Art (BFA) Graphic Design

Summary

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with an emphasis in graphic design is devoted to the development of concepts, knowledge, and skills needed for a career in graphic design and related fields. This degree focuses on the conceptual, visual, and technical skills needed to enter the design profession with confidence. The program offers classes on a broad array of content areas, including branding, design thinking, editorial and publication design, interactive design, and typography. As an emphasis within the Art BFA, students will also develop knowledge in a studio arts and art and design history within a broad university curriculum of liberal arts orientation. 

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Major Credits

76

Total Credits

120

Locations

Mankato

Career Cluster

Arts, Audio/Video, Technology, and Communications

Accreditation

NASAD

National Association of Schools of Art and Design

Update Your Major

Program Requirements

Required General Education

Introduction to art history from prehistoric and ancient cultures through the Middle Ages. Includes representative examples and styles of art and architecture of Western (Europe and the Near East) and non-Western cultures (China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia, Africa, Mesoamerica, South America, North America, Australia).

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Lecture-based survey of the Art and Architecture of both Western and non-Western countries from the thirteenth through twentieth centuries.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

The courses count toward General Education Goal Areas 6 and/or 8.

Major Common Core

For art, art history and art education majors.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to concept and processes related to the visual and physical organization of three-dimensional form and space.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to traditional drawing techniques and concepts.

Prerequisites: none

Required of all B.F.A. majors with an emphasis in Graphic Design before taking 4XX advanced design sequence courses to continue in program.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the mid-nineteenth century to the present: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Op Art, Pop Art, and Post-modern issues and trends.

Prerequisites: ART 261 or consent

Portfolio Review is taken the same semester as the second Intermediate Studio I: Graphic Design course (ART302 and ART304), before taking Advanced Studio Courses. Students should consult with their advisor to select the appropriate semester for their Portfolio Review.

Major Restricted Electives

Foundation Courses - Select four (4) courses from at least four (4) areas for a total of 12 credits.

Drawing Area - Choose 0 - 6 Credit(s).

Continued exploration of drawing techniques and concepts.

Prerequisites: ART 110

Experience in drawing from the human figure.

Prerequisites: ART 110

Mixed Media Area - Choose 0 - 3 Credit(s).

Multimedia art exploration is a problem solving art studio experience involving the use of a variety of traditional and non-traditional art materials.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

Painting Area - Choose 0 - 6 Credit(s).

Beginning experience with oil and/or acrylic paint. Emphasis upon technical and conceptual development.

Prerequisites: ART 100 or ART 101, ART 110 or consent

Introduction to basic techniques in watercolor.

Prerequisites: ART 100 or ART 101, ART 110 or consent

Ceramics Area - Choose 0 - 6 Credit(s).

An introduction to basic wheel throwing techniques exploring the potential of clay as a creative and expressive material.

Prerequisites: none

An introduction to basic sculptural hand building techniques exploring the nature of clay as a creative-expressive medium.

Prerequisites: none

Printmaking Area - Choose 0 - 6 Credit(s).

Introduction to silkscreen and lithography printmaking processes including silkscreen, monotype, and plate lithography.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to intaglio and relief printmaking processes including collagraph, etching, relief carving, and engraving.

Prerequisites: none

Photography Area - Choose 0 - 3 Credit(s).

Introduction to the techniques and expressive potential of both digital and darkroom photography. Topics include basic camera controls, lighting, composition, editing, and fine art printing in the digital lab and darkroom. A digital camera with manual controls of aperture and shutter speed is required for part of the semester (a film camera will be provided).

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

Sculpture Area - Choose 0 - 3 Credit(s).

Exploration of the visual and physical organization of three-dimensional form and space through problems employing various media and processes.

Prerequisites: ART 103 or consent

Installation Area - Choose 0 - 3 Credit(s).

This studio course familiarizes students with the basic concerns of installation art, including relationship to site and audience. A variety of materials and approaches will be explored. Environmental impact, health, and safety will be addressed. In addition to studio work, historical and contemporary examples will be discussed to provide context and encourage awareness of the disciplines past and present potential.

Prerequisites: ART 103 or consent

Intermediate Studio

Intermediate Studio II: Secondary Concentration - Choose 6 Credit(s). Students must take two intermediate-level studio courses within their secondary studio area. The studio areas are: ceramics, drawing, installation, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. All intermediate-level studio courses must be at the 300 level.

Prerequisites: none

Advanced Drawing and Art/Design History - Choose 12 Credit(s)

Advanced Drawing - Choose 3 - 6 Credit(s). Courses may not be repeated if taken as a Foundation Course.

