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Duluth Campus

Graphic Design B.F.A.

UMD Art and Design, Dept of
School of Fine Arts
  • Program Type: Baccalaureate
  • Requirements for this program are current for Fall 2016
  • Required credits to graduate with this degree: 120
  • Required credits within the major: 91
  • Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts
The graphic design profession uses the creative process and technology to communicate ideas and messages. Delivery of the message can be multidimensional, print and screen based, interactive, involve sound and motion, or be real or virtual. Graphic design involves type and language, abstract and figurative imagery, concept, technology, and craft. The discipline takes place within commercial, academic, and institutional contexts in the private and public realms, and allows individuals to enter a rewarding profession that demands creativity and vision. Acknowledging the interdisciplinary nature of the profession, the Department of Art and Design takes advantage of its position as a department in the School of Fine Arts to provide students with the opportunity to gain firsthand experience of all the arts in a manner that is possible in only a small percentage of universities nationwide. To qualify for this program, pre-graphic design students must pass a portfolio review (ART 0901) during the second semester of their freshman year. Department honors requirements: Candidates nominated by art and design department faculty receive honors for distinguished achievement, demonstrated in part by projects and portfolios completed in Senior Design Studio I and II (ART 4922 and 4933).
Program Delivery
This program is available:
  • via classroom (the majority of instruction is face-to-face)
Admission Requirements
Freshman and transfer students are usually admitted to pre-major status before admission to this major.
Students must pass portfolio review. The review occurs (approximately) during the seventh week of spring semester each year and is conducted by the graphic design faculty. Advanced placement students may be eligible for a portfolio review during the week before the start of fall semester. After completion of at least 9 credits of pre-graphic design requirement ART core courses, students must submit a portfolio of work selected from the courses, and a specified writing sample for the review. After admission to the graphic design major (passing the portfolio review), the coursework required for the program is sequential and takes a minimum of three years, or six semesters (see sample plan). Transfer students, and students who change their major to graphic design, need to be aware of this time requirement to complete the program.
For information about University of Minnesota admission requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
Required prerequisites
Introductory Course (1 cr)
UST 1000 - Learning in Community (1.0-2.0 cr)
Required prerequisites
Pre-Graphic Design Requirements (15 cr)
Note: ART 1010, 1011, 1012, and 1013 may be taken either semester of the first year. They are not sequential. Graphic Art Portfolio Review (ART 0901) requires a 2.00 GPA overall and in art and art history courses.
ART 901 - Graphic Design Portfolio Review (0.0 cr)
ART 1010 - Drawing I [FINE ARTS] (3.0 cr)
ART 1011 - 2-D Design (3.0 cr)
ART 1012 - 3-D Design (3.0 cr)
ART 1013 - 2-D Digital Design (3.0 cr)
ART 1900 - Visual Literacy [LE CAT, FINE ARTS] (3.0 cr)
General Requirements
  1. Students must meet all course and credit requirements of the departments and colleges or schools in which they are enrolled including an advanced writing course. Students seeking two degrees must fulfill the requirements of both degrees. However, two degrees cannot be awarded for the same major.
  2. Students must complete all requirements of the Liberal Education Program or its approved equivalent.
  3. Students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credits completed in compliance with University of Minnesota Duluth academic policies with credit limits (e.g., Satisfactory/Non-Satisfactory Grading Policy, Credit for Prior Learning, etc).
  4. At least 30 semester credits must be earned through UMD, and 15 of the last 30 credits earned immediately before graduation must be awarded by UMD.
  5. At least half of upper-division (3xxx-level or higher) credits that satisfy major requirements (major requirements includes all courses required for the major, including courses in a subplan) through UMD.
  6. If a minor is required, students must take at least three upper division credits in their minor field from UMD.
  7. For certificate programs, at least 3 upper-division credits that satisfy requirements for the certificate must be taken through UMD. If the program does not require upper division credits students must take at least one course from the certificate program from UMD.
