Graphic Design
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Graphic design approaches images and type as powerful tools giving shape to ideas. In graphic design courses at WOU, students learn to bring together message, meaning, and form to create memorable communications. They gain a broad range of practical skills, applying typography and design processes to challenging creative projects guided by supportive faculty. Graphic designers must thoughtfully incorporate type and image into visual experiences fueled by the design elements and principles inherent in all art processes.
Students may choose to continue their graphic design experience by taking advanced courses in print design: A420, A421, and A422. Through a multitude of formats – logos, brochures, packaging, posters, exhibition displays, and more – students solve print visual communications challenges with a wide array of clients and audiences in mind, working both individually and in collaborative design teams.
Graphic Design track — Advising Guide
Suggested courses for student wanting to be a graphic designer or related profession
Art & Design major
(84 credits)
Foundation courses: (16) [required]
_____ A 115 Beginning Design: 2D
_____ A 116 Beginning Design: 3D
_____ A 120 Foundations of Digital Art
_____ A 130 Beginning Drawing
Art History: (12) [required]
_____ A 204 Art History: Prehistoric-Late Antiquity
_____ A 205 Art History: Middle Ages-Renaissance
_____ A 206 Art History: Baroque-Contemporary
200-Level courses: (16)
_____ A 220 Intro to Typography
_____ A 262 Photo & Digital Images
_____ A 2XX
_____ A 2XX
Upper division courses: (36)
_____ A 308 History of Graphic Design
_____ A 320 Graphic Design…
_____ A 321 Graphic Design…
_____ A 322 Graphic Design…
_____ A 323 Interactive Media…
_____ A 324 Interactive Media…
_____ A 326 Video & Animation I
_____ A 327 Video & Animation II
_____ A 329 Print Design…
_____ A 421 Print Design…
_____ A 422 Print Design…
_____ A 462 Photo & Digital Images II
_____ A 315 Intermediate Design: 2D
Capstone course: (4)
_____ A429 Portfolio & Professional Preparation
Recommended General Education courses/electives:
- Creative Arts (topics: Theater Production, Fashion, Music/Sound)
- Communication Studies (topics: Mass Communication, Media, Public Relations, Advertising)
- Entrepreneurship
- Computer Science
- Anthropology (ex: Language & Culture)
- Business – Marketing
- Sociology
- Philosophy (ex: Philosophy of Art)
- Film Studies
All VCD majors at the upper level take a series of graphic design courses: A320, A321, and A322. Students may choose to continue their graphic design experience by taking advanced courses in print design: A420, A421, and A422. Through a multitude of formats – logos, brochures, packaging, posters, exhibition displays, and more – students solve print visual communications challenges with a wide array of clients and audiences in mind, working both individually and in collaborative design teams.
