2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

DESIGN 101. Introduction to Graphic Design Technology. 3 Credits.

This course provides students with a foundational understanding of industry-standard graphic design software and production practices used across creative industries. Students will develop literacy in digital workflows, file management, file formats, resolution, color modes, and preparing files for both print and digital output. Emphasis is placed on building proficiency in graphic design software to create professionally formatted and production-ready materials.
Fall and Spring.

DESIGN 131. Introduction to Design and Culture. 3 Credits.

This course explores the dynamic relationship between design and culture. Students will analyze how design interacts with communication, consumerism, technology, sustainability, and inclusivity, developing an understanding of how design influences and is influenced by cultural structures and systems. Students will share their perspectives on contemporary issues in design framed by their historical contexts.
Fall and Spring.

DESIGN 231. Graphic Design Process. 3 Credits.

This introductory-level graphic design studio course introduces students to the core principles of the design process, emphasizing how students can use visual research, concept development, and iterative design to solve design problems. Through design projects that ask students to apply the basics of industry-standard software, students will learn to generate and refine design solutions through following a formal design process.
P: ART 107 with at least a C grade or with instructor consent. REC: DESIGN 101 with at least a C grade or with instructor consent.
Fall and Spring.

DESIGN 236. Environmental Design Studio I. 3 Credits.

Introduces use of creative problem solving techniques in defining, analyzing, and solving problems in the built environment at the scale of the individual. Emphasizes basic graphic and verbal presentation techniques and relationships between form, the natural environment, people, and function.
P: ART 105, SOCIOL 100
Fall Only.

DESIGN 238. Design Thinking for the Intentional Life. 3 Credits.

This course provides a framework for intentionally developing a creative life. You will learn to harness and apply creative practices that are beneficial personally, academically, and professionally for skills related to problem-solving, decision-making, and working with other people. The framework is based upon Design Thinking and other methodologies from scholarly, professional and creative disciplines.
Spring.

DESIGN 250. Graphic Design Methodology. 3 Credits.

This graphic design studio course introduces the study and practice of visual literacy and experimental image-making as foundational components of graphic design methodology. Students will cultivate the ability to think visually, conceptually, and critically—employing both problem-seeking and problem-solving strategies to explore how meaning is constructed and communicated through form. Through project-based learning that emphasizes design creation methods and making as a form of research, students will produce visual solutions that demonstrate an understanding of how structure, form, and visual language shape communication and meaning
P: ART 107 with at least a C grade or with instructor consent
Fall and Spring.

DESIGN 298. Independent Study. 1-4 Credits.

Independent study is offered on an individual basis at the student's request and consists of a program of learning activities planned in consultation with a faculty member. A student wishing to study or conduct research in an area not represented in available scheduled courses should develop a preliminary proposal and seek the sponsorship of a faculty member. The student's advisor can direct him or her to instructors with appropriate interests. A written report or equivalent is required for evaluation, and a short title describing the program must be sent early inthe semester to the registrar for entry on the student's transcript.
P: fr or so st with cum gpa > or = 2.50; or jr or sr st with cum gpa > or = 2.00.
Fall and Spring.

DESIGN 332. Narrative Type and Image. 3 Credits.

This intermediate-level graphic design studio course focuses on the creation of visual narratives through the thoughtful integration of type, image, and layout. Informed by a study of graphic design history, students will explore how meaning is constructed across long-form and sequential formats by combining narrative structure and visual language. Special emphasis will be placed on developing communication designs using grid structures, layout hierarchy, and visual pacing to support readability and engagement. Building on prior coursework, students will create design projects that also expand their technical fluency in industry-standard software.
P: DESIGN 231 with at least a BC grade or consent of instructor. REC: DESIGN 101 and DESIGN 250
Fall and Spring.

DESIGN 350. Typography. 3 Credits.

Typography is an introduction to the art of visual communication: the visual realization of a most basic element of communication - the word. The history of typographic forms, principles of composition, and the expressive potential of type will be explored through reading, research, exercises, and design production. Sequential studies will follow the design process: problem-solving through exploration, experimentation, selection, critique, and refinement. Effectiveness of typographic design will be evaluated in terms of legibility, readability, and expression.
P: DESIGN 231 with at least a BC grade or consent of instructor. REC: DESIGN 101
Fall and Spring.

DESIGN 431. Branding, Packaging, Promotion. 3 Credits.

