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Graphic Design (GD)


GD 1500 - Digital Essentials - 3 credits

Fall Semester

This course introduces the essential industry software programs for the visual artist: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and XD. In addition to exploring each program individually, students learn how to integrate them in stages culminating in a final, production ready document.

This course meets the General Education Arts Breadth requirement.

Studio Class: (meets for 5 hours/week)


GD 2100 - Data Storytelling & Visualization - 3 credits

Fall Semester

Data Visualization is increasingly important in this era where the use of data is growing in many different fields. This course introduces students to the principles of design and techniques. Students will learn to evaluate the effectiveness of visualization designs, and think critically about each design decision, such as choice of color and choice of visual encoding. Learn how to develop the industry’s best practices and determine the best way to present a data set visually. Students will create their own data visualizations and learn to use Open-Source visualization tools. (Same course as CS 2100).


GD 2500 - Graphic Principles I - 3 credits

Spring Semester

This course is the first in a series of courses introducing creative brainstorming techniques for visual problem solving along with sustainable issues. Through experimentation with the Elements and Principles of Design, students will gain knowledge of processing information into solid design concepts.

Prerequisite: GD 1500.

Studio Class: (meets for 5 hours/week)


GD 2575 - Web Design and Development - 3 credits

Spring Semester

The Web is a universal tool in today’s communication where designers can express their conceptual skills. This studio allows students to learn web design software, the principles of web design, prototyping tools, testing and development of frameworks in the web environment while developing site navigation. Technical aspects of page design using HTML and CSS, responsive site construction and aesthetics will be explored.

Prerequisite: GD 1500.

Studio Class: (meets for 5 hours/week)


GD 2797 - Digital Photography - 3 credits

Spring Semester

Combining traditional techniques and contemporary digital technology, this course will seek to realize new aesthetic possibilities in photography. Students will photograph assignments designed for manipulation and enhancement in the digital darkroom and produce a final portfolio. A digital or 33mm camera is required. (Same course as SA 2797).

Pre- or Corequisite: GD 1500 or SA 1775.


GD 3450 - Internship/Professional Practice - 3 credits

Fall/Spring/Summer Semesters

The internship program provides Graphic Design and Studio Arts majors with experience in a professional environment, helping to prepare them for entry into the job market. As members of a design team, interns put their technical and creative knowledge to work and have the opportunity to make professional connections within the design community. A minimum of one hundred and twenty (120) hours is required on the job. Although students are responsible for their own placement, direction and assistance is provided by the faculty and the Director of Career Services. All fieldwork is subject to prior approval by the Department Chair.

This course meets the General Education Active Learning requirement.

Prerequisite: Graphic Design and Studio Art Students must have earned at least 90 cumulative credit hours and a GPA of 2.85 in major or higher in order to participate.


GD 3500 - Graphic Principles II - 3 credits

Fall Semester

This class explores research methodologies from the designers’ point of view. Students are challenged to develop strong and creative problem-solving skills for efficient communication.

Prerequisite: GD 2500.

Studio Class: (meets for 5 hours/week)


GD 3555 - The Art of Typography - 3 credits

Fall Semester

This studio class examines the evolution of typography, type design, the anatomy of type, identifications, classifications and their proper use. Experimentation with typographic arrangement, hierarchy, expression, contrast, rules of legibility, readability and style – key aspects of type use and typographic decision making – are explored.

Prerequisite: GD 2500.

Studio Class: (meets for 5 hours/week)


GD 3700 - 2D and 3D Animation - 3 credits

Fall semester

Using an open-source software for 2D and 3D modeling, animation, compositing, and post-production. This course gives an overview of industry software and industry production techniques. Specific techniques, such as scene layout and modeling, sculpting, texturing, and shading, 2D and 3D animation, character rigging, dynamic simulations, rendering, and game engine exporting. Students will gain the control and the skills you need to create professional artwork for multiple platforms: web, games, movies, and animation. 

 Prerequisite: GD 1500.


GD 3755 - The Art of Typography II - 3 credits

Spring Semester

An advanced course that tackles more complex typographical problem-solving projects by exploring hierarchies and formal compositions using type as an element with the goal of helping students develop a personal typographic “voice”.

Prerequisite: GD 3555.


GD 3765 - Editorial Design - 3 credits

Fall Semester

This course focuses on the more difficult problems involved in producing high-quality work combining your abilities for creative typography, smart layouts and clever compositions.

Prerequisite: GD 3500.


