The graphic design major provides opportunities for those looking towards a career in art and design with a broad-based, liberal arts foundation. Beginning with the principle that knowledge is the source of creativity, students are encouraged to not only become capable designers, but also educated adults and lifelong learners. Students will become familiar with the professional practices of the design industry and their place in the larger historical and theoretical context of creative endeavor, leading ultimately to a vocation that is both personally satisfying and a valuable service to others.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graphic design program seeks to produce graduates who are able to demonstrate:
- proficiency with an appropriate variety of media and technologies,
- familiarity with the ethical, practical, theoretical, and historical underpinnings of their chosen field of study,
- the ability to approach visual communication challenges with creativity and insight, producing work that is consistently original and meaningful,
- effective and professional written, verbal, and visual communication skills, and
- the ability to work effectively with others.
Student Stories
Justine Bennett (’18)
Justine Bennett, Graphic Designer with Minuteman Press What you do: I work with a variety of customers updating and creating
Meet the Faculty
For more information, see our Graphic Design Department.
Andy OvernProfessor
YFAC 207
507-344-7398
- Introduction to Art
- 2D Design
- Drawing
- Graphic Design I: Tools and Vocabulary
- Professional Practices Seminar
- Digital Illustration/Concept Art I
- Graphic Design II: Graphic Design Studio
- Graphic Design III: Introductionto Web Design
- Digital Painting/Concept Art
- Portfolio/Senior Project
- Senior Exhibition
- Art Internship
- Art Independent Study
- Graphic Design Senior Project/Capstone - Part One
- Graphic Design Senior Exhibition
- Media Arts Internship
Amanda QuistAssistant Professor
HH 229
507-344-7385
- 2D Foundations
- Art History III Impressionism to Contemporary
- Graphic Design I:Tools, Methodology, and Vocabulary
- Professional Practices Seminar
- Graphic Design IV: Design forMultimedia
- Art Theory and Criticism
- Contemporary Issues in Art
- Visual Communication
- Graphic Design Senior Project/Capstone - Part One
- Graphic Design Senior Exhibition
- Introduction to Animation
- Motion Graphics Design
- Motion Graphics 2
Major Requirements
Note Bethany’s Program Requirements Disclaimer when planning your coursework.
Mission Statement
The graphic design major provides opportunities for those looking towards a career in art and design with a broad-based, liberal arts foundation. Beginning with the principle that knowledge is the source of creativity, students are encouraged to not only become capable designers, but also educated adults and lifelong learners. Students will become familiar with the professional practices of the design industry and their place in the larger historical and theoretical context of creative endeavor, leading ultimately to a vocation that is both personally satisfying and a valuable service to others.
Entry into the Major
Each student is required to formally apply for entry into the graphic design major. This typically takes place in the spring of the sophomore year. At this time it is imperative that all prospective graphic design students have an advisor from the Graphic Design, Studio Art, or Media Arts departments. A major application form may be obtained from your faculty advisor or downloaded from the graphic design section of the college website. In order to gain admittance to, and graduate with, the graphic design major, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA in all studio courses and an overall GPA of 2.0.
Junior Review
At the end of the junior year, faculty advisors will examine all student transcripts to ensure adequate progress is being made toward degree completion.
Requirements
Pre-Major Coursework – 19 credits
Pre-major coursework may be taken concurrently with other coursework.
All of:
- ARTS102 2D Foundations
- ARTS110 Drawing
- ARTS230 Graphic Design I:Tools, Methodology, and Vocabulary
- ARTS290 Professional Practices Seminar
- COMM240 Introduction to Mass Media
- ENGL312 Reading as Writers Across Media
One of:
Historical Perspective – 6 credits
Two of:
- ARTS107 Art History III Impressionism to Contemporary
- ARTS240 Masterpieces of the Western Tradition
- ARTS344 American Art History
- ARTS452 Contemporary Issues in Art
- COMM365 Images on Film
Theoretical and Critical Analysis – 6 credits
One course:
One of:
- ARTS450 Art Theory and Criticism
- COMM325 Processes of Criticism
- COMM475 Media Ecology
- MART475 Avant Garde/Experimental Film
Theory and Practice – 18 credits
All of:
- ARTS330 Graphic Design II: Graphic Design Studio
- ARTS332 Graphic Design IV: Design forMultimedia
- ARTS336 Graphic Design III: Introduction to Web Design
- COMM360 Visual Communication
- MART330 Motion Graphics Design
One of:
- ARTS312 Digital Illustration/Concept Art I
- ARTS432 Digital Painting/Concept Art
- MART435 Motion Graphics 2
Capstone / Senior Project – 4 credits
Both:
Optional Internship
Recommended Courses
Additional curricular suggestions for the graphic design student:
Graphic Design Minor
A minor in graphic design requires the following courses.
All of:
- ARTS102 2D Foundations
- ARTS110 Drawing
- ARTS290 Professional Practices Seminar
- ARTS230 Graphic Design I:Tools, Methodology, and Vocabulary
- ARTS330 Graphic Design II: Graphic Design Studio
- ARTS336 Graphic Design III: Introduction to Web Design
- COMM360 Visual Communication
One of:
- ARTS107 Art History III Impressionism to Contemporary
- ARTS240 Masterpieces of the Western Tradition
- ARTS450 Art Theory and Criticism
- ARTS452 Contemporary Issues in Art
- COMM365 Images on Film
- COMM385 Law and Ethics in Media
- COMM475 Media Ecology
One of:
Next Steps
Do you see Graphic Design in your future? We’d love to hear from you! Learn more about becoming a Bethany student, or schedule your personal visit today.