Graphic Design Certificate

The four year certificate program provides students with a disciplined approach to the study of Graphic Design. Student portfolios will demonstrate the variety of skills and creativity developed. Graduates enter the field prepared for professional opportunities in Graphic Design. Students take electives and art history courses to round out their experience. Unlike the BFA program, students pursuing the Certificate program do not take liberal arts coursework.

Certificate
Core Classes

This program is available on campus

ADV 207

Creative Strategy Core/3

Great things happen when a strategic framework is applied to creativity. Based on current cultural and market observations, you'll develop and present strategic maps and data visualizations to connect businesses and people.

COM 102

Visual Storytelling: Editing Fundamentals for Short-Form Video Content Core/3

Editing can be a persuasive storytelling tool. Using your own original footage, you'll gain basic editing skills—including importing, exporting, audio mixing, and color correction-to increase the emotional impact and user engagement of your videos.

FND 149

Introduction to Design Thinking Core/3

Unlock your creative potential by harnessing the power of the creative process. You will generate ideas to solve physical and conceptual design problems. Learn from faculty across different disciplines and engage with your peers to create innovative solutions through collaborations.

GR 102

Design Technologies Core/3

Gain familiarity with the technical tools of the trade. You'll study the theory and function of industry-standard computer hardware and software and learn the digital design principles professionals use to produce visual communications and digital products.

GR 122

Typography 1: Hierarchy and Form Core/3

Typography gives language a physical form. Part science and part art - good typography is a skill unique to graphic design and makes your ideas come to life. You'll learn to solve typographic design problems by focusing on letterforms, proportion, hierarchy, legibility, structure, aesthetics, and more.

GR 150

Introduction to Visual Communication Core/3

Successful visual communication unites many diverse creative professions. You'll gain hands-on interdisciplinary ideation and creative problem-solving experience by working on projects that emphasize collaboration and audience engagement.

GR 327

Graphic Design 2: Integrating Principles Core/3

Recognize the power of design. You'll gain more conceptual expertise and a stronger command of typography and visual language. Combined with solid craftsmanship skills, you will begin to produce projects that comprise a professional body of work.

GR 460

Senior Portfolio Core/3

The portfolio is the final step in your Graphic Design BFA program. You'll develop a comprehensive print and digital visual system that shows off your design skills and a robust social media presence to effectively promote your strengths to the world.

IXD 105

Design Technology: Visual Design Tools Core/3

Take a deep dive into the skills behind industry-standard design and production: vector graphics and typography, color manipulation, finding workflow techniques, presentation and output methods, and more.

PH 103

Photography for Artists Core/3

Designed for all majors interested in photography, students will be presented an inspired approach to using photography across mediums. Topics include proper exposure, lighting, composition, and optimizing photos for a digital workflow. A smartphone or digital camera is required for this course.

Degree Requirements

Unit RequirementsUnits
Core24
Sophomore Portfolio3
Senior Portfolio3
Major48
Art History6
Art by Advisement24
Electives12
Total120

GRAPHIC DESIGN CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum 2.0 GPA

Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Critical & Creative Thinking

  • Identify appropriate audiences for defined problems
  • Demonstrate the resourcefulness and flexibility necessary to conceive appropriate design solutions

Conceptual Skills

  • Develop and prototype potential design solutions for specific problems
  • Create visual communications that are audience appropriate
  • Develop design solutions that function within a defined context recognizing physical, cognitive, cultural and social human factors

Formal Skills

  • Create visual communications demonstrating competent formal design skills based in design principles: composition, balance, hierarchy, harmony, and contrast
  • Create visual communications demonstrating competent formal design skills based in aesthetics: appropriate typography, composition and construction of meaningful imagery
  • Utilize the appropriate media, materials, tools, technology, platforms, and techniques to create visual communications

Professional Readiness

  • Effectively present and communicate ideas
  • Demonstrate the skills necessary for chosen career path through the presentation of a satisfactory body of work