University Catalog 2024-2025

EXPLORE PROGRAMSAPPLY

Graphic & Experience Design (Bachelor)

The Graphic & Experience Design program is a part of the Department of Graphic and Industrial Design. The Graphic & Experience Design program awards a Bachelor of Graphic & Experience Design (BGXD), a professional degree, recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The program blends user experience and user interface design (UX/UI) with traditional graphic design practices like branding, typography, service design, and exhibition design. Students create interfaces, digital products, brands, and environments that are embedded in larger experiences. Through project-based assignments, students acquire strong formal and conceptual skills framed by a human-centered approach. Upon entry to the program, students establish a comprehensive design foundation through sequenced core studios paired with specialized courses in typography, design systems, design history and design theory. Students then progress to advanced studios that enable in-depth exploration of special topics such as data visualization, branding, accessible design, and artificial intelligence. Students interact with organizations through these upper-level studios—often including sponsored studio projects—and through internships to gain experience working with clients and end-users.

Plan Requirements

Writing
ENG 101Academic Writing and Research 14
Design Elective
GD 303Graphic Design Theory and Practice 13
GD 217Typography and Technology 13
GD 317Typographic Language, Writing, and Reading 13
GD 203History of Graphic Design 13
GD 417Information and Publishing Design Systems 13
Design History Elective3
Design Electives6
Studio
D 100Design Inquiry I: Methods and Processes3
D 104First Year Studio I6
GD 201Design, Context, and Experience 16
GD 202Designing for Settings, People, and Use 16
GD 210Image and Tech Tinkering 16
GD 301Branding, Interaction, and Service Design 16
GD 400Advanced Graphic Design Studio 16
Advanced Studio Electives 112
GD 401Graphic Design Practicum 13
Mathematical Sciences
Mathematical Sciences Elective6
International Experience
International Experience (verify requirement) 20
General Education Program (GEP) Courses
GEP Humanities6
GEP Social Sciences6
GEP Natural Sciences7
GEP Health and Exercise Studies2
GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion3
GEP Global Knowledge (verify requirement)
World Language Proficiency (verify requirement)
Free Electives
Free Electives 28
Total Hours120
1

A grade of C- or higher is required.

2

Students should consult their academic advisors to determine which courses fill this requirement.

Design History Electives

ARC 241History of World Architecture3
ARC 242History of Western Architecture3
HA 201History of Art from Caves to the Renaissance3
HA 202History of Art From the Renaissance Through the 20th Century3
HA 203History of American Art3
LAR 444History of Landscape Architecture3

Design Electives

ADN 212Photography I3
ADN 219Digital Imaging I3
ADN 272Introduction to Printing and Surface Design3
ADN 273Fibers Materials and Processes3
ADN 281Drawing I3
ADN 312Photography II3
ADN 319Animation I3
ADN 384Painting I3
ADN 386 Sculpture I3
ADN 414Color and Light3
ADN 419Creative Technology Studio I3
ADN 472Advanced Surface Design3
ADN 481Drawing II3
ADN 486Sculpture II3
ARC 162An Introduction to Architecture3
GD 492Special Topics in Graphic Design3
GD 494Internship in Graphic Design3
GD 495Independent Study in Graphic Design1-3
ID 292Special Topics in Industrial Design1-3
ID 492Special Topics in Industrial Design1-3
ID 494Internship in Industrial Design1-6
ID 495Independent Study in Industrial Design1-3
LAR 292Special Topics in Landscape Architecture1-3
LAR 492Special Topics in Landscape Architecture1-3

Advanced Studio Electives

ADN 204Art + Design Sophomore Studio Spring6
ADN 460Creative Technology Studio II6
ADN 470Fibers and Surface Design Studio6
ADN 480Creative Technology Studio III:6
ARC 401Architectural Design: Urban6
GD 400Advanced Graphic Design Studio6
GD 490Graphic Design International Studio6
ID 401Advanced Industrial Design Studio I6
ID 490Industrial Design International Studio6
LAR 200Landscape Architecture Introductory Studio6
LAR 400Landscape Architecture Studio6

Mathematical Sciences Electives

GC 3203D Spatial Relations3
HON 291Honors Special Topics-Mathematics3
LOG 201Logic3
LOG 335Symbolic Logic3
MA 335Symbolic Logic3
PHI 250Thinking Logically3

Semester Sequence

This is a sample.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall SemesterHours
D 100 Design Inquiry I: Methods and Processes 3
D 104 First Year Studio I 6
ENG 101 Academic Writing and Research 4
Mathematical Sciences Elective 3
 Hours16
Spring Semester
GD 203 History of Graphic Design 3
GD 210 Image and Tech Tinkering 6
Mathematical Sciences Elective 3
GEP Humanities 3
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
 Hours16
Second Year
Fall Semester
GD 201 Design, Context, and Experience 6
GD 217 Typography and Technology 3
GD 303 Graphic Design Theory and Practice 3
GEP Social Sciences 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
GD 202 Designing for Settings, People, and Use 6
GEP Social Sciences 3
GD 317 Typographic Language, Writing, and Reading 3
GEP Humanities 3
 Hours15
Third Year
Fall Semester
GD 301 Branding, Interaction, and Service Design 6
GEP Health and Exercise Studies 1
GD 417 Information and Publishing Design Systems 3
GEP Natural Sciences 4
 Hours14
Spring Semester
GD 400 Advanced Graphic Design Studio 6
Design History Elective 3
Design Elective 3
GEP Natural Sciences 3
 Hours15
Fourth Year
Fall Semester
Advanced Studio Electives 6
GD 401 Graphic Design Practicum 3
Design Elective 3
GEP US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 3
 Hours15
Spring Semester
Advanced Studio Electives 6
Free Electives 8
 Hours14
 Total Hours120
*

Spring Semester of Junior Year or Fall Semester of Senior Year coursework may be taken at the Prague Institute or other approved international program to fulfill the department’s International Experience Requirement (observing a six credit minimum workload). Summer coursework in industrial design or other College of Design major (observing a rising Junior or above standing in home major) may also fulfill the International Experience Requirement (also observing a six credit minimum workload).

Career Opportunities

Career Titles

  • Advertising Account Manager
  • Advertising Agency Coordinator
  • Art Appraiser
  • Art Director
  • Art Restorer
  • Art, Drama, & Music Professors
  • Cartoonist (Publications)
  • Commercial Designer
  • Exhibit Artist
  • Graphic Designer
  • Industrial Designer
  • Multimedia Artists and Animators
  • Package Designer
  • Printer (Graphic Arts)
  • Sales Representative (Graphic Arts)
  • Sales Representative (Printed Advertising)
  • Toy Designer
  • Video Game Designer

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AIGA Career Guide