will result in a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design with a concentration in illustration, print design, or web design awarded by Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Concentrations

We offer three areas of concentration:

  • Print Design Concentration places a strong emphasis on concept development, technical skills, and aesthetics, in problem-solving.
  • Web Design Concentration blends technical skills with design expertise, preparing students for a variety of careers in the interactive industry.
  • Illustration Concentration allows students to focus on developing a personal style while practicing their craft.  Imagination and experimentation are encouraged, as students learn techniques in traditional and digital media.

 

Academic Advisor

Klemme,Michelle M.

Academic Advisor
Department: Acad Advising and Stu Supp Srv
Email: michelle_m_klemme@fdu.edu
Phone: 973-443-8579
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Experiential Learning Curriculum

All programs emphasize individual discovery, as students work on collaborative projects that are showcased in a variety of exhibits and displays at the University.  Career and freelance skills are taught in upper-level classes. No matter which concentration is chosen, all three instill the creative, technological, and philosophical skills necessary to be competitive in today’s market. Creativity and concept are key in the FDU Design Programs.

Student Learning Outcomes

After completing this major, students will:

  1. Demonstrate critical thinking and research techniques as a part of the visual problem solving method of creativity
  2. Understand the principles and elements of design and demonstrate the ability of specific areas of design, layout, typography, pre-press, and printing
  3. Demonstrate the ability to use the appropriate computer technology in the creation of design projects
  4. Demonstrate the ability to articulate concept intention and construction of meaningful images through written or oral communication
  5. Understand relevant and ethical practices as they apply to the graphic design profession

Illustration Concentration

Illustration allows for a personal style, giving students a competitive edge in their design careers. The illustration concentration gives students the opportunity to develop their abilities in a wide range of marketing, advertising, and editorial art arenas, through the development of critical-thinking skills in visual communication. Students will learn a variety of digital and real-media techniques, with an emphasis on design principles and concept development.

Required Theory and Production (33 credits)

Concentration Electives

Choose three courses (9 credits) from other CGD and/or CGDH courses not listed in your concentration as required. Check with your adviser as to the availability of elective courses as they vary by semester.

NOTE: Six credits in Graphic Design Internship may be used to fulfill concentration electives.

Required Cognates (9 credits)

  • ART 1201  Drawing I
  • SOAC 4005 Professional Practice: Graphic Design
    Any ANIM, ART, ARTH, or SOAC
    Recommended: ART 3350

Print Design Concentration

The print design concentration teaches the creative process of producing visual communications and presentations in order to convey a specific message to a targeted audience, specifically intended for printing. The most common types of print-design products are publications, brochures, business cards, posters, product labels, and packaging.

Required (33 credits) 

Concentration Electives

Choose three courses (9 credits) from other CGD and/or CGDH courses not listed in your concentration as required. Check with your adviser as to the availability of elective courses as they vary by semester.

NOTE: Six credits in Graphic Design Internship may be used to fulfill concentration electives.

Required Cognates (6 credits) 

  • ART 1201  Drawing I
  • SOAC 4005 Professional Practice: Graphic Design
    Any ANIM, ART, ARTH, or SOAC

Web Design Concentration

The web design concentration encompasses a variety of skills in the design and production of websites and other internet products including interface design, authoring, and coding through the use of proprietary software. Students study how websites work in order to produce the front-end user interface as well as develop the functionality, navigation, and interactivity of web-based products.

Required (33 credits) 

Concentration Electives

Choose three courses (9 credits) from other CGD and/or CGDH courses not listed in your concentration as required. Check with your adviser as to the availability of elective courses as they vary by semester.

NOTE: Six credits in Graphic Design Internship may be used to fulfill concentration electives.

Required Cognates (9 credits)

  • ART 1201  Drawing I
  • SOAC 4005 Professional Practice: Graphic Design
    Any ANIM, ART, ARTH, or SOAC

Electives

Contact Information
joneil@fdu.edu
Janet O'Neil