GRAPHIC DESIGN

PROGRAM GOALS:

The Graphic Design program educates individuals to become highly skilled creative thinkers, knowledgeable designers and responsible professionals, empowering them to enter the marketplace confident and prepared for this ever-changing field of graphic design.

Program Learning Outcomes:

1. To utilize the principles of organization, composition, color, hierarchy, balance, contrast, emphasis, depth, rhythm, symbolism, and craft in execution to create a visual impact.

2. To be proficient with industry standard software.

3. To be able to choose typographic solutions for a variety of applications.

4. To apply working knowledge of graphic design history and theory.

5. To generate original concepts for an intended audience while maintaining a structured approach.

6. To produce quality professional pieces while paying attention to detail by showing the initiative necessary to work successfully within the confines of any given project.

7. To extend creative inquiries (Critiques).

8. To solve communication problems with a focus on positive ethical impact.

9. To work with diverse teams.

10. To embrace design as a vehicle for social change.

11. To recognize the importance of participating in events.

Discover who you want to become  in our career-driven, industry focused Graphic Design program.
Your career starts here. 

The Graphic Design program educates individuals to become highly skilled creative thinkers and problem solvers, knowledgeable designers, and responsible professionals, allowing them to enter the marketplace confident and prepared for the ever-evolving field of graphic design. We are close to world-class cultural attractions but, far removed from urban distractions.

Available as a major and a minor, a Graphic Design degree from Curry College focuses on mastering the principles, technology, and practical applications needed to produce industry-relevant design solutions. The curriculum guides students through the process of understanding strategic analysis to mastering the technical, conceptual, and practical skills needed to excel in today’s design industry. Throughout the program, graduates will attend industry conferences, exhibit work in regional and national design competitions, collaborate with leaders in the field, and become proficient using the essential industry software, Adobe Creative Suite.Policies, Conditions and/or Fees Progression in Program:

• The Graphic Design program has a laptop and software subscription requirement, please contact the Department for specifications.

• Students are strongly encouraged to join AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts), the professional association for design.

• A minimum grade of C- or higher is required for all program-specific required courses in this major (courses with a GD or SA prefix).

• An informal meeting with Graphic Design Faculty is required at the end of a student’s first year to review the work created in first- year classes to make sure the student is on track.

• The core Studio Arts (SA) courses including SA 1775, SA 1810, and SA 1790 must be completed by the end of the sophomore year in order to continue with Graphic Design classes or students must have the Department Chair’s permission to progress.

• Before proceeding to the junior year, all students must demonstrate they possess the skill level necessary for advanced studio work by: (1) achieving a CGPA of 2.5 or higher for the first two years of course work in the program and (2) by receiving a passing evaluation by a portfolio review panel at the end of the Sophomore year with outside critics. Petitions from students whose GPA falls below 2.5 but who are otherwise qualified for upper-division course work will on occasion be considered by the Program Faculty and Department Chair.

• Students are strongly encouraged to take the Adobe Certification Exams that are recognized by employers in the industry.

External Design Competitions: All juniors and seniors are required to enter two (2) external design competitions each year for degree completion. Students are required to provide advisor a copy of submission for record.

The Graphic Design program reserves the right to retain work done in classes for possible inclusion in exhibitions. All final work must be submitted by the end of the term in original format plus PDF’s, to be used in exhibitions on the College website and to show accrediting agencies such as New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Detailed information regarding how to submit these large files will be provided at the time they are due.

Curry College cannot assume any responsibility for damaged or missing work.

(If the GPA Requirement of 2.85 in major or higher is not met, a student must substitute this course for GD 3450 Internship/ Professional Practice).

GRAPHIC DESIGN MINOR

A minor involves a sequence of courses that focus on a particular area of study different from, and secondary to, the major. Courses collectively provide coverage and understanding of the subject area.

Please Note: One course selected for a minor can be a program requirement in the student’s major. Requirements and General Electives can count towards a minor. In the event of duplication, the student must select an appropriate substitution for the same by completing a Degree Audit Adjustment form in consultation with Graphic Design Faculty in the minor and the Department Chair. Students should work closely with their advisor to determine if they will able to meet the requirements of both the major and the minor degree program.

The Graphic Design Minor consists of four required courses and two electives.

Non-Fine & Applied Arts majors must take SA 1775 before taking any of the Graphic Design courses and one more elective. May be taken consecutively with GD 1500 Digital Essentials.