Career-Focused Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design - C.F.B.S.

The Career-Focused Bachelor of Science degree program in Graphic Design offers a condensed and focused path for students eager to enter the creative industry quickly, without sacrificing the depth and quality of their education. The streamlined design of the program allows students to earn a complete, comprehensive degree in a shorter period than a traditional bachelor's degree program requires. Visual design foundation courses blend with real-world, project-based learning to prepare students for dynamic careers in graphic design.

The program focuses heavily on experiential learning, with fewer elective courses but in-depth project-based courses. This experiential learning is highlighted with real-world experience in the Design Team course. In Design Team, advanced-level students apply their knowledge to real-world problems through experiential education. Working from the John J. Bowen Center for Science and Innovation, students provide design solutions for community partners. Students hone their design skills by creating, editing and presenting visual collateral that includes branding/logo design; print peripherals, including pamphlets, posters, organizational identity kits, and infographics; video; motion graphics; and websites. Students work in project teams supervised by faculty.

Additionally, students complete the Portfolio Capstone course, which guides them through the assembly of a comprehensive digital and physical portfolio that demonstrates their increasingly sophisticated mastery of design. With faculty guidance, students gather, revise and organize their best work as well as enhance their portfolios with additional advanced design projects. In the final week of the course, students present and defend their work to a select group of faculty and visiting industry professionals. Students also show their work in the annual Design Student Reveal Exhibit.

The Work Integrated Learning requirement ensures that students graduate with essential skills and confidence that prepare them for leadership roles in the workforce. Other opportunities such as study abroad, national competitions and school exhibitions are also available to qualified students and complement the college experience.

Students in this degree program prepare for a wide range of career opportunities in the creative industries where graphic design and UI/UX (web) design intersect. Sample job titles in this rapidly changing professional market include graphic designer, digital designer, visual designer, UI/UX (user interface) designer, web designer, creative/art director, digital designer, interactive designer, multimedia designer and more.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the common elements, vocabulary, visual culture, and history of design, and the interaction of these elements in a modern context.
• Apply professional processes to analyze a problem, conduct research, propose solutions, write specifications and execute delivery of a product.
• Communicate, create and develop successful solutions to visual concepts reflecting the principles of visualization and design, typography, imagery, user experience and aesthetics.
• Use traditional tools, technology, materials and production methods of the discipline to create effective solutions to design problems.
• Design solutions that respond to the physical, cognitive, cultural, social and/or ethical elements of the audience.                                                                                                                                           

Graphic Design - Career-Focused B.S.

A three-year program leading to the Career-focused bachelor of science degree

Note: Students must pass MATH0010 Pre-Algebra or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in required math courses.

Note: Students must pass ENG0001 Writing Workshop or have equivalent placement scores to enroll in ILS 2000-level courses.

In collaboration with academic colleges Study Abroad offer several options, direct enroll with international universities, domestic and digital options meet with a Study Abroad Advisor to learn more about how your major, minor, free electives, experiential learning and transferable courses would benefit by a Study Abroad program. There are many options for students during a semester, spring and/or summer breaks. Faculty-led, exchange, and direct-enroll programs range in duration from one week to a full semester or full year. Financial aid may be applied, and some partners offer external scholarships. Visit the study abroad website for information, program descriptions and online applications. Where will you go? Wherever you decide, make the best of your educational journey!

Please see a campus catalog for campus-specific admissions requirements.