College: College of Liberal Arts & Communication
Department: Art + DesignDescription
Graphic design is a creative discipline that involves the art and practice of visual communication. It encompasses a wide range of visual elements, including typography, imagery, color, layout, and composition, to convey messages or ideas in a visually compelling and effective manner. These skills are utilized in multiple platforms and specialties, including printed collateral, UI/UX, marketing campaigns, books and magazines, online content creation, merchandise and package design, digital illustration, web design, and app development. The Department of Art + Design at Arkansas State University provides an educational environment that fosters the creation and understanding of art and design developed through instructional guidance and applied experience in the studio and classroom. Arkansas State University is an Accredited Institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Career experiences inform coursework and student development. These could include tours of advertising agencies, print shops, and corporate headquarters with in-house design specialists. Coursework may also involve field trips to regional art collections. Instructors often invite professionals to speak to students in person or via live online conversations. An internship in a professional setting is required and part of guided resumé building and job acquisition at the culmination of student studies.
Why the BFA in Graphic Design?
The BFA in Graphic Design is a professional degree with higher technical standards than a BA and more subject-specific classes than BFAs with only an emphasis in Graphic Design. The program is meant to prepare serious designers and artists for various career choices in highly competitive fields. The BFA is also the requisite degree for any student who plans to pursue a studio-oriented post-baccalaureate degree.
Curriculum
Curriculum and degree requirements can be found in the most current Undergraduate Bulletin.
Arkansas State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