This advanced-level graphic design studio course focuses on the development of cohesive visual identities through branding, packaging, and/or promotional design. Students will explore how strategic design choices shape brand perception and communicate brand values across a range of executions. Through research-driven design projects, students will investigate brand positioning, brand communication, and audience needs to solve design problems. Students will continue to refine their technical skills in industry-standard software while learning to articulate design decisions in the context of professional practice.
P: DESIGN 332 and DESIGN 350 with at least a BC grade or consent of instructor
Fall and Spring.

DESIGN 433. Advanced Studio. 3 Credits.

This advanced-level graphic design studio allows students to apply essential graphic design skills learned in prior coursework to explore special topics through the creation of design projects using relevant design software. Topics will change by semester reflective of shifts in the graphic design profession and technological advancements. Course is repeatable for credit if topics differ; may be taken 3 times for a total of 9 credits.
P: DESIGN 332 with at least a BC grade or with consent of instructor.
Fall and Spring.

DESIGN 435. Design Arts Publication Workshop. 3 Credits.

A comprehensive experience in the design and production of a magazine format publication from the early stages of design through to the finished printed product. Combines conventional design skills developed in the graphic communications studios and use of desktop publishing technology.
P: DESIGN 332 and DESIGN 350 with at least a B grade and Jr. Standing or with consent of instructor.
Fall and Spring.

DESIGN 437. Environmental Design Studio II. 3 Credits.

Analysis and design of group spaces, such as houses, classrooms, waiting rooms and other spaces intended for occupancy by groups of people.
P: DESIGN 236
Spring.

DESIGN 438. Environmental Design Studio III. 3 Credits.

Projects at the urban scale: design teams analyze physical, social, economic, historical, and administrative aspects of specific problems. Students formulate urban design programs and produce policies, plans, and designs.
P: DESIGN 437
Fall Only.

DESIGN 439. Environmental Design Studio IV. 3 Credits.

Each student proposes, designs and executes a design/research project of an elected topic. Individual projects are acceptable in some instances; projects by design teams are encouraged.
P: DESIGN 438
Spring.

DESIGN 475. Professional Practice Capstone. 3 Credits.

The design professional practice capstone is a lecture/studio and critique class that provides an opportunity for design majors in their last year to develop a capstone project and professional portfolio. The capstone project can consist of independent research or a client work design practicum, and includes a public presentation of the work. In addition, students will develop and refine a body of design work that constitutes a professional graphic design portfolio. The course assignments will give students guidance in improving their current student portfolio pieces, developing new portfolio pieces, and presenting their work, and themselves, to prospective employers in a compelling way. There will be design school graduate guest speakrs who are working as professional designers. They will share their portfolio and job search strategies, and interviewing experiences. The learning environment will consist of guidance with client or independent design work, one-on-one tutorials, small group sessions, class presentations and critiques.
P: DESIGN 350, DESIGN 431; one upper level design studio (choose from DESIGN 433, DESIGN 437, DESIGN 438, or DESIGN 439)
Spring.

DESIGN 478. Honors in the Major. 3 Credits.

Honors in the Major is designed to recognize student excellence within interdisciplinary and disciplinary academic programs.
P: min 3.50 all cses req for major and min gpa 3.75 all UL cses req for major.

DESIGN 490. Design Agency. 3 Credits.

Design Agency is an advanced, studio-based graphic design course that operates as a student-run design firm. In this collaborative, real-world environment, students will produce professional-quality work for a range of clients including but not limited to UWGB colleges and departments, students and student organizations, and the broader northeast Wisconsin community. Students manage projects from concept to delivery, including client meetings, proposal development, creative direction, production, and presentation. The course provides an opportunity to deepen design skills while gaining practical experience in project management, client relations, and navigating deadlines and feedback.
P: DESIGN 332, DESIGN 350, and DESIGN 431 with at least a B grade and Jr. Standing or with consent of instructor
Fall and Spring.

DESIGN 495. Teaching Assistantship. 1-6 Credits.

The student and supervising teacher must prepare a statement that identifies the course with which the assistantship will happen, objectives for the assistantship, and expectations in order to fulfill the course objectives. Students are not eligible to receive credit in both the course they assist the instructor with and the teaching assistantship in the same semester. Typically student has previously taken the course prior to enrollment in the assistantship. Course is repeatable for credit.

DESIGN 496. Project/Research Assistantship. 1-6 Credits.

The student must prepare a research proposal, and both parties should identify the research arrangement and how the student will complete the work to fulfill the course objectives within the assigned term.
P: jr st.

DESIGN 497. Internship. 1-12 Credits.

Supervised practical experience in an organization or activity appropriate to a student's career and educational interests. Internships are supervised by UWGB career advisors.
P: jr st, declared Design major or minor, 2.75 GPA in major or minor courses, DESIGN 431 with B grade
Fall and Spring.