  8. The minimum cumulative University of Minnesota (UMN) GPA required for graduation is 2.00 and includes only University of Minnesota coursework. A minimum UMN GPA of 2.00 is required in each UMD undergraduate major, minor, and certificate. No academic unit may impose a higher GPA standard to graduate.
  9. Diploma, transcripts, licensure, and certification will be withheld until all financial obligations to the University have been met.
Program Requirements
1. Transfer credits must carry a minimum grade of C. 2. Attendance at two visual lectures per semester (fall and spring).
Major Courses (42 cr)
ART 2905 - Design Technology I (3.0 cr)
ART 2906 - Design Technology II (3.0 cr)
ART 2907 - Typography I (3.0 cr)
ART 2911 - Graphic Design I (3.0 cr)
ART 3906 - Emerging Media Design (3.0 cr)
ART 3922 - Graphic Design II (3.0 cr)
ART 3933 - Graphic Design III (3.0 cr)
ART 3937 - Typography II (3.0 cr)
ART 4908 - Interactive Design I (3.0 cr)
ART 4909 - Interactive Design II (3.0 cr)
ART 4922 - Senior Design Studio I (3.0 cr)
ART 4944 - Graphic Design IV (3.0 cr)
ART 4955 - Graphic Design V (3.0 cr)
ARTH 2901 - History of Graphic Design (3.0 cr)
Studio Courses (15 cr)
Take 3 or more course(s) totaling 9 or more credit(s) from the following:
· ART 2014 - 3-D Digital Modeling and Fabrication (3.0 cr)
· ART 2016 - Digital Arts: Mixed-Media Studio (3.0 cr)
· ART 2018 - Digital Arts: Interactive Media (3.0 cr)
· ART 2030 - Digital Arts: Time-based Media (3.0 cr)
· ART 2040 - Digital Filmmaking: Visual Narratives (3.0 cr)
· ART 2100 - Painting I (3.0 cr)
· ART 2200 - Sculpture I (3.0 cr)
· ART 2400 - Ceramics I (3.0 cr)
· ART 2500 - Jewelry and Metals I (3.0 cr)
· ART 2600 - Photography I (3.0 cr)
· ART 2300 - Printmaking I: Intaglio, Relief (3.0 cr)
or ART 2301 - Printmaking I: Litho, Screen (3.0 cr)
· Upper Level Studio Electives
Take 2 or more course(s) totaling 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· ART 3xxx
· ART 4xxx
Art History Electives (9 cr)
ARTH 1303 - History of World Art I [LE CAT, HUMANITIES, GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
or ARTH 1304 - History of World Art II [LE CAT, HUMANITIES] (3.0 cr)
or ARTH 1305 - History of World Art III [HUMANITIES, GLOBAL PER] (3.0 cr)
Take 2 or more course(s) totaling 6 or more credit(s) from the following:
· ARTH 2xxx
· ARTH 3xxx
Final Project (3 cr)
Students complete the capstone design course, ART 4933. Portfolio project addresses individual student needs and highlights design strengths for career placement. Instructors assessing the senior project maintain criteria used in the entry-level portfolio review rubric. Results are reflected in the grade.
ART 4933 - Senior Design Studio II (3.0 cr)
SFA Additional Liberal Education Requirement (3 cr)
Three credits of SFA Liberal Education courses from outside the student's chosen major (dance, fine arts, music, or theatre). MU 15xx ensembles must be repeated once each semester for a total of 3 credits (may require audition). A 2-credit DN course may be substituted (art or music students only).
Advanced Writing (3 cr)
WRIT 3110 - Advanced Writing: Arts and Letters (3.0 cr)
or WRIT 4230 - Web Design and Digital Culture (3.0 cr)
or WRIT 4250 - New Media Writing (3.0 cr)
 
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UST 1000 - Learning in Community
Credits: 1.0 -2.0 [max 2.0]
Course Equivalencies: EHS 1000/UST 1000/ ES 1000
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Facilitates the successful transition into college learning and student life at UMD. Credit will not be granted if already received for EHS 1000.
