Graphic Design, Emphasis
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Art with an Emphasis in Graphic Design
Graphic Design students at Marshall University are immersed in creating visual solutions for their communities and their clients, from the tiniest details to the biggest ideas. In a supportive studio environment, design students explore the ever widening reaches of the industry. From traditional print design to experimental digital experiences (and everywhere in between), students work on a wide range of graphic design projects that combine artistic and strategic communication skills. Our program prepares students to pursue creative careers in graphic design, branding, media, advertising, marketing, digital design, and many emerging fields. To experience real-world collaboration in action, students also apprentice on campus, at the student-run agency, or with local businesses and organizations.
Distinctive Features of the Program
Students who graduate with their degree in Graphic Design are career-ready with many skills and experiences, including:
- typography, color theory, logo design, corporate identity, branding, layout, editorial design, packaging design, advertising, social media design, marketing design, illustration, motion design, UX/UI, website design, print production, digital campaigns, systems design, photography, and video editing
- aesthetics, concept development, problem-solving, creativity, experimentation, precision, collaboration, teamwork, communication, project management, community service, citizenship, constructive feedback, troubleshooting, promotion, and visual analysis
Students gain expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (including Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, After Effects, Acrobat, and Adobe Express); Figma, Keynote, PowerPoint, print production, WordPress and other website platforms.
Collective 37 Design Agency
Marshall University’s Collective 37 functions as both a class and a small business. A collaboration between the schools of Art & Design and Journalism and Mass Communications, it was established in March 2023 as part of class projects by students in the Graphic Design and Advertising & Public Relations and majors. Collective 37 is a student-run, faculty-led communications agency listed in the course catalog as both ART 431 and JMC 431.
Collective 37 has three pillars of operation – Growth, Creativity and Community. The agency serves clients locally on Marshall’s campus and in the tri-state area, as well as around the state and nation The agency is open to all majors and all classes of students.
Working for Collective 37 provides opportunities to practice professional skills in a fun and supportive learning environment. Students in the agency learn teamwork and client management while building portfolio material and leadership skills. Collective 37 prepares students for success on internships and jobs beyond Marshall’s campus.
Course Requirements
The Core Curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking skills and introduce students to basic domains of thinking that transcend disciplines. The Core applies to all majors. Information on specific classes in the Core can be found at https://www.marshall.edu/gened/.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum | ||
| Core 1: Critical Thinking | ||
| FYS 100 | First Yr Sem Critical Thinking | 3 |
| Critical Thinking (MTH 121 Concepts & Applications (CT)) | 3 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| Core 2 | ||
| ENG 101 | Beginning Composition | 3 |
| ENG 201 | Advanced Composition | 3 |
| CMM 103 | Fund Speech-Communication | 3 |
| MTH 121 | Concepts and Applications (CT) | 3 |
| Core II Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Core II Humanities | 3 | |
| Core II Natural/Physical Science | 4 | |
| Core II Social Science | 3 | |
| Additional University Requirements | ||
| Writing Intensive | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive | 3 | |
| Multicultural/International | 3 | |
| Capstone (ART 489 Graphic Design Portfolio) | 2 | |
BFA in Visual Art Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Art Core | ||
| ART 101 | Visual Culture and Research | 3 |
| ART 201 | History of Art I (CT) | 3 |
| ART 202 | History of Art II (CT) | 3 |
| ART 214 | Foundations: Grid/Chroma | 3 |
| ART 215 | Foundations: Form/Space | 3 |
| ART 217 | Foundations: Record/Layer | 3 |
| ART 218 | Foundations: Surface/Matrix | 3 |
| ART 219 | Foundations: Frame/Time | 3 |
| ART 298 | Foundations Review: BFA 1 | 1 |
| ART 389 | 20th Century Art | 3 |
| or ART 464 | History of Modern Design | |
| ART 390 | Professional Practice | 3 |
| ART 497 | Capstone Studio 2 | 3 |
| Art History Elective | 3 | |
| Total Art Core Credit Hours | 37 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design Area of Emphasis Requirements | ||
| ART 312 | Typography | 3 |
| ART 314 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| ART 316 | Graphic Design II | 3 |
| ART 317 | Illustration | 3 |
| or ART 318 | Art/Design for Websites | |
| ART 440 | Adv Graphic Design | 3 |
| ART 489 | Graphic Design Portfolio (Capstone) | 2 |
| ART 490 | Apprenticeship | 1-3 |
| ART 300-/400-Level Emphasis Area Courses | 6 | |
| ART Studio Electives | 12 | |
| Total Graphic Design Area of Emphasis Credit Hours | 36–38 | |
| Electives Outside of Major | 13 | |
A minimum of 120 credit hours are required for this degree program.
