Bachelor of Fine Arts Specializing in Graphic Design
Want to learn more? Speak with an admissions counselor.
Graphic Design can convey a narrative that may compel the purchase of a product, or shape the meaning of countless types of media. At its best, graphic design can embody ideas and principles that influence decisions that impact society positively.
Our curriculum approaches graphic design from a multidisciplinary perspective of the arts and humanities which develop thinking and conceptual abilities that expand communication skills. Students engage in real-world design projects that emphasize the principles and theories of strategic problem solving with a strong commitment towards artistic quality. Within their Junior year, students are encouraged to secure an internship that puts their gained knowledge into practice.
The B.F.A. degree prepares students to enter a career within an area of specialization or to pursue further study on a graduate level. Graduates may find employment in diverse areas such as advertising firms, small businesses, corporate environments and industries, graphic design studios, museums, brand consulting companies, social media agencies, publishing companies and many others.
Students pursuing Graphic Design track often minor in Business. Speak with your faculty advisor to learn more about adding a Minor.
For more information about our Graphic Design program, contact Dr. Jennifer Noonan at jnoonan@caldwell.edu
JUNIOR COMPREHENSIVE 1 credit
In the junior year students are required to execute independently a series of works that demonstrate proficiency in various media. All art faculty evaluate students in a group critique. An evaluation of each individual student is made jointly by the department. Areas of weakness are addressed and students may be required to repeat a project. Students may be required to do additional coursework if skill or understanding in a particular area(s) is insufficient. Junior Project students may not go on to enroll in the Senior Thesis Exhibit until all studies for the Junior Project and any remedial coursework are satisfactorily completed. Students should have taken the following courses prior to their junior year: AR 111 Drawing I, AR 200 2D Design and Color Theory, AR 118 3D Design and AR 280 Painting I.
It is strongly recommended that students take this course in the fall semester
SENIOR SEMINAR 2 credits
In the fall semester of senior year all seniors are required to enroll in the Senior Seminar. Students are required to research a contemporary artist of their choice who makes work that relates to the student’s area of interest. Students must also write a detailed proposal for their senior thesis exhibition which takes place in the spring semester of their senior year. A grade of C is required to pass. Course may be retaken the following fall if not passed. This course may not be taken if a student has failed the Junior Comprehensive.
B.F.A. SENIOR EXHIBIT 4 credits
In the spring semester a group exhibition is scheduled. BFA students are required to mount a solo exhibition that includes a highly realized and coherent body of work. The full-time faculty meets with the students to critique the installation and the work of each student. Students must demonstrate an ability to utilize the necessary technical skills and processes with materials to make unique works of art. They must successfully organize the visual elements necessary to communicate concepts and experiences and be able to identify and define examples of formal elements and principles of design in their own work. Finally, all seniors must develop and defend a thesis project in an individual critique. This should include examples, concepts, and terminology from historical, modern and contemporary art.
The B.F.A. exhibit may not be taken if a student has not received a grade of C or above in the Senior Seminar.
ART REQUIREMENTS:
Course Code : AR 111
Course Group(s) : Fine Arts Requirement
Course Description :
A foundation class designed to develop the student’s ability to “see” and understand the elements of drawing and composition. Line, form, space, scale and value will be explored through a series of exercises and projects.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 118
Course Group(s) : Fine Arts Requirement
Course Description :
A foundation studio class that explores the language of three-dimensional form and design principles. Students are introduced to a variety of materials including wire, clay, cardboard, and plaster. Studio work, outside assignments, lectures, slides, and demonstrations.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 200
Course Description :
AR200 is 3 credits, 2D Design and Color is an introduction to the visual arts. Students are introduced to the process of visual element selection for the purpose of expressing themselves. Emphasis on the orchestration and analysis of point, line, shape, value, texture and color will enhance visual perception, and an understanding of the concepts, vocabulary, and skills for building 2D visual literacy. Color analysis, aesthetic investigation, techniques, materials, and composition are explored through hands-on projects which will complement and reinforce learned 2D principles.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 220
Course Description :
Introduces computers in the making of visual art. Students work with a variety of peripherals and software and learn to appreciate the special creative possibilities they afford.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 224
Course Description :
This course is an introduction to the electronic tools and methods essential to communicate the needs of business and industry today. In it, students will develop professional standards, logos, brochures and package designs.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR 220
Course Code : AR 227
Course Description :
Studies the fundamentals of the human form through studio classes working directly from the human figure.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 229
Course Description :
An in-depth study of the digital photo workflow from concept to completion. Students will work with a digital camera and computer software to shoot, edit, and print their photographs in both black and white, and color. Emphasis is on composition and exposure skills.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 248
Course Description :
This course explores concepts and techniques of illustration on the computer through visual interpretation. Students will develop digital tool skills and strategies for the purpose of communicating content through pictorial narrative.
