Design Degrees Online

The BFA in Graphic Design has two tracks: one with a layout emphasis, and one with illustration emphasis. Both tracks follow a comprehensive sequence of courses beginning with an 18-credit Art Foundations program in the first year, in which drawing, 2D and 3D design and color studies are combined with an introduction to art history. Foundations prepares students for the later Graphic Design courses by teaching principles of design and aesthetics along with the cultivation of hand-eye skills essential to the profession.

Both the Layout and Illustration tracks include course work in layout, design, typography and computer illustration. Students gain technical knowledge and production skills working with the computer and professional software applications including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver and Flash in all of the Graphic Design courses taught at Viterbo.

CAREERS IN GRAPHIC DESIGN
Graduates from the Viterbo Graphic Design program have gone on to work in such areas as advertising design, illustration, medical illustration, package design, multi-media, art directing, and marketing in the business side of design. A number have gone on to graduate school, as a stepping stone to further advancement in their field.

This interdisciplinary program provides advanced preparation in the theory, practice and technology of contemporary organizational communication.

Two tracks are offered, the Communication Track is for students who wish to advance their knowledge of human communication focusing on theory in new media, intercultural and organizational contexts, as well as collaborative production work and project management.

The Design Track emphasizes computer-based digital media design production stressing graphic design, video, animation, and the use of major professional software for digital media design production.

It is expected that the graduates of this program will demonstrate the ability to:

Develop, produce and/or manage professional, artistic and commercial digital media presentations and materials.
Analyze organizational communication processes for the purposes of enhancement and problem solving.
Integrate digital media technologies into complex work environments.

Accreditation

Saginaw Valley State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.