ART 901 - Graphic Design Portfolio Review
Credits: 0.0 [max 0.0]
Grading Basis: S-N or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Presentation of portfolio and other required evaluative materials for admission to graphic design major candidacy. prereq: {repeatable one time}, 9 credits in art courses, pre-graphic design major or pre-graphic design and marketing major or department consent
ART 1010 - Drawing I (FINE ARTS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to the drawing experience and problems concerned with translation of three-dimensional visual experience into two-dimensional form. prereq: preArt or Art BA or Arts Admin BA or preArt Educ K-12 or Art Educ K-12 BFA or Art History BA or preGraphic Design or Graphic Design BFA or preStudio Art or Studio Art BFA or Theatre-Costume Design BFA or Art minor or instructor consent
ART 1011 - 2-D Design
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to two-dimensional design through study of design elements and principles, including visual organization and color theory and their application in various media. prereq: preArt or Art BA or Art Admin BA or preArt Educ K-12 or Art Ed K-12 BFA or Art History BA or preGraphic Design or Graphic Design BFA or preStudio Art or Studio Art BFA or preMarketing & Graphic Design or Marketing & Graphic Design BBA or Art Min or instructor consent
ART 1012 - 3-D Design
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to basic concepts and materials of three-dimensional form and space. prereq: preArt or Art BA or Arts Admin BA or preArt Educ K-12 or Art Educ K-12 BFA or Art History BA or preGraphic Design or Graphic Design BFA or preStudio Art or Studio Art BFA or Art minor or instructor consent
ART 1013 - 2-D Digital Design
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Two-dimensional studio and graphic design concepts using the computer as a creative tool. Instruction presented only on the macOS. prereq: preArt or Art BA or Art Admin BA or preArt Educ K-12 or Art Ed K-12 BFA or Art History BA or preGraphic Design or Graphic Design BFA or preStudio Art or Studio Art BFA or preMarketing & Graphic Design or Marketing & Graphic Design BBA or Art Min or Arts in Media Min or Photo Min or instructor consent
ART 1900 - Visual Literacy (LE CAT, FINE ARTS)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Various forms of visual expression--art, commercial imagery, typography, architecture, graffiti, etc.--as rhetoric. Introduction to variety of theories and/or modes of criticism, and consideration of their value for explanation of visual expression. prereq: Credit will not be granted if already received for 2900
ART 2905 - Design Technology I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Fundamentals of graphic reproduction and Web site design; application of digital programs used in preparing print and web work. Instruction presented on the macOS. prereq: ART 1013 or instructor consent
ART 2906 - Design Technology II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced concepts and digital program applications for print and web graphic contexts. prereq: 2905, graphic design major or GDM BFA or pre-MGD BBA or MGD BBA or instructor consent; laptop required; digital instruction presented only on the Mac platform.
ART 2907 - Typography I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to fundamentals of typography in print and screen media. Presents terminology, history, and theories of letterforms. Students will perform directed assignments to develop typographic skills on computer and by hand. prereq: ART 1013 and Graphic design major or GDM BFA or MGD or pre-MGD BBA or digital arts and photography emphasis or instructor consent; laptop required; digital instruction presented only on the Mac platform.
ART 2911 - Graphic Design I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to theory and practice of graphic design. Meaning and aesthetics of image juxtaposition; resonance of type and image. prereq: 2905, 2907, graphic design major or GDM BFA or pre-MGD BBA or MGD BBA or instructor consent; laptop required; digital instruction presented only on the Mac platform.
ART 3906 - Emerging Media Design
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
An introductory course using emerging media devices and applications to design solutions for the web. This includes learning the basics of HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) in order to develop web-based content. Using system thinking, marketing theory and a variety of methods to generate images and other visual content, designing for social media platforms will be explored. pre-req: 2906
ART 3922 - Graphic Design II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Continuation of theory and practice of graphic design. Introduction to professional practices. Materials meaning, aesthetics, and practical use. prereq: ART 2911
ART 3933 - Graphic Design III
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Continuation of theory and practice of graphic design. Graphic design as an organizational and informative medium and as a purely aesthetic pursuit. prereq: 3922, graphic design major or GDM BFA or MGD BBA or instructor consent; laptop required; digital instruction presented only on the Mac platform.
