Undergraduate Major Example
Graphic Design Major (B.A.)
The graphic design major provides individuals with the opportunity to learn the skills, principles and latest industry-standard tools needed to prepare for a wide variety of careers in the graphic design industry. The courses focus on the art of communication and problem solving through the use of type, space, visual imagery and computer software.
This rigorous curriculum merges creative visual aesthetics with modern technology, which is necessary for mastering print, illustration or web media production. Completion of this program will result in a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design with a concentration in illustration, print design or web design awarded by Fairleigh Dickinson University. Admission decisions are made in accordance with criteria, policies, and procedures established by FDU. Students must maintain a grade point ratio of 2.00 in their courses at FDU subsequent to admission.
The program is offered by the School of the Arts, Maxwell Becton College of Arts and Sciences, at the Florham Campus.
Degree Requirements
Concentrations
The B.A. in graphic design offers concentrations in illustration, print and web design.
These concentrations emphasize individual discovery, as students work on collaborative projects that are showcased in a variety of exhibits and displays at the University. Career and freelance skills are taught in upper-level classes. No matter which concentration is chosen, all three instill the creative, technological and philosophical skills necessary to be competitive in today’s market. Creativity and concept are key in the FDU design programs.
Illustration Concentration
The illustration concentration allows students to focus on developing a personal style while practicing their craft. Imagination and experimentation are encouraged, as students learn techniques in traditional and digital media.
Illustration allows for a personal style, giving students a competitive edge in their design careers. The illustration concentration gives students the opportunity to develop their abilities in a wide range of marketing, advertising and editorial-art arenas, through the development of critical-thinking skills in visual communication. Students will learn a variety of digital and real-media techniques, with an emphasis on design principles and concept development.
Required Theory and Production (33 credits)
- CGD1212 Introduction to Graphic Design
- CGD1313 Creative Imagery with Photoshop
- CGD1314 Illustrator Graphics and Design
- CGD1552 The Digital Children’s Book
- CGD2212 Typography 1
- CGD2213 Visual Principles in Design
- CGD2370 Print Layout
- CGD3303 Web Design
- CGD3351 Illustration Design
- CGD4420 Thesis
- CGD4500 Portfolio Preparation
Concentration Electives (12 credits)
Choose from the following:
- CGD1050 Creative Concept Drawing
- CGD2170 Branding Design
- CGD2214 Digital Prepress
- CGD2243 Prelude to Publishing
- CGD3303 Web Design
- CGD3315 WordPress
- CGD3351 Illustration Design
- CGD3352 Typography 2
- CGD3355 Logo and Package Design
- CGD3358 Project-based Web Design
- CGD3360 Freelance Practices
- CGD3361 Mobile Web Design
- CGD3362 Mobile App Design
- CGD3363 Interactive Publishing
- CGD3370 Computer Illustration and Design
- CGD3373 Email Blast Design and Implementation
- CGD3374 Online Ad Design and Implementation
- CGD3377 Web Design II
- CGD3380 Social Media Marketing Design
- CGD3385 E-commerce Design
- CGDH2216 Design for Social Responsibility
- CDGH2020 History of Graphic Design
Note: Six credits in internship experience may be used to fulfill Major Elective requirements.
- CGD4422 Graphic Design Internship I
- CGD4423 Graphic Design Internship II
- CGD4900 Faculty/Student Research I
- CGD4901 Faculty/Student Research II
- ART1201 Drawing I
- ART1153 Life Drawing
- or
- ART2236 Introduction to Color
- or
- ART1169 Watercolor Painting I
- or
- ART1225 Painting I
- or
- ART3350 Illustration
Print Design Concentration
The print design concentration places a strong emphasis on concept development, technical skills and aesthetics and in problem-solving.
It teaches the creative process of producing visual communications and presentations in order to convey a specific message to a targeted audience, specifically intended for printing. The most common types of print-design products are publications, brochures, business cards, posters, product labels and packaging.
