Graphic Design (GD-BFA-KE), B.F.A.

Location(s): Kendall College of Art & Design

Bachelor of Fine Arts

The mission of the Graphic Design program of Kendall College of Art and Design is to graduate innovative design thinkers and makers. Students will broadly apply their skills across established and emerging media. They will be educated in a hands-on, integrative, studio-based learning environment where they will learn to use design fundamentals and contemporary technology as tools for strategic communication, problem-solving, and personal expression. The Graphic Design program promotes curiosity, exploration, and investigation through active engagement in process and making. Students are encouraged to view their world with awe, wonder, and an open mind, to examine and experiment, and to ask questions and seek answers. Through a comprehensive and rigorous education, graduates of the Graphic Design program will be prepared for further evolution within the professional field of graphic design and other design-related disciplines.

Admission Requirements

New Student Admission Requirements

2.50 High School GPA (on a 4.00 scale)
ACT/SAT test scores are NOT currently required for admissions consideration to KCAD. However, some Woodbridge N. Ferris Scholarship levels may require test scores be submitted to be awarded at certain levels.
Portfolio Requirement: Your portfolio should include 8-10 pieces of your best, most recent work that reflect your interests and creative potential. This collection of work could include 2D or 3D artwork, such as drawings, paintings, design, photography, sketches, animation, typography, videos, collages,ceramics, sculpture, sewn garments or other forms of creativity.

Transfer Student Admission Requirements

2.50 College GPA (on a 4.00 scale)

University General Education Requirements - 30 Credits Required

KCHU 120 - Writing Credit Hours: 3
KCHU 255 - Introduction to Narrative Studies Credit Hours: 3
KCSS 229 - Introduction to Cultural Studies Credit Hours: 3
KCHU 228 - Philosophy Credit Hours: 3

Choose one of the following:

KCSC 240 - Perspectives on Science Credit Hours: 3
KCSC 231 - Math in Art and Design Credit Hours: 3
KCSC - Math/Science Elective Credit Hours: 3

Pathways:

Select one:

Narrative Studies (NR)
Cultural Studies (CS)
Philosophical Studies (PL)

At least (3) courses will be taken within the selected Pathway.

Recommended at the 200-level or higher

Four NR/CS/PL Credit Hours: 3
Choose 1 of 3
KCHU 460 - Capstone in Narrative Studies Credit Hours: 3
KCHU 461 - Capstone in Philosophical Studies Credit Hours: 3
KCSS 460 - Capstone in Cultural Studies Credit Hours: 3

Minor: (Optional) 15 Credit Hours

College Requirements

Supportive Studio 24 Credit Hours

KCFN 113 - Color: Apply Credit Hours: 3
KCFN 115 - Design: Text Credit Hours: 3
KCFN 116 - Design: Image Credit Hours: 3
KCFN 133 - Drawing: Learn Credit Hours: 3
KCFN 134 - Drawing: Practice Credit Hours: 3
KCGD 214 - Typography I Credit Hours: 3
KCGD 220 - Typography II Credit Hours: 3
KCDM 317 - Web Design I Credit Hours: 3

Art History 12 Credit Hours

KCAH 101 - Global Art I: Prehistory - 14th Century Credit Hours: 3
KCAH 102 - Global Art II: 15th Century - Present Credit Hours: 3
KCAH 214 - History of Graphic Design Credit Hours: 3
KCAH - Art History Elective Credit Hours: 3

Major Studio 45 Credit Hours

* Must be taken one semester prior to KCGD 461 /KCGD 411 and concurrently with KCGD 462

** Must be taken one semester prior to KCGD 461 /KCGD 411 and concurrently with KCGD 450

*** Must be taken concurrently with KCGD 461

**** Must be taken concurrently with KCGD 411

KCGD 120 - Graphic Design Processes Credit Hours: 3
KCGD 222 - Graphic Design Narratives Credit Hours: 3
KCGD 240 - Graphic Design Production and Management Credit Hours: 3
KCGD 310 - Concept and Strategy Credit Hours: 3
KCGD 311 - Principles of Branding Credit Hours: 3
KCGD 312 - Advertising Design Credit Hours: 3
KCGD 313 - Package Design Credit Hours: 3
KCGD 315 - Publication Design Credit Hours: 3
KCGD 324 - Typography III Credit Hours: 3
KCGD 350 - Contemporary Media Technologies Credit Hours: 3
KCGD 450 - Critical Practice I Credit Hours: 3 *
KCGD 462 - Critical Practice II Credit Hours: 3 **
KCGD 411 - Integrated Systems Credit Hours: 3 ***
KCGD 461 - Graphic Design Portfolio Credit Hours: 3 ****

Choose one of the following:

KCDM 319 - Web Design II Credit Hours: 3
KCGD 402 - Internship in Graphic Design Credit Hours: 3 (Jr/Sr standing)
KCGD 412 - Advanced Advertising Credit Hours: 3

Electives 9 Credit Hours

Graduation Requirements

Complete 120 semester credit hours.
Complete a studio major program of study (at least half of the major credits must be in residence at KCAD).
Complete all Supportive, Art History and General Education requirements.
Complete a minimum of 30 semester hours in residence at KCAD.
Earn a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher, and a minimum GPA of 2.25 in the major studio core (studio electives exempted).
Submit a digital image of senior level work. Be in good standing with the College.