ART 3937 - Typography II
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Advanced exploration of typography concepts and issues in screen and print media. prereq: ART 3922
ART 4908 - Interactive Design I
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Interactivity in graphic design, concentrating on computer-based interactive presentations. prereq: 3922, graphic design major or GDM BFA or MGD BBA or digital art and photography emphasis or Grad Student or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 5909: laptop required; digital instruction presented only on the Mac platform.
ART 4909 - Interactive Design II
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Interactivity in graphic design, concentrating on computer-based interactive presentations. prereq: 4908, graphic design major, or digital art and photography emphasis or Grad Student, or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 5910: laptop required; digital instruction presented only on the Mac platform.
ART 4922 - Senior Design Studio I
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Course Equivalencies: Art 4893/4922/4910
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Exploration of advanced graphic design topics through an extensive project for print and/or screen: research, creative production and development of a presentation system. Done individually or in groups. prereq: 3933 or 3937 or instructor consent, no grad credit
ART 4944 - Graphic Design IV
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Continuation of theory and practice of graphic design. Research-based development of design systems in multiple media. Instruction presented only on macOS. prereq: ART 3933 and Graphic Design BFA or instructor consent
ART 4955 - Graphic Design V
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Continuation of theory and practice of graphic design. Advanced projects. Instruction presented only on a macOS. prereq: ART 3933 and Graphic Design BFA or instructor consent
ARTH 2901 - History of Graphic Design
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to the history of graphic design, from the origins of written communication to present. Graduate students complete a substantial research paper or project on a topic in consultation with the instructor. prereq: Graphic Design major or Graphic Design and Marketing Major or Art History major or minor or Studio Art major or Digital Art and Photography minor or Arts in Media minor or instructor consent
ART 2014 - 3-D Digital Modeling and Fabrication
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Art 2014/3014/1014
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
This course offers a blend of innovative solutions for art creation utilizing new digital fabrication tools and techniques. Students will design, prototype, and build 3D models using computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies. The fundamental features of digital fabrication will be explored and applied to sculptural forms, design products, and installations beyond prototyping. 2D vector editing, 3D computer modeling and printing, laser cutting, and engraving will be introduced. pre-req: ART 1013
ART 2016 - Digital Arts: Mixed-Media Studio
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to digital art studio practice with a focus on digital imaging and cross-media experimentation. Course builds on skills, techniques, and critique of digital art concepts such as image compositing, appropriation, collage, and remixing. Creative projects include development of a serial approach to visual imagery. Readings and presentations discuss current trends in digital culture and key works by digital artists. Instruction presented only on macOS. prereq: ART 1013 or instructor consent
ART 2018 - Digital Arts: Interactive Media
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Creative use of interactive media in contemporary studio art practice. Discussion of emerging media formats and current trends in interactive art. Collaborative projects informed by conceptual dialogue in digital culture and significant works by net artists. Development of game-like interactive experiences via social networking, virtual worlds, or locative media. Experimental works may be created using open source software or other interactive design tools. Laptop required (Mac or PC). prereq: art major or minor or instructor consent
ART 2030 - Digital Arts: Time-based Media
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to time-based media practice and theory through presentations, readings, studio time, and hands-on assignments. Creative exploration of vital forms of contemporary time-based art such as video art, sound/sonic art, basic animation, and performance art. prereq: ART 1013 or Film Studies Minor or instructor consent repeatable: Allow up to 2 repetitions totalling up to 6 credits.
