The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in graphic design is the professional degree for students intending to enter the field of visual communication and design. The program provides courses in typography, illustration, photography, book design, advertising, package design, computer graphics and design theory.

The study of graphic design develops the ability to solve communication problems within a cultural, aesthetic, technical, ethical and economic context. Designers create visual messages that serve many needs including advertising, packaging, publishing, identity and branding, websites and digital graphics. These solutions require creativity and lateral thinking, as well as the technical, verbal and written skills to solve specific client problems in their communications.

Graphic design has its roots in a variety of disciplines, including sociology, linguistics, technology, and art and design history. The field has traditionally been linked to commerce and the ability of merchants and institutions to communicate with specific audiences. It is also related to philosophical, literary, architectural and artistic movements.

Throughout their course of study, graphic design majors assemble a professional portfolio of work to present to potential employers. Career options include advertising agencies, art studios, corporate art departments and freelance work.

The art foundation studies program and the preparatory coursework in the graphic design program enable design majors to meet criteria for application into the degree after the mid-program review. A limited number of students are accepted into the program based on portfolio review during ARTF 202. Students admitted into the program are required to complete the graphic design emphasis coursework during the four consecutive semesters of their junior and senior years. They are also required to enroll in ARTG 354 each of those semesters for a total of 4 credit hours.

Program Requirements

A minimum total of 120 credit hours is required for the BFA in graphic design and includes 52–65 credit hours of art and art history courses. Students must also meet the university’s scholastic, residence and general education requirements for graduation.

A grade of C (2.000 grade points) or better is required in all major courses. A minimum GPA of 2.000 is required within the major.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the WSU General Education Program, students in the BFA in graphic design must take the following courses. (One ARTH 125_ may count as their fine arts general education course.)

Note: 45+ upper-division credit hours are required for graduation. Model programs of study are available in the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries office and at the ADCI website². 

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Must be completed prior to enrolling in ARTF 202.

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Applied Learning

Students in the BFA in graphic design program are required to complete an applied learning or research experience to graduate from the program. This requirement can be met by completing four semesters of ARTG 354, as well as a sequence of four upper-division studio classes, including a capstone course ( ARTG 334, ARTG 335, ARTG 434 and ARTG 435).