Design Degrees Online

Graphic Design

USC Upstate awards a BFA Art Studio, emphasis Graphic Design, that includes a portfolio review requirement to be completed by the sophomore year. Recent data from The American Institute of Graphic Arts indicates that more than nine out of ten graphic artists have a college degree and the most significant trend in graphic design is an extraordinary demand for good designers that far exceeds supply.

The Upstate Graphic Design program prepares students for careers and graduate work in the field of graphic design including illustration and web/electronic design. Students prepare skills for professional practice by integrating the content areas of design theory, production, history, criticism, and aesthetics. Coursework provides a foundation in creativity, critical thinking, and problem analysis. The curriculum integrates traditional art techniques with industry standards of digital technology. Graduates of the BFA program are employed in creative departments of corporations, retail establishments, advertising/design firms, publishing and public relations firms.

Introduction and teaching philosophy

A revised curriculum implemented in fall 2003 offers students two optional tracks of concentration. The opening of a dual track degree allows students to pursue one of two specializations: Print design and User Experience Design (kinetic and interactive). At the same time, the structure of the offerings allows students to use courses offered as requirements in one of the tracks as elective courses for their own track.

The design curriculum is highly structured and sequential in order that a reservoir of ideas and skills can be built up through courses that provide theory and techniques applicable to many purposes. Professional production methods must also be developed.

Design classes consist of lectures, studio, and computer work. The course progression begins by introducing basic visual vocabulary in 2-D design and color. From there, technical skills are refined and used to communicate visual ideas. Third- and fourth-year students work on applied design problems in preparation for their entry into the profession. Courses in computer graphics, illustration, production, history of graphic design, and selected design topics round out the basic program.

The ability to explain design solutions in an articulate manner is critical. Along with the creative and technical skills taught in the design program, verbal and analytical abilities are developed through class critiques. In these discussions, students learn to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of design solutions.

Experience with designers working in the field may be gained through internships and co-ops. In these situations, students learn to balance the ideal creative solution with the reality of budget constraints, technical limitations, and very real deadlines.

Graduates of the design program have been very successful in entering careers in print and interactive design, advertising, or, they opt to continue their education at the graduate school of their choice. Design students take 54 credit hours of study (out of 120 total credit hours required for a B.A. degree) in their major and related areas.

USC Upstate awards a BFA Art Studio, emphasis Graphic Design, that includes a portfolio review requirement to be completed by the sophomore year. Recent data from The American Institute of Graphic Arts indicates that more than nine out of ten graphic artists have a college degree and the most significant trend in graphic design is an extraordinary demand for good designers that far exceeds supply.
The Upstate Graphic Design program prepares students for careers and graduate work in the field of graphic design including illustration and web/electronic design. Students prepare skills for professional practice by integrating the content areas of design theory, production, history, criticism, and aesthetics. Coursework provides a foundation in creativity, critical thinking, and problem analysis. The curriculum integrates traditional art techniques with industry standards of digital technology. Graduates of the BFA program are employed in creative departments of corporations, retail establishments, advertising/design firms, publishing and public relations firms.