Interaction & UI/UX Design BFA

The BFA program provides students with a comprehensive education in the principles of modern web design and new media. Taught by a faculty that works in the San Francisco Bay Area creative industry, our students are provided a unique opportunity to learn from teachers immersed in the field. The curriculum focuses on visual design, user experience, design strategies, web design, and motion graphics.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree
Core Courses

This program is available online and 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.

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.

IXD 282

Midpoint Portfolio Core/3

Your portfolio is everything. You'll take the first step into creating and presenting your own portfolio website and personal branding system. You'll revisit, redo, update, revise, and add to past work to create a portfolio that reflects the skills you've gained. (This course is cross-listed with ADV 341.)

IXD 482

Portfolio 2 Core/3

Perfect your professional portfolio. You'll fine tune completed projects, create identity elements and leave-behinds, and hone your presentation and interview skills.

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
Major39
Electives9
Liberal Arts42
Total120

BFA INTERACTION & UI/UX DESIGN DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum grade of C- in all major coursework
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA and the following general education requirements:
    4 Art Historical Awareness courses
    1 Creative Ideation course
    1 Written Communication: Critical Thinking course
    1 Historical Awareness course
    1 Quantitative Literacy course
    1 Cultural Ideas & Influences course
    1 Employment Communications and Practices course

After above general education requirements are met, take Liberal Arts electives as needed to fulfill the Liberal Arts unit requirement.

Additional Information

Program Learning Outcomes

Undergraduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

Visual Communication

  • Create grid-based visual compositions that demonstrate essential principles of design
  • Make typographic choices that effectively communicate information hierarchy and mood
  • Demonstrate effective use of color and imagery

Critical Thinking

  • Collect data appropriate for the given project
  • Use research findings to develop design ideas centered on real target users
  • Identify user demographics and diagram the user experience
  • Produce a consistent interactive experience in a medium appropriate to the user’s needs

Technical Skills

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the current interactive technologies, tools, and apps by effectively using them to execute substantive projects

Professional Readiness

  • Produce a cohesive portfolio tailored to reflect stated career goals