Continued exploration of drawing techniques and concepts.

Prerequisites: ART 110

Experience in drawing from the human figure.

Prerequisites: ART 110

This course encourages experimental approaches that build on drawing skills developed in ART 110 and ART 210. Formal and conceptual issues will be addressed as students pursue individualized subject matter. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 210

Continued in-depth exploration of drawing techniques and concepts. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 310

Advanced Art/Design History - Choose 6 - 9 Credit(s).

Introduction to art and architecture of Western Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic world, from the second to the fifteenth centuries. Examination of representative works of art and major styles of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic cultures, including the Romanesque and Gothic periods.

Prerequisites: ART 260 or consent

Historical survey of the representation of gender with comparison of the artistic efforts of males and females and examination of art used to present gender-based issues including homosexuality, feminism, censorship and pornography.

Prerequisites: ART 261 or consent

Introduction to the art and architecture of the ancient era in its historical and cultural frameworks. Examination of representative works of art and major styles of ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Aegean, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman cultures.

Prerequisites: ART 260 or consent

Origins and development of Northern and Italian Renaissance art and architecture as an expression of historical, cultural and religious issues.

Prerequisites: ART 261 or consent

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the late sixteenth to mid-nineteenth century: Mannerism, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism and Romanticism.

Prerequisites: ART 392, ART 406

The study of art museum history, theory and practice, including ethics, collecting, and display. Alongside these studies, students will conceive and realize an exhibition in order to further develop knowledge of and experience in the field.

Prerequisites: ART 260, ART 261

Historical survey of art and architectural developments from Islam's origins through the twentieth century. Course focuses on contextualizing monuments, paintings, and other arts from various regions around the world.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Survey of Graphic Design, Industrial Design and Architecture from historical and theoretical perspectives. Design issues examined from formal and contextual points of view, using analysis strategies that consider style, composition, historical context, functional/propagandistic significance and communicative ability.

Prerequisites: none

Historical survey of the art and architecture of China, India, Korea and Japan from pre-history to the 20th century.

Prerequisites: ART 260, ART 261 or consent

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Investigation of developments in sacred and secular art and architecture in various regions of the world, exploring themes such as nation-building, modernization vs. tradition, post colonialism among others, since the 19th century.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Capstone - Students are required to participate in an exhibit the semester they intend to graduate. The course includes the planning, installation, and de-installation of a group exhibition.

Senior Exhibit - Choose 1 Credit(s).

A required course in all art major degree programs. Students plan and present art work in an exhibition. Can not be taken same semester as student teaching.

Prerequisites: Consent

Emphasis Common Core

Graphic Design Common Core

Foundation Graphic Design - Choose 6 Credit(s).

This graphic design course is an introduction to digital media technology as a creative tool for the development of visual expression. The course is taught using the Mac OS and explores vector and bitmap image making.

Prerequisites: none

This course explores the basic principles of graphic design. Emphasis is placed on developing an awareness and effective use of type, image, and symbol. Students focus on the design process as a way to develop and refine design solutions.

Prerequisites: ART 202

Intermediate Studio I: Graphic Design - Choose 6 Credit(s).

Introduction to product design as it relates to user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design from a visual communication design perspective. Applicable visual prototypes will encompass various situations that may range from icon wayfinding systems to mobile app designs. The course will explore issues of differing philosophical perspectives of technology as a tool, a medium, and/or an environment.

Prerequisites: ART 202

This course investigates the use of letterforms in the message making process. Topics include historical overview of letter development, type terminology, type and image relationships, and technical and aesthetic applications of type.

Prerequisites: ART 202

Advanced Courses - Choose 15 Credit(s).

This course expands upon the beginning and intermediate design experience. Emphasis is placed on concept development and the exploration of meaningful solutions applied across a variety of media. The technical skills of preparing work for production will be strengthened.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

This course is an advanced study of motion design. The study and exploration of digital narrative and non-linear storytelling are key components. Students build on existing motion design skills to create conceptually and technically advanced time-based solutions. This course is repeatable.

Prerequisites: ARTR 392

This course is an advanced study of typography. Students build on existing type sensibilities while exploring traditional and non-traditional applications of type.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

Concentrated study of front-end web design standards as it pertains to typography, graphics, creativity, and strategic planning. Students will prototype interactive media through the utilization of visual design systems and UI/UX methodologies.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

This course is split between engagement in advanced design problems and preparation for entry into the graphic design field. This course is repeatable.

Prerequisites: ART 320, ART 404, ART 406

Emphasis Restricted Electives

Graphic Design Restricted Electives

Advanced Courses - Choose 6 Credit(s).

