Graphic Design and Visual Communication Design
Graphic designers shape the way people see, use, and experience information. If you're interested in studying the practice of design, there are two degree programs—a BFA in Visual Communication Design, and a BA in Graphic Design—and a minor in Graphic Design.
By pursuing the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design, you will be immersed in a program that is conceptually driven and holistic in practice. This degree focuses on the mastery of diverse technical skills, the development of dynamic visual communication across multiple media, and an understanding of contemporary design practices. To apply for this program, you first enroll as a BA student, then complete a portfolio review in your second year.
By pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, you will learn how to be a visual communicator who explores what it means to convey ideas through type and image, as well as innovate through technology. In the classroom, you will build on the fundamental skills of the practice of design, and cultivate visual concept within a contemporary design field.
Click to Apply for the BFA in Visual Communication Design: Deadline for submission is October 23, 2023.
BFA Visual Communication Design
Experiential Opportunities
Athenaeum Press: Student-Driven Publishing Lab
Archarios Magazine
Tempo Magazine
Facilities
Coastal has numerous innovative and well-equipped labs to hone your practice in both studio fundamentals and advanced design.
Design Lab and Studio
Rebecca Randall Bryan Art Gallery
Fabrication Lab
Courses
Visual Communication Design BFA
Foundation Requirements
(13 Courses)
Art FoundationARTS 103 - Fundamentals of Art I
ARTS 104 - Fundamentals of Art II
ARTS 105 - Fundamentals of Art III
ARTS 111 - Fundamentals of Drawing
ARTS 112 - Fundamentals of Drawing II
ARTH 106 - History of Western Art II
+
Design Foundation
ARTD 108 - A Survey of Graphic Design
ARTD 201 - Graphic Design I
ARTD 202 - Graphic Design II
ARTD 208 - Typography I
+
Art History Foundation
ARTH 106 - History of Western Art II
ARTH 250 Q - Concepts in Art History
+
ARTH 105 - History of Western Art I
or
ARTH 107 - World Art
Major Requirements
(11 Courses)
ARTS 262 - Introduction to Photography
ARTS 298 - Concepts in the Artistic Process
ARTD 304 - Motion Design
ARTD 305 - Interaction Design
ARTD 306 - User Experience Design
ARTD 308 - Typography II
ARTD 309 - Enviornmental Design
ARTD 310 - Identity Systems
ARTD 397 - Visual Communication Design Exhibition
ARTD 400 - Design Systems
ARTD 499 - Special Topics in Visual Communication Design
+
Study Abroad, Internship, or Pre-Professional Studio
Capstone
(1 Course)
ARTS 497 Q - The Artist as a Professional
+
Senior Showcase
+
6 Creativity and Development Workshops
Graphic Design BA
Foundation Requirements
(7 Courses)
ARTS 103 - Fundamentals of Art I
ARTS 104 - Fundamentals of Art II
ARTS 105 - Fundamentals of Art III
ARTS 111 - Fundamentals of Drawing
ARTS 112 - Fundamentals of Drawing II
ARTH 106 - History of Western Art II
ARTD 108 - A Survey of Graphic Design
Major Requirements
(21 Credits)
ARTD 108 A Survey of Graphic Design - 3 credits
ARTD 201 Graphic Design I - 3 credits
ARTD 202 Graphic Design II - 3 credits
ARTD 208 Typography I - 3 credits
ARTS 298 Concepts in the Artistic Process - 3 credits
ARTD 497 Q The Designer as a Professional - 3 credits
Take one of the following (3 Credits):
ARTD 205 Designing for the Screen - 3 credits
ARTD 305 Interaction Design - 3 credits
Major Electives (12 Credits)
Choose two ARTD courses from the following (6 credits):
ARTD 301 Graphic Design III - 3 credits
ARTD 302 Graphic Design IV - 3 credits
ARTD 304 Motion Design - 3 credits
ARTD 306 User Experience Design - 3 credits
ARTD 308 Typography II - 3 credits
ARTD 309 Environmental Design - 3 credits
ARTD 310 Identity Systems - 3 credits
ARTD 400 Design Systems - 3 credits
Choose two ARTS courses from the following (6 credits):
ARTS 200 Introduction to Printmaking - 3 credits
ARTS 207 Silkscreen Printmaking - 3 credits
ARTS 231 Life Drawing I - 3 credits
ARTS 262 Digital Photography I - 3 credits
ARTS 318 Advanced Color Theory - 3 credits
Practicum & Capstone
(2 Courses)
ARTD 497 Q - The Designer as a Professional
+
Senior Showcase
Minor in Graphic Design
The minor in Graphic Design has two tracks: one for Art Studio majors, and the other for those outside art programs.
Art Studio Majors
Due to the requirements of art studio, these majors will already have a strong foundation in studio practices and, therefore, could customize their major by developing graphic design skills offered in this minor. Art studio majors will paint, draw, and sculpt, but with a minor in Graphic Design, art studio students will also learn web design, photography, and desktop publishing, and, thus, expand their career possibilities.
All Other Majors
The Graphic Design for All Other Majors is designed for complementary majors, such as Communications, Marketing, or Digital Culture and Design, who are interested in tailoring their major with the unique skills acquired by studying art and design. With a broad foundation in studio art and design, the minor complements many majors and can help lead to careers involving social media research and marketing or web design, and advertising.
Similar Programs
Popular Certificates and Minors
Application Requirements
» For scholarship consideration: submit your portfolio (October 23, 2023)
» For the BFA, enroll as an Art Studio major, then apply for the BFA after completing 18 credit hours (6 courses)
» Application
» $45 Application Fee
» Official Transcripts (High School, Secondary School, or Previous College)
» SAT/ACT Test Scores (optional)
For International Students
» Proof of English Proficiency (ESL Students)
» Passport
Get in Touch
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