GD 3780 - Web Design & Development II - 3 credits

Fall Semester

In this course students continue their journey from initial consultation and discovery through content strategy and (UI) User Interface, (UX) User Experience considerations, to development, content creation, design, testing, for a modern, accessible, standards-compliant website and launch.

Prerequisite: GD 2575.


GD 3785 - Vector Graphics - 3 credits

Fall Semester

This is an advanced course in Adobe Illustrator and includes more difficult techniques such as illustrations comprised of shapes, blending modes, and gradient mesh. Projects will be constructed entirely in Illustrator and/or with imported images from Adobe Photoshop using filters, posterizing, live trace, or hand tracing of images for conversion to vector based art. The use of Typography in Illustrator will be employed in producing quality projects for the portfolio.

Prerequisite: GD 3500.


GD 3787 - Motion Graphics - 3 credits

Spring semester

This course provides students with core techniques for working efficiently in Adobe After Effects creating digital visual effects, motion graphics, and compositing. Gain essential industry elements of the interface to visually engage your audience. Students will acquire the complete fundamental understanding of After Effects and will be able to create their own visual effects and motion graphics that could be used for film, video games and the web with the tool that is so versatile to accomplish almost any creative vision. 

Prerequisite: GD 1500.


GD 3790 - Strategic Branding, a Comprehensive Approach - 3 credits

Spring Semester

In this studio course, students create identity systems and applications for a specified company or organization. Students will explore brand basics, the brand process, and the best practices for building a brand identity. Students explore the differences among branding for all types of corporate entities: product-driven companies, service-driven companies, nonprofit organizations, and civic and governmental institutions. The work is intended for inclusion in the final portfolio.

Prerequisite: GD 3500.

Studio Class: (meets for 5 hours/week)


GD 3795 - Package Design - 3 credits

Fall Semester

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to practical and professional information for creating packaging designs that serve as the marketing vehicles for consumer products. Students receive real-world advice, step-by-step descriptions of the creative process, and all-important insights into the stakeholders, the design process, and the production process.

Prerequisite: GD 3500.

Studio Class: (meets for 5 hours/week)


GD 3980 - Visual Arts Seminar - 3 credits

Fall Semester

The capstone course for the Graphic Design and Studio Arts majors focuses broadly on the nature of an integrated perspective on the arts, with specific attention to the various visual arts, such as graphic design, studio art and photography. It provides an opportunity for students to articulate their own informed philosophies of art while synthesizing prior learning and experience. The course will focus on contemporary issues in the arts; for instance, public art, government funding, censorship, appropriation, and the making of judgments regarding the role of art in society. This course is the required capstone course for Graphic Design and Studio Art majors and is open to all other majors. (Same course as SA 3980).

Prerequisites: SA 1775, SA 1790, any 2000-level GD or SA course, and junior standing.


GD 4050 - Independent Studio: Graphic Design - 1-8 credits

Fall and Spring Semesters

See description in Academic Policies & Procedures section of this Catalog, under Independent Study.


GD 4570 - Personal Branding for Social Media - 3 credits

Spring Semester

This comprehensive course teaches the key digital marketing skills required for the modern work place. We will explore how to craft a strong, authentic personal brand that’s consistent across multiple social media platforms. Learn how to create a profile that’s tailored to your ideal industry, craft compelling content, and target your audience on top social media platforms.

Prerequisite: Limited to Graphic Design and Studio Arts Seniors.


GD 4650 - Portfolio Development - 3 credits

Fall Semester

This course addresses the dynamics of preparing a professional portfolio. Students will combine self-knowledge, with high caliber design materials, writing with interview techniques and industry knowledge to create a unique presentation of their work. The student will compile a fully-integrated digital portfolio and promotional materials and prepare for successful employment. All students are expected to join AIGA and are required to participate in the AIGA Portfolio Night (Same course as SA 4650).

Prerequisites: Senior Standing for GD and SA Majors Only.


GD 4900 - Senior Design Project - 6 credits

Spring Semester

The senior degree project will include the execution of a high- quality original body of work in the second semester of the fourth year, generally including a large body of work for display in the Graphic Design Senior Exhibition. This course is taught in a mentor/student format.

Prerequisite: Limited to Graphic Design Seniors.


GD 4900H - Senior Degree Project Honors - 6 credits

Spring Semester

This honors senior degree project class will include the execution of a high-quality original body of work in the second semester of the fourth year, generally including a large body of work for display in the Graphic Design Senior Exhibition. Students seeking to achieve departmental honors will work with a faculty mentor to develop proposal and project selection. 

Prerequisite: Graphic Design Senior with a GPA of 3.3 .