2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Department website: https://www.uwgb.edu/graphic-design/
(Bachelor of Arts)
The Graphic Design major emphasis is the study of the theory and practice of contemporary graphic design. The graphic design curriculum includes a series of core courses in the history, applications, and influences of print and web /interactive communications. The major emphasis emphasizes the design process as a creative decision-making tool. Students learn to develop and apply problem-solving methods and use design software and hardware along with traditional image-making, to develop effective design solutions.
This major provides a contemporary liberal arts education and an array of skills for a range of careers and advanced study, including graphic design, advertising and marketing, publications management, art direction, creative direction, and multi-media and website design, among others. The program has a practicum and internship component through which students can gain professional experience and portfolio development.
Major
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Courses | 15 | |
| Required: | ||
| Introductory Drawing | ||
| Three Dimensional Design | ||
| Two-Dimensional Design | ||
| Introduction to Graphic Design Technology | ||
| Introduction to Design and Culture | ||
| Supporting Lower-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Choose one course: | ||
Any 200-level Art studio course | ||
| Introduction to Game Studies | ||
| Introduction to Media Production | ||
| Web Programming | ||
| Environmental Design Studio I | ||
| Introduction to Film | ||
| Writing Competency | 0-3 | |
| Required: | ||
| Research and Rhetoric 1 | ||
| History and Theory | 6 | |
| History | ||
| Choose one course: | ||
Any 200 or 300-level Art History course | ||
| Comics, Society, and Culture | ||
| Survey of Gaming and Interactive Media | ||
| Theory | ||
| Choose one course: | ||
| Elements of Media | ||
| Human-Centered Design | ||
| Living and Learning with AI | ||
| Design Thinking for the Intentional Life | ||
| Graphic Design Core Studios | 15 | |
| Required: | ||
| Graphic Design Process | ||
| Graphic Design Methodology | ||
| Narrative Type and Image | ||
| Typography | ||
| Branding, Packaging, Promotion | ||
| Applied Practice | 3 | |
| Choose one course: | ||
| Design Arts Publication Workshop | ||
| Professional Practice Capstone | ||
| Design Agency | ||
| Supporting Upper-Level Electives | 12 | |
| Choose 12 credits: | ||
any 300-level Art studio course | ||
any 400-level Art studio or Design course | ||
| Video Production | ||
| Mass Media Advertising | ||
| Documentary Video Production | ||
| Advanced Studio | ||
| Game Design | ||
| Game Development | ||
| Total Credits | 54-57 | |
- 1
May be satisfied with an ACT English score of 32 or higher, or a SAT Reading score of 39 or higher, or an equivalent writing competency in another major.
Minor
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Courses | 6 | |
| Required: | ||
| Two-Dimensional Design | ||
| Introduction to Graphic Design Technology | ||
| Graphic Design Core Studios | 9 | |
| Required: | ||
| Graphic Design Process | ||
| Graphic Design Methodology | ||
| Narrative Type and Image | ||
| Upper-Level Design Studios | 9 | |
| Choose 9 credits: | ||
| Typography | ||
| Branding, Packaging, Promotion | ||
| Advanced Studio | ||
| Design Arts Publication Workshop | ||
| Professional Practice Capstone | ||
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Curriculum Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| DESIGN 101 | Introduction to Graphic Design Technology | 3 |
| ART 105 | Introductory Drawing | 3 |
| ART 107 | Two-Dimensional Design | 3 |
| Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 | |
| Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| DESIGN 131 | Introduction to Design and Culture | 3 |
| DESIGN 231 | Graphic Design Process | 3 |
| ART 106 | Three Dimensional Design | 3 |
| Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 | |
| Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| DESIGN 250 | Graphic Design Methodology | 3 |
| Lower-Level Supporting Elective | 3 | |
| History or Theory Requirement OR Minor or Certificate Elective | 3 | |
| Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 | |
| Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| DESIGN 332 | Narrative Type and Image | 3 |
| DESIGN 350 | Typography | 3 |
| History or Theory Requirement OR Minor or Certificate Elective | 3 | |
| Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 | |
| Core Curriculum Requirement | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| DESIGN 431 | Branding, Packaging, Promotion | 3 |
| Supporting Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| History or Theory Requirement OR Minor or Certificate Elective | 3 | |
| Writing Emphasis Requirement | 3 | |
| Minor or Certificate Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Supporting Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Supporting Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| History or Theory Requirement OR Minor or Certificate Elective | 3 | |
| Writing Emphasis Requirement | 3 | |
| Minor or Certificate Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Applied Practice Requirement OR Supporting Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Supporting Upper-Level Elective OR Minor or Certificate Elective | 3 | |
| Writing Emphasis Requirement | 3 | |
| Minor or Certificate Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Certificate Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Applied Practice Requirement OR Supporting Upper-Level Elective | 3 | |
| Writing Emphasis Requirement | 3 | |
| Minor or Certificate Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Certificate Elective | 3 | |
| Minor or Certificate Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |