Graphic Design BFA
The Graphic Design program at Georgian Court University, offering both BFA and BA degrees, is designed for individuals passionate about innovative and creative design. This comprehensive curriculum covers various aspects of graphic design, integrating core theories with essential practices. The program aims to develop forward-thinking designers proficient in both traditional and contemporary media.
The BFA option requires 72 major-specific credits, providing an intensive exploration of graphic design, ideal for students who desire a deep dive into the discipline, resulting in a strong portfolio and skill set.
The program emphasizes the importance of staying current with industry trends and technologies, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the graphic design field’s evolving nature. BFA students participate in internships, integrating real-world experiences into their education. These approaches, with the goal of offering a holistic experience, equip students with the necessary skills for a successful career in the dynamic creative industry.
Georgian Court University values potential and passion over prior accomplishments, hence, does not require a portfolio for admission into the graphic design program. This inclusive approach ensures that all enthusiastic individuals have the opportunity to pursue their creative passions, regardless of their experience level.
99%
Full-Time students receive some form of aid
11:1
Student to faculty ratio
$22.8M
Financial aid awarded annually by GCU
Over $23k
Average awarded annually per undergraduate student
Top 20%
Overall mobility index
To earn this degree, students must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including General Education requirements and the major requirements below.
Major Sequence
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design program offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes 36 credits of foundational and intermediate major courses (100-200 level), complemented by 36 credits of advanced major courses (300-400 level). Students have the option to choose 6 credits of elective courses within their major, guided by an academic advisor, to align with their individual interests. To graduate with a BFA in Graphic Design, students must complete a total of 72 credits in major-specific courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Courses | ||
| GD111 | Introduction to Design | 3.0 |
| GD112 | Drawing for Designers | 3.0 |
| AR228 | European & U.S. Art | 3.0 |
| GD113 | Computer Graphics | 3.0 |
| GD114 | Graphic Design I | 3.0 |
| GD212 | Illustration for Designers | 3.0 |
| GD213 | Typography I | 3.0 |
| GD220 | Digital Photography | 3.0 |
| Advanced Courses | ||
| GD214 | Graphic Design II | 3.0 |
| MM214 | Mixed Realities & Interactivity | 3.0 |
| GD226 | Video & Sound Editing I | 3.0 |
| MM314 | Motion Graphics II | 3.0 |
| GD322 | Web Design I | 3.0 |
| GD324 | Typography II | 3.0 |
| GD327 | Motion Graphics I | 3.0 |
| GD328 | 3D Animation I | 3.0 |
| AR220 | Modern Art | 3.0 |
| GD422 | Web Design II | 3.0 |
| GD428 | 3D Animation II | 3.0 |
| GD429 | Internship | 3.0 |
| GD430 | Professional Practices | 3.0 |
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
GD/MM440 | Special Topics I | |
or GD/MM441 | Special Topics II | |
| Electives | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
GD225 | Packaging & Pattern Design | |
or MM326 | Video & Sound Editing II | |
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
GD314 | Graphic Design III | |
or MM429 | 3D Animation III | |
| Total Credits | 72.0 | |
For more information on program requirements, consult the Undergraduate Catalog.
Create digital and print masterpieces with a minor in graphic design from GCU. You’ll learn about the theories of visual design and applicable technologies as you refine your own artistic skill set.
The graphic design minor consists of six core courses from the B.F.A. in Graphic Design. It can be taken by any major. This is an 18-credit minor that enables students to gain knowledge and hands-on experience in graphic and web design.
Minor Sequence
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GD113 | Computer Graphics | 3.0 |
| GD114 | Graphic Design I | 3.0 |
| GD214 | Graphic Design II | 3.0 |
| GD322 | Web Design I | 3.0 |
| GD324 | Typography II | 3.0 |
| GD422 | Web Design II | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 18.0 | |
For more information on program requirements, consult the Undergraduate Catalog.
- Before you begin your internship, schedule an appointment at georgian.as.me/?calendarID=2795200 to meet with Theodora Sergiou, Internship and Student Development Coordinator for the School of Business and Digital Media (SBDM).
- Complete the Internship Registration and Contract using CareerLink.
- Go to georgian.edu/careerlink.
- Select “I am a Student.” If this is your first time signing in, enter your GCU password and select “Activate” account to complete your profile and create a Careerlink password. If you have already set up a CareerLink profile, sign in using your GCU username and the CareerLink password you created for this account (not your GCU password).
- Once logged on, select “Experiential Learning” from the action menu.
- Complete the SBDM Approval Form online. Once approved, you will receive e-mail confirmation.
- Students register for the internship course by first requesting permission from Professor Sergiou in Self-Service, and then going back into Self-Service and completing registration.
- Business majors will register for BU351.
- Digital communication majors will register for CM405.
- Graphic Design and Multimedia majors will register for GD429.
- During the internship, you should maintain a weekly journal of hours worked, tasks performed, and personal reflections. Regularly review your progress with the internship coordinator and employer.
- Toward the end of your internship and at least two weeks before the end of the semester, go back into CareerLink to submit the Internship Evaluation Form online.
- At the conclusion of the semester, you will prepare a PowerPoint presentation on your internship experience containing:
- an overview of the enterprise;
- a job description;
- an explanation of how you achieved your learning objectives; and
- and a self-reflection on the impact of the internship on your career choice, goals, and plans.
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