Graphic Design, BFA
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
More on the Graphic Design major
The Graphic Design program is the largest within the Myers School of Art, offering an experiential pathway for students aiming for careers in the dynamic and ever-expanding field of visual communication design. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking and strategic problem-solving across print, web, and interactive media.
Purpose
The curriculum prioritizes creative thinking and problem solving through design theory but also emphasizes contemporary production processes using industry-standard technology. Our program requires students engage in the process of creating and encourages them to explore unexpected solutions. Students gain an understanding that design is an investment in research and ideation, innovative thinking, knowledge of tools and materials, and results-oriented solutions that create value for businesses. Considering this philosophy, our purpose is simple: to educate and prepare students for excellent and diverse careers around the country, appropriate to their talents, skills, and interests.
Requirements for Admission
Myers School of Art admits via open enrollment following acceptance to The University of Akron. A minimum grade-point average of 2.5 in ART courses is required for graduation.
Goals
- Unapologetically encourage diverse perspectives, viewpoints, ideas and thinking from all students, staff, faculty, guests and visitors.
- Create engaged, socially-responsible, and thoughtful critical thinkers.
- Maintain a diverse and accomplished faculty, knowledgeable and prepared to engage students on the ever-expanding field of graphic design.
- Promote ethical standards of business and communication, while cultivating an environment for a responsible and socially-aware graphic design industry.
- Research and develop modern techniques for graphic designers, including committing to emerging technologies and new industries.
- Archive and maintain the oral and written history of visual communication design.
Distinctions
- A comprehensive graphic design program within an interdisciplinary school of art.
- Graduates of the program have instruction in all areas of the expanding graphic design industry, including traditional print, web, interactive, user experience, motion, animation, environmental, and experimental design.
- Design x Nine is a unique in-house student design studio opportunity creating real-world solutions for on and off-campus clients.
- 100% of our graduates develop business connections and entrepreneurial skills through professional internships; unique in-class client opportunities with companies like the Akron Zoo, MiLB’s Akron Rubber Ducks, NASA, Bridgestone, or Microsoft; or various portfolio reviews and local affiliated events with industry professionals.
- Students have access to industry specific and emerging technology, including computer labs, camera/video equipment, various printing solutions, 3D prototyping and printing, laser cutting, augmented and virtual reality systems, projection mapping, software solutions, and materials.
- Finding inspiration through travel, our students regularly visit design epicenters such as Miami, New York, and Chicago as well as unique travel experiences to other areas of the United States and Europe.
The following information has official approval of The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art and The Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences, but is intended only as a supplemental guide. Official degree requirements are established at the time of transfer and admission to the degree-granting college. Students should refer to the Degree Progress Report (Stellic) which is definitive for graduation requirements. Completion of this degree within the identified time frame below is contingent upon many factors, including but not limited to: class availability, total number of required credits, work schedule, finances, family, course drops/withdrawals, successfully passing courses, prerequisites, among others. The transfer process is completed through an appointment with your academic advisor.
Students are encouraged to visit the The Mary Schiller Myers School of Art their freshman year to obtain preliminary information regarding the program requirements and to learn more about on-campus opportunities available to students.
Three year accelerated option: for first time students who have earned credits for at least the first year of courses. Credits can be earned through qualifying scores on appropriate Advanced Placement (AP) exams or through College Credit Plus Program (CCP) courses. Credits for qualifying AP scores or CCP courses are determined by the appropriate academic department. Departments may assign varied course credit, depending on the student’s score on an AP exam or grade in a CCP course. Students may also receive credit by examination or via placement tests, where appropriate.
Requirements
Summary
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements * | 31 | |
| Art History Requirements | 12 | |
| Foundation Core | 12 | |
| Graphic Design Requirements | 57 | |
| Electives | 8 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- *
Several courses required for the major also satisfy General Education requirements. The University minimum of 36 credits are required for General Education and credit for these courses will apply to multiple requirements.
Note: A 2.5 cumulative GPA in all ART courses is required for graduation.
General Education Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree must complete the following General Education coursework | ||
| Breadth of Perspectives courses may also fulfill major or Breadth of Knowledge requirements. Integrated and Applied Learning courses may also fulfill requirements in the major. | ||
| Academic Foundations | 12 | |
Mathematics, Statistics and Logic: 3 credit hours | ||
Speaking: 3 credit hours | ||
Writing: 6 credit hours | ||
| Breadth of Knowledge | 19 | |
Arts: 3 credit hours | ||
Humanities: 3 credit hours | ||
Natural Sciences: 7 credit hours | ||
Social Sciences: 6 credit hours | ||
| Breadth of Perspectives | ||
U.S. Perspectives | ||
Global Perspectives | ||
Civic Literacy | ||
| Integrated and Applied Learning | 1-3 | |
Select one class from one of the following subcategories: | ||
Complex Issues Facing Society | ||
Capstone | ||
| General Education Elective 1 | 4-2 | |
Review the General Education Requirements page for detailed course listings. | ||
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
Credits may be selected from any approved General Education course not already accounted for.