- 1
After completing the required six foundation courses, students pursuing the Bachelor of Fine Arts are required to present a portfolio of work for review by the Art and Design faculty. To do so, B.F.A. students must register for ART 298 Foundations Review: BFA before completing 21 credit hours in the Studio Art courses listed above. Successful completion of ART 298 Foundations Review: BFA is required and is a prerequisite for program advancement. Students who do not receive a passing grade of C in the Foundations Review and are within the studio art credit hour range listed above may apply for reconsideration. Students who have transferred within Marshall University will have two semesters to complete the courses listed above and participate in this review.
Foundations Courses
ART 101 Visual Culture and Research
ART 214 Foundations: Grid/Chroma
ART 215 Foundations: Form/Space
ART 217 Foundations: Record/Layer
ART 218 Foundations: Surface/Matrix
ART 219 Foundations: Frame/Time
- 2
A successful exhibition of creative work must be presented by all students during the senior year as a requirement for graduation. To do so, B.F.A. students must register for ART 497 Capstone Studio.
Semester Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
| ART 101 | Visual Culture and Research | 3 |
| ART 214 | Foundations: Grid/Chroma | 3 |
| ART 217 | Foundations: Record/Layer | 3 |
| ENG 101 | Beginning Composition | 3 |
| FYS 100 | First Yr Sem Critical Thinking | 3 |
| UNI 100 | Freshman First Class (Recommended) | 1 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ART 215 | Foundations: Form/Space | 3 |
| ART 218 | Foundations: Surface/Matrix | 3 |
| ART 219 | Foundations: Frame/Time | 3 |
| CMM 103 | Fund Speech-Communication | 3 |
| MTH 121 | Concepts and Applications (CT) | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| ART 201 | History of Art I (CT) | 3 |
| ART 312 | Typography | 3 |
| ART 298 | Foundations Review: BFA 1 | 1 |
| ENG 201 | Advanced Composition | 3 |
| Art Studio Elective | 3 | |
| Elective Outside of Major | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ART 202 | History of Art II (CT) | 3 |
| ART 314 | Graphic Design I | 3 |
| Art Studio Elective | 3 | |
| Core II Humanities (WI) | 3 | |
| Elective Outside of Major | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| ART 316 | Graphic Design II | 3 |
| ART 317 or ART 318 | Illustration or Art/Design for Websites | 3 |
| Art Studio Elective | 3 | |
| Core II Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Elective Outside of Major | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ART 389 or ART 464 | 20th Century Art or History of Modern Design | 3 |
| ART 390 | Professional Practice | 3 |
| ART 440 | Adv Graphic Design | 3 |
| ART 300/400 Level Emphasis Area | 3 | |
| Core II Natural/Physical Science | 4 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| ART 489 | Graphic Design Portfolio | 2 |
| ART 490 | Apprenticeship | 1-3 |
| ART Studio Elective | 3 | |
| Art History Elective | 3 | |
| Writing Intensive Course | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 12-14 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ART 497 | Capstone Studio 2 | 3 |
| ART 300/400 Level Emphasis Area | 3 | |
| Core I Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| Core II Social Science (M/I) | 3 | |
| Elective Outside of Major | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120-122 | |
- 1
After completing the required six foundation courses, students pursuing the Bachelor of Fine Arts are required to present a portfolio of work for review by the Art and Design faculty. To do so, B.F.A. students must register for ART 298 Foundations Review: BFA before completing 21 credit hours in the Studio Art courses listed above. Successful completion of ART 298 Foundations Review: BFA is required and is a prerequisite for program advancement. Students who do not receive a passing grade of C in the Foundations Review and are within the studio art credit hour range listed above may apply for reconsideration. Students who have transferred within Marshall University will have two semesters to complete the courses listed above and participate in this review.
Foundations Courses
ART 101 Visual Culture and Research
ART 214 Foundations: Grid/Chroma
ART 215 Foundations: Form/Space
ART 217 Foundations: Record/Layer
ART 218 Foundations: Surface/Matrix
ART 219 Foundations: Frame/Time
- 2
A successful exhibition of creative work must be presented by all students during the senior year as a requirement for graduation. To do so, B.F.A. students must register for ART 497 Capstone Studio.