A focus on self-expression and the development of an individual aesthetic will also be investigated.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 250
Course Description :
Focuses on the making of sculptural objects through the investigation of historic and contemporary trends and by developing personal and perceptual considerations, technical skill, and the development of an individual working process. Required museum and gallery trips.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 280
Course Group(s) : Fine Arts Requirement
Course Description :
Studies the elements of painting, color, form and composition through a systematic series of exercises using still life, nature, and model. Includes studio work, outside assignments, lectures, slides, and demonstrations.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 310
Course Description :
Students are expected to participate in a group exhibition in their junior year. They must have completed all introductory art requirements (or approved equivalents) before taking this course. The work will include independent work in drawing, painting, 2D and 3D design as well as class projects. A satisfactory grade must be received before taking Senior Seminar.
Credit : 1
Course Code : AR 337
Course Description :
This course concentrates on the creation, and visual communication of identity systems. Students will not only design logos and ID packages, but also will review and develop the design skills needed to fulfill a client's mission and how best to visually communicate their identity to the marketplace. Formerly Video Art-Fall 2015 and earlier; Formerly numbered AR339I-Spring 2018 and earlier.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
AR248, CS230, AR357, AR224
Course Code : AR 348
Course Description :
This course will emphasize students’ abilities to work at a more professional level of design, and develop their own unique style. Students will focus on the electronic tools and methods essential to create advanced art, and design with a clear communicating message.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR224
Course Code : AR 350
Course Description :
Appropriate for artists, designers and photographers, this class investigates the technical processes and expressive concepts available to artists with digitized images. Students will explore digital imaging technologies, their creative potential and application.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR220 Digital Art I or similar course.
Course Code : AR 357
Course Description :
An intermediate/upper-level offering on Web design for Internet communication, which has become a major mode of communication for business, advertising, and many other professional groups. This is a studio course where students will use digital concepts, tools, and methods to gain insight into the interactive, non-linear characteristics of Web pages, and to find creative solutions for integrating their benefits into designs that aesthetically convey their intended message.
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
AR224, CS230, AR220, AR248 or permission of instructor.
Course Code : AR 358
Course Description :
This course provides additional experience as the student continues to build on the foundation established in Typography I. It will help refine essential typographical skills and help prepare the student for advanced graphic design work.
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
AR248
Course Code : AR 437
Course Description :
Conceptualizing, planning and producing advanced graphic and advertising design projects for the purpose of building a professional visual communications portfolio.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR224, AR248, AR350, AR348
Course Code : AR 455
Course Description :
Guides the development of individual research as it relates to students work. Required by all art majors, it includes proposal writing, development of concepts/techniques and a research paper.
Credit : 2
Prerequisites :
AR310
Course Code : AR 466
Course Description :
Independent development of a thesis project and a solo exhibition in the second semester of senior year.
Credit : 4
Prerequisites :
AR455
Course Code : AH 206
Course Group(s) : Art History, Fine Arts Requirement
Course Description :
A survey of design from the seventeenth to the twentieth century. Emphasizes a wide range of design production in Europe and the U.S. and examines a variety of work including furniture, interiors, and product design. A special emphasis is placed on graphic design.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AH 212
Course Group(s) : Art History, Fine Arts Requirement
Course Description :
An introduction to artistic traditions before 1400. Includes the art of Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, China and Europe.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AH 214
Course Group(s) : Art History, Fine Arts Requirement
Course Description :
Investigates the historical and theoretical premises of modernism. Surveys the visual arts from the late nineteenth century through the 1960s. Includes stylistic movements such as Cubism, Expressionism, and Surrealism.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AH 215
Course Group(s) : Art History, Fine Arts Requirement
Course Description :
An introduction to artistic traditions from 1400 to 1800. Topics include European Renaissance and Baroque, and the artistic conventions of Africans, Native Americans, and Islamic peoples.
Credit : 3
Select two additional courses from the following:
Take 2 additional course from the following:
Course Code : AR 236
Course Description :
An introduction to video art designed to develop students' skills in becoming technically proficient and insightful video makers. Through narrative and non-narrative projects, students gain handson experience in the technical, conceptual, and cultural elements of video art as well as the creative and expressive characteristics of the media.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 349
Course Description :
An intermediate level course meant to further develop new media explored in Digital Art I. Students use digital tools to gain insight into their unique aesthetic concepts and characteristics. They will be encouraged to develop an individual vocabulary, conceptual ideas and an awareness of new media styles and their relationship with them.
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
AR220
Course Code : AR 360
Course Description :
This course focuses on understanding the relationship between user interface, its context, and intuitive human behavior in order to create a successful graphic user experience.
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
AR224, AR248, AR357, CS230, CS360
Course Code : AR 414
Course Description :
This course provides experience in basic animation concepts and techniques including 3-D modeling, rendering, animating and recording. Prerequisite: Must have completed one computer course 200-level or above or have permission of the instructor.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR221, AR220, AR224
Course Code : AR 456
Course Description :
This course provides a platform for students to develop more complex photo art solutions, both in scale and in concept. The projects will balance students’ technical skills with artistic expression and develop a more professional standard in preparation for a computer graphics career.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR350, AR220
Course Code : AR 489
Course Description :
A second pre-professional experience in a career field. Learning objectives and assignments should incorporate knowledge gained in Field Internship I and demonstrate new, substantive learning goals.
Credit : 2 – 3
