Major in Graphic Communication

Students may seek an academic major in graphic communication.

The major in graphic communication provides students with a multidisciplinary study of the skills and technology needed to compete in today's rapidly changing visual arts and communication environments. The curriculum combines training in graphic art and design and computer graphics with studies in communication, including business-oriented writing and publication. Graduates are prepared for careers as graphic designers and related positions that require creative skills as well as an understanding of business communication.

Intended Program Outcomes

The student who graduates with a major in graphic communication will be able to

• Respond to stakeholder needs with appropriate design solutions that effectively convey a coherent, consistent message for targeted purposes and audiences.
• Use appropriate technologies and sound design principles to create effective solutions for communication needs.
• Synthesize effective visual communication from various oral, written, and visual elements.
• Work within the ethical and legal parameters of the communications professions.
• Manage projects by identifying the steps, roles, responsibilities, and resources to complete a project on time and on budget through effective teamwork.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in graphic communication requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 33 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 46 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 17 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Requirements for the graphic Communication Major

Coursework for a major in graphic communication includes the following:

• Required introductory courses (9 credits) ARTT 110 and 120 and GRCO 100
• Required foundation courses (6 credits): ARTT 210 and GRCO 230
• Required core courses (12 credits); ARTH 375, GRCO 350 and 354, and MRKT 310
• Supplemental major course (3 credits): Any ARTT or GRCO course
• Required capstone course (3 credits): GRCO 495

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BA in graphic communication. Coursework for the major is indicated by . Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Graphic Communication Degree Courses

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

• EDCP 100 Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3)
  (strongly recommended as first course)
• LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)
• WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)
• MATH 106 Finite Mathematics (3)
  or a higher-level math course
• GRCO 100 Introduction to Graphic Communication (3)

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

• PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
  or a foreign language course or other arts and humanities course
• Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
  and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
  or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology or other biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory course(s)
• GVPT 170 American Government (3)
  or other behavioral and social sciences course
• ARTT 110 Drawing and Design (3)
• WRTG 291 Research Writing (3)
  or other communications/writing course
• IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3)
  or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

• ARTT 120 Two-Dimensional Design (3)
• PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
  or BEHS 210 Introduction to Social Sciences or other behavioral and social sciences course (discipline must differ from first)
• NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
  or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy or other biological and physical sciences lecture course
• ARTT 210 Drawing (3)
• HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)
  or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865 or other arts and humanities/historical perspective course (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
• CMST 385 Principles of Web Design and Technology I (3)
  (fulfills the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement; prerequisite for later courses)
• SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)
  or ENGL 281 Standard English Grammar, Usage, and Diction or other communication, writing, or speech course
• GRCO 230 Typography (3)

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

• ARTH 375 History of Graphic Art (3)
• WRTG 391 Advanced Research Writing (3)
  or other communications/upper-level advanced writing course
• MRKT 310 Marketing Principles (3)
• GRCO 350 Commercial Design (3)
• GRCO 354 Digital Media (3)
• GRCO 458 Illustration (3)
  or GRCO 479 Motion Graphics or other supplemental course for the major

Capstone Course for Major (to be taken after all other courses for the major)

• GRCO 495 Graphic Communication Portfolio (3)

Minor and/or Elective Courses (43)
(to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses)

Total credits for BA in graphic communication: 120

• Graphic Communication Degree Planning Worksheet