This course strengthens students' conceptual skills within the context of graphic design. The course emphasizes various techniques for generating imagery to more effectively communicate ideas.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

This advanced course investigates design related topics in greater depth.

Prerequisites: ART 392

This is an advanced-level course that aims to strengthen designers¿ sense of curiosity, creativity, and confidence in generating self-initiated work. Students explore their own areas of interests within the context of graphic design and creative problem solving.

Prerequisites: 392

Exploration of front-end web design as a graphic and visual communication design medium. Emphasis is placed on research discovery, ideation, information architecture, UI/UX experience, and designing for emotion.

Prerequisites: ART 392, ART 406

This course continues students' advanced study of typography. Emphasis is placed on designing complex typographic systems, multiple page publications, and expressive type-based solutions.

Prerequisites: ART 392, ART 404

Field experience in professional settings relating to the specialization: graphic design, museum or arts administration, etc. Pre: Jr. standing with consent of advisor and department chair.

Prerequisites: Jr. standing with consent of advisor and department chair.

Advanced level pursuit of special projects of research on an independent basis. Requires contractual agreement in art office for registration.

Prerequisites: Consent

4-Year Plan

The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.

First Year

Fall - 15 Credits

For art, art history and art education majors.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to traditional drawing techniques and concepts.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to art history from prehistoric and ancient cultures through the Middle Ages. Includes representative examples and styles of art and architecture of Western (Europe and the Near East) and non-Western cultures (China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia, Africa, Mesoamerica, South America, North America, Australia).

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Spring - 15 Credits

Introduction to concept and processes related to the visual and physical organization of three-dimensional form and space.

Prerequisites: none

This graphic design course is an introduction to digital media technology as a creative tool for the development of visual expression. The course is taught using the Mac OS and explores vector and bitmap image making.

Prerequisites: none

Lecture-based survey of the Art and Architecture of both Western and non-Western countries from the thirteenth through twentieth centuries.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Second Year

Fall - 16 Credits

This course explores the basic principles of graphic design. Emphasis is placed on developing an awareness and effective use of type, image, and symbol. Students focus on the design process as a way to develop and refine design solutions.

Prerequisites: ART 202

This course investigates the use of letterforms in the message making process. Topics include historical overview of letter development, type terminology, type and image relationships, and technical and aesthetic applications of type.

Prerequisites: ART 202

Spring - 16 Credits

Introduction to product design as it relates to user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design from a visual communication design perspective. Applicable visual prototypes will encompass various situations that may range from icon wayfinding systems to mobile app designs. The course will explore issues of differing philosophical perspectives of technology as a tool, a medium, and/or an environment.

Prerequisites: ART 202

Required of all B.F.A. majors before taking 4XX advanced studio specialization sequence to continue in program.

Prerequisites: ART 104

Third Year

Fall - 15 Credits

This course expands upon the beginning and intermediate design experience. Emphasis is placed on concept development and the exploration of meaningful solutions applied across a variety of media. The technical skills of preparing work for production will be strengthened.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

This course is an advanced study of typography. Students build on existing type sensibilities while exploring traditional and non-traditional applications of type.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the mid-nineteenth century to the present: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Op Art, Pop Art, and Post-modern issues and trends.

Prerequisites: ART 261 or consent

Spring - 15 Credits

This course strengthens students' conceptual skills within the context of graphic design. The course emphasizes various techniques for generating imagery to more effectively communicate ideas.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

Concentrated study of front-end web design standards as it pertains to typography, graphics, creativity, and strategic planning. Students will prototype interactive media through the utilization of visual design systems and UI/UX methodologies.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

Fourth Year

Fall - 15 Credits

This course is an advanced study of motion design. The study and exploration of digital narrative and non-linear storytelling are key components. Students build on existing motion design skills to create conceptually and technically advanced time-based solutions. This course is repeatable.

Prerequisites: ARTR 392

This course continues students' advanced study of typography. Emphasis is placed on designing complex typographic systems, multiple page publications, and expressive type-based solutions.

Prerequisites: ART 392, ART 404

Spring - 13 Credits

Exploration of front-end web design as a graphic and visual communication design medium. Emphasis is placed on research discovery, ideation, information architecture, UI/UX experience, and designing for emotion.

Prerequisites: ART 392, ART 406

A required course in all art major degree programs. Students plan and present art work in an exhibition. Can not be taken same semester as student teaching.

Prerequisites: none

This course is split between engagement in advanced design problems and preparation for entry into the graphic design field. This course is repeatable.

Prerequisites: none