Required Theory and Production (33 credits)
- CGD1212 Introduction to Graphic Design
- CGD1313 Creative Imagery with Photoshop
- CGD1314 Illustrator Graphics and Design
- CGD2212 Typography 1
- CGD2213 Visual Principles in Design
- CGD2370 Print Layout
- CGD3355 Package Design
- CGD3363 Interactive Publishing
- CGD4420 Thesis
- CGD4500 Portfolio Preparation
- CDGH2020 History of Graphic Design
Concentration Electives (12 credits)
Choose from the following:
- CGD1050 Creative Concept Drawing
- CGD1552 The Digital Children’s Book
- CGD2170 Branding Design
- CGD2214 Digital Prepress
- CGD2215 Editorial Design and Illustration
- CGD2243 Prelude to Publishing
- CGD3300 Illustration Special Topics
- CGD3303 Web Design
- CGD3315 WordPress
- CGD3351 Illustration Design
- CGD3352 Typography 2
- CGD3358 Project-based Web Design
- CGD3360 Freelance Practices
- CGD3361 Mobile Web Design
- CGD3362 Mobile App Design
- CGD3370 Computer Illustration and Design
- CGD3373 Email Blast Design and Implementation
- CGD3374 Online Ad Design and Implementation
- CGD3377 Web Design II
- CGD3380 Social Media Marketing Design
- CGD3385 E-commerce Design
- CGDH2216 Design for Social Responsibility
Note: Six credits in internship experience may be used to fulfill Major Elective requirements.
- CGD4422 Graphic Design Internship I
- CGD4423 Graphic Design Internship II
- CGD4900 Faculty/Student Research
- CGD4901 Faculty/Student Research
Required Cognates (6 credits)
- ART1201 Drawing I
- ART2236 Introduction to Color
- or
- ART2233 3-Dimensional Design
- or
- ANIM1850 3D Computer Modeling
- or
- ANIM1750 Motion Graphics with After Effects
Web Design Concentration
The web design concentration blends technical skill with design expertise, preparing students for a variety of careers in the interactive industry.
It encompasses a variety of skills in the design and production of websites and other internet products including interface design, authoring and coding through the use of proprietary software. Students study how websites work in order to produce the front-end user interface as well as developing the functionality, navigation and interactivity of web-based products.
Required Theory and Production (33 credits)
- CGD1212 Introduction to Graphic Design
- CGD1313 Creative Imagery with Photoshop
- CGD1314 Illustrator Graphics and Design
- CGD2212 Typography 1
- CGD3303 Web Design
- CGD3315 WordPress
- CGD3358 Project-based Web Design
- CGD3377 Web Design II
- CGD4420 Thesis
- CGD4500 Portfolio Preparation
- CDGH2020 History of Graphic Design
Concentration Electives (12 credits)
Choose from the following:
- CGD1050 Creative Concept Drawing
- CGD1552 The Digital Children’s Book
- CGD2213 Visual Principles in Design
- CGD2214 Digital Prepress
- CGD2215 Editorial Design and Illustration
- CGD2243 Prelude to Publishing
- CGD2370 Print Layout
- CGD3300 Illustration Special Topics
- CGD3351 Illustration Design
- CGD3352 Typography 2
- CGD3355 Logo and Package Design
- CGD3360 Freelance Practices
- CGD3361 Mobile Web Design
- CGD3362 Mobile App Design
- CGD3363 Interactive Publishing
- CGD3358 Project-based Web Design
- CGD3370 Computer Illustration and Design
- CGD3373 Email Blast Design and Implementation
- CGD3374 Online Ad Design and Implementation
- CGD3377 Web Design II
- CGD3380 Social Media Marketing Design
- CGD3385 E-commerce Design
- CGDH2216 Design for Social Responsibility
Note: Six credits in internship experience may be used to fulfill Major Elective requirements.
- CGD4422 Graphic Design Internship I
- CGD4423 Graphic Design Internship II
- CGD4900 Faculty/Student Research
- CGD4901 Faculty/Student Research
Required Cognates (9 credits)
- ART1201 Drawing I
- ANIM1750 Motion Graphics with After Effects
- or
- ANIM1800 Vector Animation Using Animate CC
- or
- ART2236 Introduction to Color
For Information
Janet O’Neil
Associate Profess of Computer Graphics and Director of Graphic Design Program