ART 2040 - Digital Filmmaking: Visual Narratives
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Art 1800/Art 2010
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Introduction to the fundamental of digital video production and basic concepts of cinematic narrative. Beginning hands-on experience using digital video tools to create short narrative works. Creative studio art approach to low budget film techniques and project collaboration. Individual and team projects include visual concept development, storyboarding, video production, and digital editing. Emphasis on the visual language of filmmaking and critical appreciation of cinematic media. prereq: 1013 or Journalism major or film minor or instructor consent
ART 2100 - Painting I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Color and pigment theory, basic concepts and explorations in technology and imagery. Painting traditions and contemporary directions. prereq: ART 1009 or 1010 and 1011 or instructor consent
ART 2200 - Sculpture I
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Sculptural materials, methods, and concepts, with problems relating to form, time, and space; experience with various sculptural forms and media, emphasizing creative expression. prereq: ART 1012 or instructor consent
ART 2400 - Ceramics I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Handbuilding methods, surface enhancement, and conceptual support for pottery and/or ceramic sculpture. prereq: 1012, art or art education major or art minor or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for 1400
ART 2500 - Jewelry and Metals I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Basic jewelry design, fabrication, and surface enhancement techniques. prereq: ART 1011 or 1013 or instructor consent
ART 2600 - Photography I
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Art 2600/1600/1605/1607
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Introduction to photographic concepts, materials, and the digital darkroom. Varied thematic assignments within the visual arts context. Requires digital camera with adjustable shutter speeds and apertures. Instruction presented only on macOS. prereq: ART 1013 or instructor consent; credit will not be granted if already received for ART 1605
ART 2300 - Printmaking I: Intaglio, Relief
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Art 2302/2300/1300
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Introduction to methods and materials used in zinc plate etching and relief printing from wood and linoleum. Technical, aesthetic, and contextual considerations encountered in production of meaningful artwork. Theoretical, legal, critical, and historical aspects of printmaking. prereq: ART 1009 or 1010 and 1011 or instructor consent
ART 2301 - Printmaking I: Litho, Screen
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Introduction to methods and materials used in lithographic printmaking from stones and plates and water-based screenprinting. Content includes technical, aesthetic and contextual considerations encountered in the production of meaningful artwork. Additional information on theoretical, legal, critical and historical aspects of printmaking. prereq: ART 1009 or 1010 and 1011
ARTH 1303 - History of World Art I (LE CAT, HUMANITIES, GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Development of world art and architecture from prehistory through Middle Ages.
ARTH 1304 - History of World Art II (LE CAT, HUMANITIES)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Spring
Development of world art and architecture from Renaissance to present.
ARTH 1305 - History of World Art III (HUMANITIES, GLOBAL PER)
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall
Examines the arts and visual culture of the Americas, Asia and Africa. This course aims to develop a critical understanding of art forms from global cultures. We will examine a range of visual material including painting, sculpture, ceramics, and architecture, from prehistoric times to present. We will also examine the critical debates that frame the study of "non-Western" art.
ART 4933 - Senior Design Studio II
Credits: 3.0 [max 6.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall & Spring
Professional presentation, portfolio development and professional practice. prereq: 3933 or instructor consent
WRIT 3110 - Advanced Writing: Arts and Letters
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Every Fall, Spring & Summer
Study of writing for those invested in the disciplines of art, design, and performing arts. Exploration of academic and professional rhetorical situations. Practice with research methods, document design, editing, effective collaboration, and ethical issues in the production of documents in multiple genres for multiple audiences. pre-req: 1) WRIT 1120 or MNTC or AA completed 2) minimum 60 credits earned or in progress
WRIT 4230 - Web Design and Digital Culture
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 4230/5230
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Practice in the aesthetic, cultural, and rhetorical uses of Web-design techniques, including discussion and writing about the theoretical and historical contexts of digital culture. prereq: Min 30 cr, no grad credit
WRIT 4250 - New Media Writing
Credits: 3.0 [max 3.0]
Course Equivalencies: Writ 4250/5250
Grading Basis: A-F or Aud
Typically offered: Periodic Fall & Spring
Combines the theory and production of new media writing--digital, verbal practices in converged media--through the application of readings and discussion to five projects that progress from written, print-based genres to new-media presentation. prereq: minimum 60 cr, no grad credit