Graphic Design, BFA
for the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Graphic Design
school office: 143 Art and Design Building, Champaign, IL 61820
contact: Mark Avery, Coordinator of Undergraduate Academic Affairs
email: mavery@illinois.edu
phone: (217) 333-6632
department website: School of Art & Design
department faculty: Art & Design Faculty
overview of college admissions & requirements: Fine & Applied Arts
college website: https://faa.illinois.edu/
The curriculum in graphic design requires 122 credit hours and prepares the student for entrance into the professional practice of design visual communications. Studio work addresses graphic design fundamentals (typography and image making), design history and contemporary practices, research methods, user experience, and social responsibility. Students engage with complex problems and are asked to identify opportunities where design can intervene. In addition, students have the opportunity to develop their personal interests by taking advantage of a highly interdisciplinary selection of elective courses offered by the School of Art + Design, including photography, video, traditional printmaking, sustainability, advanced interaction design, and the design of Ninth Letter, a nationally-distributed and award-winning literary arts journal.
Students in the School of Art and Design must complete the Campus General Education requirements. Some Art and Design courses will also apply toward the General Education requirements.
A portfolio review is required for admission to the School of Art and Design.
for the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Graphic Design
Students in the School of Art and Design must complete the Campus General Education requirements. Some Art and Design courses will also apply toward the General Education requirements.
A portfolio review is required for admission to the School of Art and Design.
Students majoring in this degree program must complete the First Year Curriculum requirements before beginning other major requirements.
First Year Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FAA 101 | Arts at Illinois | 1 |
| ARTF 101 | Contemporary Issues in Art | 2 |
| ARTE 101 | Art, Design, and Society | 2 |
| ARTH 110 | Introduction to the History of Art and Visual Culture | 3 |
| Select one Drawing course: | 3 | |
| Observational Drawing | ||
| Expressive Drawing | ||
| Visualization Drawing | ||
| Select one course in 2D Category: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Graphic Design | ||
| Introduction to Printmaking (required for Studio Art: Printmaking) | ||
| Fashion Illustration (required for Studio Art: Fashion) | ||
| Beginning Painting (required for Studio Art: Painting) | ||
| Basic Photography (required for Studio Art: Photography) | ||
| Select one course in 3D Category: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Industrial Design | ||
| Ceramics Sculpture I | ||
| Jewelry/Metals I | ||
| Beginning Sculpture (required for Studio Art: Sculpture) | ||
| Select one course in 4D Category: | 3 | |
| Image Practice | ||
| Time Arts I | ||
| Interaction I | ||
| Total Hours | 20 | |
Graphic Design Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARTD 218 | Interaction Design Foundation | 3 |
| ARTD 222 | Typographic Practice | 3 |
| ARTD 251 | Graphic Design Toolbox | 2 |
| ARTD 270 | Design Methods | 2 |
| ARTD 318 | Interaction Design | 2 |
| ARTD 333 | Type & Image | 3 |
| ARTD 351 | Graphic Design Inquiry | 4 |
| ARTD 371 | Graphic Design Practicum | 2 |
| ARTD 418 | Advanced Interaction Design | 3 |
| ARTD 444 | Typographic Systems | 3 |
| ARTD 451 | Ethics of a Designer in a Global Economy | 4 |
| ARTD 471 | Graphic Design Capstone | 3 |
| Total Hours | 34 | |
Art History
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARTH 211 | Design History Survey | 3 |
| Advanced art history (200-level or above) | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 9 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Art and Design electives (art and design courses not in graphic design requirements) | 12 | |
| Open electives as needed to total 122 hour degree | ||