College of Arts & Sciences Requirement
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Students must also complete a minimum of 40 credits (excluding workshops) consisting of either: | ||
Upper-level (300/400) courses both in and outside of the student’s major; | ||
or other courses outside the major department approved by the student’s major department chair (permission should be obtained prior to enrollment); these may not include workshops | ||
Art History Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 101 | Survey of Global Art 1: Prehistory to 1250 CE | 3 |
| ART 102 | History of Global Art 2: 1250 CE - 1850 CE | 3 |
| ART 103 | History of Global Art 3: 1850 CE - Today | 3 |
| ART 307 | History of Graphic Design | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Foundation Core
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 100 | Arts Orientation | 0 |
| ART 144 | Foundation 2D Design | 3 |
| ART 145 | Foundation 3D Design | 3 |
| ART 283 | Drawing for Design Thinking | 3 |
| Art Foundation Studio Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Graphic Design Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ART 111 | Emerging Technologies | 3 |
| ART 189 | Design Production | 3 |
| ART 184 | Typography I | 3 |
| ART 280 | Digital Media | 3 |
| ART 281 | Web and Devices I | 3 |
| ART 288 | Typography II | 3 |
| ART 310 | Motion Design | 3 |
| ART 311 | UI/UX Design | 3 |
| ART 380 | Illustration | 3 |
| ART 382 | Graphic Design Junior Review | 1 |
| ART 384 | Professional Design Practices | 2 |
| ART 387 | Typography III | 3 |
| ART 432 | Art & Creative Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| ART 471 | Web and Devices II | 3 |
| ART 480 | Advanced Graphic Design | 3 |
| or ART 481 | Design X Nine | |
| or ART 485 | Advanced Illustration | |
| ART 482 | Corporate Identity & Graphic Systems | 3 |
| ART 483 | Graphic Design Presentation | 3 |
| ART 460 | The Myers Forum: Studio | 3 |
| or ART 461 | The Myers Forum: Seminar | |
| or ART 486 | Special Topics in Graphic Design | |
| or ART 489 | Special Topics in Studio Art | |
| or ART 419 | Special Topics in Print | |
| ART 487 | Packaging Design | 3 |
| ART 488 | Typography IV | 3 |
| Total Hours | 57 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Art Electives 2 | 6 | |
| Open Elective | 2 | |
| Total Hours | 8 | |
- 1
Select from ART 213 Introduction to Printmaking, ART 222 Introduction to Sculpture, ART 243 Introduction to Painting, ART 254 Introduction to Ceramics, ART 266 Introduction to Jewelry & Metalsmithing, ART 273 Introduction to Digital Photography or ART 275 Introduction to Darkroom Photography
- 2
Select a minimum of two art courses (6 credits) that must come from ART studio arts courses. See advisor for help.
Recommended Sequence
| 1st Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Hours | |
| ART 100 | Arts Orientation | 0 |
| ART 144 | Foundation 2D Design | 3 |
| ART 145 | Foundation 3D Design | 3 |
| ART 189 | Design Production | 3 |
| Writing I Requirement 1 | 3 | |
| Mathematics, Statistics and Logic Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ART 283 | Drawing for Design Thinking | 3 |
| ART 280 | Digital Media | 3 |
| ART 101 | Survey of Global Art 1: Prehistory to 1250 CE | 3 |
| Art Foundation Studio Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Writing II Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| 2nd Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ART 184 | Typography I † | 3 |
| ART 111 | Emerging Technologies | 3 |
| ART 102 | History of Global Art 2: 1250 CE - 1850 CE | 3 |
| COMM 105 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 |
| Art Studio Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ART 288 | Typography II ‡ | 3 |
| ART 281 | Web and Devices I | 3 |
| ART 380 | Illustration | 3 |
| ART 307 | History of Graphic Design | 3 |
| Natural Science with lab Requirement | 4 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| 3rd Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ART 387 | Typography III † | 3 |
| ART 310 | Motion Design † | 3 |
| ART 382 | Graphic Design Junior Review † | 1 |
| ART 384 | Professional Design Practices † | 2 |
| ART 432 | Art & Creative Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| Social Science Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ART 488 | Typography IV ‡ | 3 |
| ART 311 | UI/UX Design ‡ | 3 |
| ART 460 | The Myers Forum: Studio or The Myers Forum: Seminar or Special Topics in Graphic Design or Special Topics in Studio Art or Special Topics in Print | 3 |
| ART 103 | History of Global Art 3: 1850 CE - Today | 3 |
| Humanities Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| 4th Year | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| ART 482 | Corporate Identity & Graphic Systems † | 3 |
| ART 487 | Packaging Design † | 3 |
| ART 471 | Web and Devices II † | 3 |
| Social Science Requirement | 3 | |
| US Perspectives Requirement | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| ART 483 | Graphic Design Presentation ‡ | 3 |
| ART 480 | Advanced Graphic Design ‡ or Design X Nine or Advanced Illustration | 3 |
| Art Studio Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Natural Science Requirement | 3 | |
| Open Elective | 2 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
- 1
See adviser for placement
- 2
Select from ART 213 Introduction to Printmaking, ART 222 Introduction to Sculpture, ART 243 Introduction to Painting, ART 254 Introduction to Ceramics, ART 266 Introduction to Jewelry & Metalsmithing, ART 273 Introduction to Digital Photography or ART 275 Introduction to Darkroom Photography
- 3
Select a minimum of two art courses (6 credits) that must come from ART studio arts courses. See advisor for help.
- †
Fall semester only.
- ‡
Spring semester only.